How to get a Sentri Pass
Eligibility:
SENTRI pass applicants who are conditionally approved will be able to schedule their SENTRI interview. The interview must be held at one of the enrollment centers. You will be are interviewed by both USA and Mexican customs officers. The questions will be similar to those on the SENTRI application form. You might be asked why you want to apply for a SENTRI pass or to verify your names and home address.
The documents you need to present at the SENTRI interview are described in your conditional approval letter. You can find it once you log into your profile. If you cannot locate or print it, please contact us and we will email it to you. Usually, supporting documents include passport, birth certificate, PR card and visas to prove your citizenship or permanent residence in either the US or Mexico. If you are enrolling your vehicle in the SENTRI program, please make sure to bring its registration papers and your driver’s license. It is a good idea to have ready a proof of your address such as a utility bill and finally, your conditional approval letter.
The interviewing agent will explain the rules of the SENTRI program and answer your questions. Transporting forbidden goods through the border or using the SENTRI lane with passengers who are not SENTRI members might jeopardize your status and your SENTRI pass might be revoked. At the interview you will also be fingerprinted and photographed.
How Does the SENTRI Program Work?
When you drive into the United States from Mexico, you’ll pass through a SENTRI lane, have your credentials scanned, and be allowed to enter within a few minutes.
In addition, SENTRI members can enter a PASS ID membership number into the known traveler number field when booking reservations. You can also enter it on your frequent flyer profile with any airline.
Your membership number is basically giving TSA’s Secure Flight System the necessary data for proceeding with Trusted Traveler verification. This is the same system that processes whether or not you receive TSA PreCheck on any domestic flight, and the information is also tied to your passport and processing documents.
The many SENTRI Pass benefits include:
- Global Entry allows expedited processing into the U.S. when you fly from an international destination.
- PreCheck is expedited screening when flying out of an eligible U.S. airport (you can keep your shoes on and your electronics in your bag); see more details below.
- Skip most of the long airport lines — especially important if you’re at a busy domestic airport or tend to run late for flights.
- Keep your belt and shoes on at airport security.
- Keep your laptop and liquids in their bags.
Hot Tip: Having SENTRI doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll never speak to a border officer, though on most occasions you’ll be allowed through with very minimal human interaction.
In trusted traveler programs, using biometrics can create a travel experience that is more seamless for all parties involved. In creating the SENTRI program, it was discovered that facial recognition technology was the simplest system for CBP officers and travelers alike.
Biometric technology is hassle-free and highly intuitive, which means a traveler’s identity matches can be made quickly and accurately. You’ll sometimes find this same technology when boarding an aircraft; all you have to do is stand in front of the camera to have your photo taken. That picture is then matched to the photo you provided with your passport application. Once the photo is verified, you can board your flight.
Bottom Line: The same biometric technology that’s used to help you board flights quickly has been applied to trusted traveler programs such as SENTRI to create a seamless experience.
When using SENTRI, your travel companions (e.g., family members, business associates, etc.) can only accompany you in the SENTRI line if they have their own SENTRI Pass. However, if you’re flying, TSA PreCheck allows children under 12 to accompany their SENTRI-enrolled parents.
SENTRI Pass membership application is open to:
In addition, Canadian citizens/residents who are already NEXUS program members are automatically entitled to all of the SENTRI Pass program benefits, too.
Minors under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian’s consent to participate in the program.
Applicants must voluntarily submit to a thorough background check against a number of databases, including all of the following:
Applicants must also undergo:
Hot Tip: Do not hide any previous criminal history in your SENTRI application or you may be denied approval. The customs officials looking at your application will uncover these details whether you share them or not, so it is best to be honest.
You may not be eligible for SENTRI if you:
Hot Tip: Being convicted of a crime doesn’t necessarily mean you are ineligible to apply for a SENTRI card. It just means your chances of being approved are somewhat lower.
FAQ
What should I expect at my SENTRI interview?
How long does SENTRI interview last?
What disqualifies you from getting SENTRI?
What kind of questions do they ask at Global Entry interview?
- Why do you want to join Global Entry?
- Who is your employer?
- What is your profession?
- Have you ever been arrested?
- Have you ever had an issue at customs or border patrol?
