The SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) program, launched by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), are dedicated commuter lanes where prescreened applicants and vehicles are allowed to cross the border northbound into the U.S. usually more quickly and efficiently. Members have been rigorously background checked and have been determined to be a low risk to the security of the US border.
To use the SENTRI lanes, each person must be enrolled in the SENTRI or Global Entry program and each vehicle must be enrolled in the SENTRI program. CBP issues each member a border crossing card. Non-members who attempt to cross the border in the SENTRI lanes may be subject to fines of up to U.S. $5,000.
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. Although Global Entry cards are accepted in the SENTRI lanes, the vehicle you drive must still be enrolled in SENTRI.
In general, the SENTRI is an average of 20 - 30 seconds faster per vehicle inspected and therefore wait time, even during rush hour is significantly reduced. Each SENTRI inspection is an average of 10 seconds. 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 and the El Paso (Stanton Street Bridge) crossing 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.
The total fee is $122.25 per person. Here is a breakdown of the fees:
Other fees:
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.
Enrollment is good for 5 years.
Visit the Customs & Border Protection website to begin an online application.
The SENTRI program no longer requires a vehicle inspection appointment. Now you will be passed to secondary inspection one of the first few times you cross back into the United States with the vehicle.
Accepted forms of payment are Visa, Mastercard, American Express, check or money order. Cash (US dollars) is accepted if it is presented in the exact dollar amount. No coins are accepted. They do enforce a returned check fee and all fees are non-refundable.
San Ysidro: Open 24 hours a day
Otay Mesa: Daily 4am - 10pm
The most efficient way to update this information is online: