The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection, also known as SENTRI, is one of four United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) programs. The other three are Global Entry, NEXUS, and FAST. This program is designed to allow expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers when crossing the border from Mexico into the United States.

If you have a SENTRI pass you may use designated lanes coming across the border which cuts your wait time by over 80% (during non-holidays and non-peak daytime hours). To be a part of the Trusted Travelers Program you MUST be pre-approved for SENTRI. All applicants must undergo a background check, in-person meeting, and have their car registered before enrollment begins.

All persons attempting to go through the SENTRI lanes without a valid SENTRI pass will be turned around and will have to go to the very back of the regular lines and start over. All passengers in the car MUST have a valid SENTRI pass in order to come across. If one person in the car does not have a SENTRI pass, it could compromise the drivers’ eligibility to remain in the Trusted Traveler program.

They take this very seriously so this is something that should not be taken lightly.