What Trusted Traveler Program is Best For You..

[Runnin' Rebel]

If you live in The United States..

~1st Tier~ Global Entry - Pretty much covers everything for international arrivals and domestic flying
Use a kiosk to clear immigration, customs, and agricultural processing
No paper arrival forms to fill out when you travel (i.e. Customs declaration)
Includes TSA Pre Check
If you do 2+ international trips
If you do 2+ domestic trips
0 trips to Mexico
0 trips to Canada
Kiosk machine readable Passport
No commercial driving/carrier
Thus, you should get Global Entry- good for 5 years US$100.00
Mine is in renewal 5 months prior to expiry as it takes a while. Realize it’s not tied to your passport expiry. So if your passport is expired you’re probably not going to re-enter the United States unless..?

~2nd Tier~
TSA PreCheck:
Domestic Only TSA Pre-Check
Ideal for domestic air travel. US $85.00 for 5 years
TSA Pre Check saves you time and stress through security, as you don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. 2-3 weeks approval


SENTRI:
Ideal for frequent travel into the U.S. from Mexico.
At the U.S.-Mexico border, members can use the expedited SENTRI lanes for quicker vehicle or pedestrian entry into the United States. $ US 122.50 -5 years

NEXUS:
Ideal for frequent travel between the U.S. and Canada.
Self-report customs forms when entering U.S. or Canada via air
Greatly reduces typical time spent in U.S. and Canadian processing
Expedited processing into U.S. and Canada by vehicle.
Includes TSA PreCheck. US $50.00 5 years

Be advised that you’ll need other documents, such as Unexpired U.S. government-issued photo identification and proof of citizenship.(i.e. Passport only or Driver’s License & Birth Certificate in most cases depending on program

Happy trails and always go to Homeland Security Website for if you need more 411

[Boothroyd]

I just renewed Global Entry for my wife and me. American Express pays the $100 fee. One tip on that--you can renew a year before your Global Entry expires and they will add the time remaining to your next renewal date. As interviews can take a while to schedule, my advice is renew as early as possible to avoid gaps in coverage of program.

Had to be interviewed first time through the process; it was all online for us with the renewal. Your mileage may vary.

I don't use it for border entry, but TSA Pre is included, so why not as it doesn't cost much more and as you said, is great for clearing customs.

We also got EDL driver's licenses, because MN is not yet compliant with Real ID. Nice to have options. And you need to prove citizenship to enter some government facilities. EDL's provide that.

I just noticed, that's 7500 posts. Love the TRF community!

[Runnin' Rebel]

Thanks Daniel..
Correct, year in advanced and a lot of cards credit to your account. A lot of stuff to read and tips are out there I probably didn’t post as it was just a quick over view on types of entry programs

EDIT:
Not all states drivers licenses are US government approved yet

EDIT #2
I have to have 2nd interview on renewal due to birth country thanks Dad R.I.P. I LOVE YOU and Mom

[Travelair007]

Originally Posted by Boothroyd

I just renewed Global Entry for my wife and me. American Express pays the $100 fee. One tip on that--you can renew a year before your Global Entry expires and they will add the time remaining to your next renewal date.

Had to be interviewed first time through the process; it was all online for us with the renewal. Your mileage may vary.

I don't use it for border entry, but TSA Pre is included, so why not as it doesn't cost much more and as you said, is great for clearing customs.

We also got EDL driver's licenses, because MN is not yet compliant with Real ID. Nice to have options.

Just so I’m sure I understood, if I get global entry, Tsa Pre will be included?

Thanks

[Runnin' Rebel]

Global Entry includes precheck

Precheck is not Global Entry
Precheck is for domestic

[Runnin' Rebel]

Most domestic airlines have a form to fill out for precheck on your account if you want to use that privilege

You don't really want to get get caught by passing customs with a watch or other taxable items using Global either. It could invalidate your credentials plus other penalties, not to mention embarrassing situations in public setting

[Boothroyd]

What Mark said. For many, especially those of us who live in border states to Mexico or Canada, Global Entry is the best bet.

BTW, when your airline provides TSA PreCheck, you are more subject to random searches or not getting PreCheck on certain flights. They can pull anyone they like from line, but Global Entry seems to have less of an issue with that.

[SMD]

Nexus includes global entry so better than global entry stand alone.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Just to clarify, as was said above NEXUS is travel between sister countries, Canada and US only, whereas Gobal Entry is good for all international travel. Hopefully this thread won't get convoluted.

