The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a goal to keep the SENTRI line waits below 15 minutes. While they often don't reach that goal during heavy traffic periods (rush hour etc.), SENTRI waits are generally a fraction of the wait of the All Traffic and Ready Lanes. The SENTRI is especially convenient during the morning and evening rush hour and on weekends.

The system is currently being used at the Otay Mesa, San Ysidro, and Calexico border crossings in California, Douglas, Nogales, and San Luis in Arizona, and El Paso, Hidalgo, Laredo, Brownsville, Anzalduas, and Pharr crossings in Texas.

The SENTRI lanes in San Ysidro and Otay Mesa are located all the way to the far right and are sectioned off by concrete dividers and have their own entrances.

As you approach the inspection station, your SENTRI card(s) will be read by a card reader. You will see a sign showing where to point your cards. Hold the cards out the window toward the reader. Once you approach the officer, hold out your SENTRI card or card to the officer.

Anyone can apply, but not all are accepted.

Yes. Global Entry cards are accepted in the SENTRI lanes, and you must enroll your vehicle through Global Entry.

Sometimes it's more convenient to have Global Entry especially if you fly internationally. Learn more about each program to choose the right one for you by checking out CBP's Program Finder on their homepage.

San Ysidro: Open 24 hours a day
Otay Mesa: Daily 4am - 10pm

The total fee is $120 per person.

Other fees:

• Lost SENTRI card replacement fee $25.00
• Add additional vehicles $42.00 each

Additional fees apply to enroll more than one vehicle into the program (up to 4 vehicles maximum). The fee applies towards two years enrollment in the program.

Visit the Customs & Border Protection website to begin an online application.

Accepted forms of payment are credit card, certified check, money order or electronic bank transfer. They do enforce a returned check fee and all fees are non-refundable.

As long as a parent or legal guardian is enrolled in the program, children under 18 do not have to pay the $120 application fee.

• Otay Mesa, CA
  Otay Mesa Port of Entry
  2500 Paseo Internacional
  San Diego, CA 92154
  Phone: (619) 690-7600
  Hours: Monday - Friday 6am - 9pm
  
  
• Calexico, CA
  1699 East Carr Road
  Calexico, CA 92231
  Phone: (760) 768-2406
  Hours: Monday - Friday 6am - 2pm
  
  
• Douglas, AZ
  1 Pan American Avenue
  Douglas, AZ 85607
  Phone: (520) 364-8486 ext 327
  Hours: Monday - Saturday 8am - 4pm
  
  
• Nogales, AZ
  200 N. Mariposa Road, Building B700
  Nogales, AZ 85621
  Phone: (520) 397-2184
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
  
  
• Phoenix, AZ
  3400 East Sky Harbor Boulevard
  Phoenix, AZ 85034
  Phone: (602) 392-4440 Ext. 449
  Hours: Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm
  
  
• San Luis, AZ
  1375 South Avenue E
  San Luis, AZ 85349
  Phone: (928) 722-6801 x261
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
  
  
• Tucson, AZ
  7081 S. Plumer Ave
  Tucson, AZ 85756
  Phone: (520) 799-8348 Ext. 5
  Hours: Daily 9am - 4pm
  
  
• Brownsville, TX
  3300 South Expressway 77/83
  Veterans International Bridge - Los Tomates
  Brownsville, TX 78520
  Phone: (956) 983-5668
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
  
  
• El Paso, Texas - Ysletta
  797 S. Zaragoza Rd, Building A
  El Paso, TX 79907
  Phone: (915) 872-3472
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
  
  
• Hidalgo, TX
  5911 South Steward Road
  Mission, TX 78572
  Phone: (956) 205-7929
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
  


• Laredo, TX
  Lincoln/Juarez Bridge, Building 2
  Laredo, TX 78040
  Phone: (956) 523-7399
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
  
  

• Log in to your Trusted Traveler account.
• From your account dashboard, look for the Program Memberships section. Under your approved programs, click the Add Vehicle button.
• If you wish to delete an old vehicle, first return to your dashboard. Click Manage Vehicles from the right hand menu. Click Delete.

Yes. According to the Otay Mesa SENTRI office, you may add your new vehicle and temporary plate. It's important to remember to update your plate number once your permanent plates arrive to avoid border crossing delays.

• Visit the Trusted Traveler online enrollment system to submit an application.
• If an appointment is required, these documents may be requested:
  • Evidence of Citizenship: Birth Certificate, US Passport, or Naturalization Certificate
  • Valid passport, visa or other entry document if applicable.
  • Valid driver's license issued by the state in which you reside.
  • Current vehicle registration and evidence of US automobile insurance; if the vehicle is not registered in the name of the applicant, a notarized letter signed by the vehicle owner allowing use of the vehicle is required. Mexican registered vehicles must bring proof of having US auto insurance.
  • Evidence of employment of financial support: recent tax return, recent pay stubs, or direct deposit statements. Persons who are self employed must bring business license, current tax information and bank statements.
  • Evidence of residence: mortgage or rent payment receipts and utility bills.
• Your photo will be taken again and a new SENTRI or Global Entry card issued which will be valid for five years.
• Renewal fees:
  • Non-refundable application fee: $120.00
  • Secondary vehicle fee: $42.00 each vehicle

SENTRI or Global Entry cards may be renewed up to a year before they expire. Members are urged to renew as soon as possible due to the program being impacted.

Good news! If you submit a renewal application before your SENTRI/Global Entry card expires, your membership benefits will be extended for two years.

We've heard that wait times can be long, up to a year in some cases. If you'd like to try to get an appointment as soon as possible, consider trying the Appointment Scanner app. The Appointment Scanner app will send text messages to you as appointments become available.

The most efficient way to update this information is online:

• Log in to your Trusted Traveler account.
• From your account dashboard, click on Manage Vehicles from the right hand menu.
• Click Edit to make your vehicle changes.

Yes. Non-members who attempt to cross the border in the SENTRI lanes may be subject to fines of up to U.S. $5,000.

No. SENTRI is part of the U.S. CBP's Trusted Traveler Program and is not connected with crossing southbound into Mexico.

SENTRISaver is a special discounted policy we offer to SENTRI and Global Entry members. Learn more by clicking the banner below.

Yes! It is very important to keep your Trusted Traveler account updated. Some changes that require updates are: drivers license, address, employment, and phone numbers. If you have a name change (marriage or divorce, for example) an appointment with CBP will be required. You will need to call the CBP office to schedule your appointment.

Important: Memberships can be affected by association with someone who has lost their membership due to an infraction (ie. a family member). If your membership has been revoked, the ombudsman process can be found here.