SENTRI vs. Global Entry: What’s the difference?

SENTRI and Global Entry are both Trusted Traveler Programs (TTPs) run by federal agencies. Both programs help members gain expedited entry back into the U.S. But SENTRI is designed for travelers crossing the land borders into the U.S., while Global Entry streamlines the international arrival process at most U.S. airports.

What you’ll learn:

• SENTRI: what it is, how much it costs and how to apply.

• Global Entry: what it is, how much it costs and how to apply.

• Eligible Capital One cardholders can get reimbursed for their Global Entry application fee.

• There are key differences between SENTRI and Global Entry.

• The choice between SENTRI or Global Entry depends on your travel habits and needs.

SENTRI, which is short for Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection, is a TTP offered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The SENTRI pass allows approved travelers to use designated lanes at land border crossings, facilitating a faster and smoother entry process for everyone. The application fee is $120 and includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

Having a SENTRI pass could help expedite your border crossings when you enter the United States from Canada and Mexico. Here are the general steps to apply for a SENTRI pass:

1. Create a TTP account.

2. Fill out the application.

3. Pay the fee.

4. Once conditionally approved, schedule an in-person interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Center in Arizona, California, New Mexico or Texas.

For the interview, the CBP requires you to bring your passport, an additional form of identification, vehicle registration and proof of auto insurance.

Global Entry is another CBP TTP. Having a Global Entry membership could help you get through U.S. customs more quickly when entering the United States. The program allows its members to use automated kiosks at select airports, skipping passport control lines and paper customs declarations.

The Global Entry application fee is $120, and membership is valid for five years. Some Capital One travel cards, including Venture X and Venture, offer a Global Entry statement credit to help cover the application cost. These cards offer up to a $120 statement credit every four years when you use the card to pay the Global Entry application fee.

Here are some general steps to apply for Global Entry:

1. Open a TTP account. Create an account.

2. Complete the application. Sign in to your TTP account and fill out the Global Entry application. You’ll pay the nonrefundable $120 fee at this step.

3. Wait for conditional approval. According to CBP, the Global Entry approval process takes about two weeks for most applicants, but sometimes it can take 12 or more months.

4. Schedule an in-person interview. After conditional approval, schedule your interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. 

5. Go to your Global Entry interview. You can either go to an interview you’ve scheduled or complete your interview when you return from an international trip. Whichever process you choose, be sure you have a valid passport and another form of ID, such as a driver’s license or a permanent resident card, showing proof of residency.

Here’s a quick comparison of the key differences between Global Entry and the SENTRI Pass:

The choice between Global Entry and SENTRI ultimately comes down to your travel habits and needs.

• You might choose Global Entry if you frequently travel internationally and want an expedited customs experience upon arrival at U.S. airports.

• You might choose SENTRI if you frequently visit Mexico and want an expedited customs experience at border crossings on land.

If you travel frequently outside the U.S., it’s a wise move to consider applying for either SENTRI or Global Entry. Both programs aim to streamline the customs process to reduce wait times for members.

Some Capital One cardholders can even offset the Global Entry application cost: Venture X, Venture, Venture X Business and Spark Miles cardholders can get up to a $120 statement credit every four years when they use an eligible travel card to pay for their application fee.