But any other questions or concerns ask here as I'm sure it'll get answered or go Global Entry or similar us.gov web sites for up to date information

[Boothroyd]

Here are the caveats, and there are many. Agreed, but in my case, AMEX doesn't pay for Nexus, just Global Entry, so it is actually cheaper.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcweb.../#658976532a06

[returntorolex]

Anybody tried CLEAR?

[Runnin' Rebel]

Also one other tip people may know or not. If your (valid different country) Visa is attached to an expired passport it might be wise to carry both passports until you get everything synced up. It's not illegal to have expired passport on you

[Boothroyd]

Originally Posted by returntorolex

Anybody tried CLEAR?

Works great by all accounts. But you have given up your biometrics to a private company forever with their user agreement. That may have consequences down the road, especially if they are hacked. CLEAR was purchased out of bankruptcy and put back in business--at time of bankruptcy, a lot of members were asking what would happen to their fingerprints and iris scans.

[Old Geezer]

I have Global Entry. My boarding passes are tagged TSA Pre-Check 100% of the time.
I also have two US passports so that I can submit one when I need to obtain a visa and travel with the other. The second one is only valid for 2 years from date of issue for travel but can be used to present a valid visa to immigration authorities.

[Old Geezer]

The other thing to be aware of is that you can now complete the interview for Global Entry upon arrival at select airports in the US (look on the website). This is after you have submitted all your paperwork and been approved. The interview is the last step of the process.

[Runnin' Rebel]

I think CLEAR us 175 per year at 25 airports ? Whereas preCheck is 85.00 and good for 5 year valid and only available at about 200 airports ?

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

The other thing to be aware of is that you can now complete the interview for Global Entry upon arrival at select airports in the US (look on the website). This is after you have submitted all your paperwork and been approved. The interview is the last step of the process.

Interview is very quick, they just clear up any questions and run your eyes through a scanner. I forget the exact process since it's been almost 5 years. You have to look up for exact information

[Danny83]

Originally Posted by returntorolex

Anybody tried CLEAR?

I have been using clear for a few years. For the airports I frequent its great. But tsa pre is best

[Romeojk]

Global Entry for me and my Chase card reimburses me

[tritium8]

I finally broke down and got global entry...the previous 5 times across the boarder I got "special" attention. Now, I'm across in 2 minutes.

[lig]

Originally Posted by SMD

Nexus includes global entry so better than global entry stand alone.

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

Just to clarify, as was said above NEXUS is travel between sister countries, Canada and US only, whereas Gobal Entry is good for all international travel. Hopefully this thread won't get convoluted.

But any other questions or concerns ask here as I'm sure it'll get answered or go Global Entry or similar us.gov web sites for up to date information

To be CLEAR ( pun intended - sorry )

SMD is correct. In a strange case of paying less and getting more - NEXUS gets you Global Entry, PreCheck *and* the ability to cross the borders of Canada and Mexico. And it’s cheaper than GE alone.

I just signed up for CLEAR. It’s $179 per year. If you are a Delta Sky Pesos Diamond I think it’s free. I don’t fly Delta often so I am pretty low on the Delta status ladder. I believe Silvers pay $79 and plain old membership gets CLEAR for $99.

What is nice is that I only paid $50 for the wifeys CLEAR. The problem with CLEAR is that it only is available in something like 35 airports. An unexpected bonus is that there are CLEAR privileges at Safeco Field and Century Link Stadium in Seattle and a few other sports venues.

[BNA/LION]

TSA Pre-Check Here.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by lig

To be CLEAR ( pun intended - sorry )

SMD is correct. In a strange case of paying less and getting more - NEXUS gets you Global Entry, PreCheck *and* the ability to cross the borders of Canada and Mexico. And it’s cheaper than GE alone.

I just signed up for CLEAR. It’s $179 per year. If you are a Delta Sky Pesos Diamond I think it’s free. I don’t fly Delta often so I am pretty low on the Delta status ladder. I believe Silvers pay $79 and plain old membership gets CLEAR for $99.

What is nice is that I only paid $50 for the wifeys CLEAR. The problem with CLEAR is that it only is available in something like 35 airports. An unexpected bonus is that there are CLEAR privileges at Safeco Field and Century Link Stadium in Seattle and a few other sports venues.

