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.

How much does it cost to obtain a SENTRI pass?

The total fee is $122.25 per person. Here is a breakdown of the fees:

• Application fee $25.00 (or $50.00 total for husband, wife, children)
• Fingerprint fee $17.25
• System cost fee $80.00 (or $160.00 total for husband, wife, children)

Other fees:

• Lost Portpass card replacement fee $25.00
• Update new vehicle license plate $25.00
• Add vehicle $42.00

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.

• San Ysidro ~ Now open
  795 B East San Ysidro Blvd
  San Ysidro, CA 92173
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
  Phone: (619) 690-8841
  


• Otay Mesa
  Otay Mesa Port of Entry
  2500 Paseo Internacional
  San Diego, CA 92154
  Phone: (619) 690-7600
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm
  
  
• Calexico Port of Entry East
  1699 East Carr Road, Building A
  Calexico, CA 92231
  Phone: (760) 768-2488
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
  
  
• Nogales
  9 North Grand Avenue
  Nogales, AZ 85621
  Phone: (520) 375-5785
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
  
  
• San Luis
  Highway 95 and International Border
  San Luis, AZ 85349
  Phone: (928) 627-8854 x261
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
  
  
• El Paso Texas Ysletta Port of Entry
  797 S. Zaragoza Rd, Building A
  El Paso, TX 79907
  Phone: (915) 872-3472
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 10pm
  
  
• Brownsville
  3300 South Expressway 77/83
  Brownsville, TX 78520
  Phone: (956) 983-5668
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
  
  
• Laredo
  Lincoln/Juarez Bridge Adm Bldg 2
  Laredo, TX 78040
  Phone: (956) 523-7399
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
  
  
• Hidalgo
  6620 S. 33rd Street, Bldg J, Suite 20
  McAllen, TX 78503
  Phone: (956) 618-1680
  Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
  

• Create an account and complete an online application.
• They will notify you by email if you are conditionally approved or rejected. If you are conditionally approved, then you will be able to schedule your interview appointment online.
• To be prepared for your appointment, make sure you have the originals and a copy of each document below for the office to keep on file:
  • 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.
• The application fee and fingerprint fee are required at the appointment and your fingerprints will be taken.

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 Unites 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 - midnight

• Log in to your 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.

• If you need to renew, visit the SENTRI online enrollment system to submit an application.
• You may need to present the following at your renewal appointment:
  • 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 card issued which will be valid for five years.
• Renewal fees:
  • Application fee: $25.00
  • System cost fee: $80.00
  • Fingerprint fee: $24.00 (if necessary)
  • Secondary vehicle fee: $42.00 each vehicle

The most efficient way to update this information is online:

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