Nobody likes waiting in lines. It’s not something that you enjoy after a long international flight. The thought of waiting in line for hours at customs seems distasteful. They can be a hassle for those who only travel occasionally, but they quickly become a nightmare for those who fly frequently.
A membership with the U.S. Travel Club may be a good option if you frequently travel to and from the United States. Trusted Traveler Program. These programs are hosted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and allow faster, more stress-free travel and skip the line.
Benefits of Trusted traveler programs
The benefits of Trusted Traveler membership depend on which program you choose. Each program has its application process, qualifications, and perks. They all share one thing: greater convenience and more comfortable travel experiences.
TSA Precheck is a feature of most Trusted Traveler programs. This allows travelers to bypass long security lines and receive expedited screening. Precheck-participating airlines can save up to an hour at busy airports, where security is slow and laborious.
Enrolled in a Trusted Traveler Program (or similar) can expedite their entry to the US after landing in the country. Many airports offer separate lines and procedures to Trusted Travelers, which allows them to speed up their entry into the country and expedite their processing at Customs.
The three main Trusted Traveler Programs are global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS. Your citizenship and travel habits will determine which one is right for you. Here’s a list of the three most trusted travel programs for travel within and outside the United States.
Global Entry
You may be eligible to join the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program if you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Participants can skip the lines and use automated kiosks to enter the U.S. Generally, GE members don’t need to be present to a Customs and Border Protection officer to inspect their passports.
This allows them to enter the country without any hassle or delays. GE members are eligible for TSA Precheck benefits that can be used on domestic and international flights. Global Entry members must pass background screenings and interviews to qualify for membership. First, schedule a consultation in person to begin your application for GE. There is a $100 one-time charge for this process.
SENTRI
Those who frequently travel to the United States from Mexico via a land border might be able to apply for membership in the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection. This program expedites clearance for low-risk, pre-approved travelers entering the US via the country’s Southern border ports. It often includes TSA Precheck.
The background checks required for SENTRI applications include criminal, law enforcement, customs, immigration, and terrorist indices. The application also consists of a background check that covers ten fingerprints and an interview with a Customs and Border Protection officer. You can start the application process by setting up an interview at a convenient location.
NEXUS
The NEXUS program is for people who frequently travel between the United States of America and Canada and are tired of having to wait in the growing customs line to cross the border. NEXUS, like SENTRI, allows pre-screened travelers to expedite their processing for entry to the US and Canada. NEXUS members can bypass the lines at Northern border entry points and enter via NEXUS kiosks. NEXUS members have more benefits than land border crossings.
They also expedited processing at maritime locations and airports when entering Canada by air or the US via Canadian preclearance aircraft. You will need to schedule an appointment with US Customs and Border Protection to begin your application to become a NEXUS member. After your application has been processed successfully, you will be issued a radio frequency identification card that can be used to enter the USA or Canada at designated ports. You can find more information about NEXUS at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
