Trusted Traveler Programs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers several Trusted Traveler Programs for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Each program serves different travel patterns. All programs require an application, background check, and in-person interview.
Compare Programs
| Program | Best For | Typical Use Case | TSA PreCheck | Interview Required | Border |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Entry | International air travelers | Flying internationally | U.S. entry | ||
| NEXUS | Frequent U.S.–Canada travel | U.S.–Canada crossings | U.S./Canada | ||
| SENTRI | U.S.–Mexico border crossings | U.S.–Mexico crossings | U.S./Mexico | ||
| FAST | Commercial drivers | Commercial trucking | U.S./Canada/Mexico |
All interviews are scheduled after conditional approval and availability varies by enrollment center.
Which Program Should You Choose?
Quick rule of thumb: If you fly internationally, start with Global Entry. If you regularly cross land borders, consider NEXUS or SENTRI.
Best for travelers flying internationally into the United States.
- Available to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of select countries
- Expedited customs clearance at U.S. airports via automated kiosks
- Includes TSA PreCheck for faster domestic security screening
- Requires an in-person interview at an enrollment center
Best for travelers who frequently cross the U.S.–Canada border.
- Joint program between CBP and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- Expedited processing at air, land, and marine ports of entry
- Includes both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits
- Requires an in-person interview at an enrollment center
Best for travelers who frequently cross the U.S.–Mexico border.
- Available to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals
- Access to dedicated SENTRI lanes at land border crossings
- Expedited pedestrian and vehicle processing
- Requires an in-person interview at an enrollment center
Best for commercial truck drivers crossing U.S. borders.
- Designed for low-risk commercial cargo movement
- Expedited processing for commercial vehicles and drivers
- Access to dedicated FAST lanes at border crossings
- Requires an in-person interview at an enrollment center
- Guaranteed faster interview scheduling to new or existing members
- Replacement for standard application review or background checks
- Ability to book interviews outside the official CBP site
What is the difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck only speeds up domestic airport security screening. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs clearance when entering the U.S. from abroad. If you travel internationally, Global Entry provides more value.
Do all Trusted Traveler Programs require interviews?
Yes. All CBP Trusted Traveler Programs require an in-person interview at an enrollment center after you receive conditional approval. Interview availability varies by location and program.
Can I apply for more than one Trusted Traveler Program?
Yes, but there's often overlap. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits. NEXUS includes both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits. Choose the program that best matches your primary travel patterns.
Can I switch between Trusted Traveler Programs later?
Yes. You can apply for a different program at any time. However, each program requires a separate application and interview. If you already have one program, you may be able to interview at enrollment centers that offer multiple programs.
Do Trusted Traveler Programs share interview appointments?
It depends on the enrollment center. Many centers offer interviews for multiple programs (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI), but availability varies. Some locations specialize in specific programs based on their geographic location.
Can I monitor interview availability for multiple programs?
Yes. Interview availability is tracked by enrollment center, and many centers offer interviews for multiple Trusted Traveler Programs. You can monitor availability across different programs and locations.
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