The only info on a US citizen crossing back from Mexico with a Nexus card is you can get in the SENTRI line and use it there:

If you have NEXUS, you’re also enrolled in Global Entry (GE). GE allows you to use the SENTRI lane, which is similar to NEXUS. GE members, and therefore NEXUS members, are entitled to use the SENTRI crossing when returning to the United States. When using the SENTRI lane, the border crossing time cut down from 4 or so hours to a few minutes

To be honest I’m not seeing it being used at US airports as an inbound passenger from Mexico. Only at boarder crossings, like driving or walking then you go through SENTRI Lane or pedestrian passage way. I’d be happy to be corrected with a link as US laws change at the speed of the internet with new administration.

As far as pricing goes, your mileage could vary.


EDIT: maybe we're talking about this:
U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian lawful permanent residents and Mexican nationals who are members of Mexico’s trusted traveller program, Viajero Confiable are eligible to apply for membership in the U.S./Canada NEXUS program.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

Just to clarify, as was said above NEXUS is travel between sister countries, Canada and US only, whereas Gobal Entry is good for all international travel. Hopefully this thread won't get convoluted.

But any other questions or concerns ask here as I'm sure it'll get answered or go Global Entry or similar us.gov web sites for up to date information

Deleted. Covered above.

[123Blueface]

Wife and I will be doing lots of traveling soon and we just got our Global Entry.

Have to say, almost as fast, without the $100 Fee is downloading the app, completing the info while exiting the plane and receive the bar code. You fly through the process.

[lig]

Originally Posted by Runnin' Rebel

The only info on a US citizen crossing back from Mexico with a Nexus card is you can get in the SENTRI line and use it there:

If you have NEXUS, you’re also enrolled in Global Entry (GE). GE allows you to use the SENTRI lane, which is similar to NEXUS. GE members, and therefore NEXUS members, are entitled to use the SENTRI crossing when returning to the United States. When using the SENTRI lane, the border crossing time cut down from 4 or so hours to a few minutes

To be honest I’m not seeing it being used at US airports as an inbound passenger from Mexico. Only at boarder crossings, like driving or walking then you go through SENTRI Lane or pedestrian passage way. I’d be happy to be corrected with a link as US laws change at the speed of the internet with new administration.

As far as pricing goes, your mileage could vary.


EDIT: maybe we're talking about this:
U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian lawful permanent residents and Mexican nationals who are members of Mexico’s trusted traveller program, Viajero Confiable are eligible to apply for membership in the U.S./Canada NEXUS program.

To be fair I haven’t used it to/from Mexico. We have used it multiple times from Canada, Europe and Asia and you definitely get Global Entry as a NEXUS cardholder. It’s an anomaly because you really do get more for less.

This is straight from CBP:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-t...benefits-nexus


<Benefits of NEXUS
If you are approved to participate in NEXUS, you will receive a radio frequency identification card to use when entering the United States and Canada at designated NEXUS air, land and marine ports of entry.

Why You Should Join

Membership in the NEXUS program allows you to reduce your wait times at designated ports of entry by:

using dedicated processing lanes at land border crossings,
using NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada,
using Global Entry kioks when entering the United States, and
calling a marine telephone reporting center to report your arrival into the United States and Canada>

The downside of NEXUS is that it is only practical if you live near a location where the interviews are conducted.

You are interviewed by US and Canadian personnel and there are only a few locations where this can be done.

Wait lists for interview appppointmets are months out. More BLNR than 116500 but you get the idea.

[tng11]

NEXUS is the best of all worlds. Cheaper and includes Global Entry, and Pre-Check. Only con is having to get to a NEXUS enrolment centre if you don't live near one. I've had it for almost a decade and it makes travel seamless.

[CamSLC]

I only travel for pleasure with my significant other. 10 countries or so in the last two years and quarterly vacations within the US. I noticed a few times specifically in the western US my boarding pass gets stamped pre-check. Yet my SO doesn't get it. It's kinda annoying actually when they want us to go through separate security gates when we've backed some carryon stuff together. I guess it's time to set us both up on one of these programs.

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by tritium8

I finally broke down and got global entry...the previous 5 times across the boarder I got "special" attention. Now, I'm across in 2 minutes.

Global entry is the cat's meow. I also love clearing immigration in a few minutes, especially after a 14 hour flight from Asia or some other far flung location.

[Kneecough]

I have global entry, and inherently TSA pre-check. Thanks AMEX platinum.