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Do you travel by plane within the U.S. or abroad, or drive or walk across the border into Canada or Mexico? You can skip the long security and customs lines at the airport or border crossing by enrolling in a “Trusted Traveler” program from the Department of Homeland Security.
Five programs serve different travel routes and needs. They use streamlined procedures with reserved lanes and kiosks to get pre-approved travelers on their way quickly.
Each program has a different enrollment fee but all come with a five-year membership. To enroll, apply online, then attend an appointment at an enrollment center. Visit dhs.gov/trusted-traveler-programs for current prices and to learn more.
For travel within the U.S. and U.S. territories by air
Program: TSA PreCheck
What makes it faster: Dedicated fast lanes for airport security screening. No need to remove shoes, belt, light jacket, laptop, or liquids at airport security.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents
For travel into the U.S. from abroad
Program: Global Entry
What makes it faster: Use a kiosk to clear customs, immigration, and agricultural processing. No paperwork
Other benefits: Dedicated fast lanes for vehicles and walkers entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. Includes TSA PreCheck
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents, citizens of certain other countries
For travel into the U.S. from Mexico by land
Program: SENTRI
What makes it faster: Dedicated fast lanes for vehicles and walkers
Other benefits: Faster entry into the U.S. for U.S. citizens and permanent residents following an international flight. Includes TSA PreCheck.
Eligibility: Citizens of any country who have the required documentation or visas to enter the U.S.
For travel between the U.S. and Canada
Program: NEXUS
What makes it faster: Use a kiosk to clear customs at U.S. and Canadian airports. Dedicated fast lanes for vehicles and walkers at northern border crossings
Other benefits: Faster processing for marine traffic entering the U.S. from Canada. Includes TSA PreCheck
Eligibility: U.S. and Canadian citizens and permanent residents
For travel into the U.S. from Canada or Mexico by commercial carrier
Program: FAST (North or South)
What makes it faster: Designated FAST lanes for commercial truck drivers transporting goods
Eligibility: U.S. and Canadian citizens and permanent residents; Mexican nationals