Why is SENTRI more expensive than Global Entry?
According to http://www.dhs.gov/comparison-chart membership in the SENTRI program costs $122.25 for five years whereas membership in the Global Entry program costs $100 for 5 years. This doesn't make any sense to me.
Doesn't Global Entry do everything that SENTRI does and then some? Or does SENTRI offer perks that Global Entry doesn't?
Best Answer
The programs are designed for different purposes, function differently internally, and thus have different costs.
For instance, SENTRI was designed specifically for use at the Mexican land border, and most people who have a SENTRI card are U.S. or Mexican citizens who cross this border frequently.
On the other hand, Global Entry is only really useful at airports, where it expedites entry by allowing people to scan their passport at a kiosk rather than talk to an officer for immigration check (though of course everyone still goes through customs). There are no such kiosks at land borders.
Also of note, for many people Global Entry has largely been superseded by other programs, such as Automated Passport Control (which lets US and Canadian citizens and repeat VWP travelers also use kiosks for immigration control) and Mobile Passport Control (which lets US and Canadian citizens do immigration control from their smartphones), both of which are free.
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Is Global Entry or SENTRI better?
If you regularly visit Mexico or Canada by car, SENTRI may be a good option. It costs more but includes Global Entry perks. If you don't travel by car to Mexico or Canada frequently but often travel internationally, Global Entry may be a better option for your travel needs. It also has a cheaper application fee.What is the difference between global and SENTRI?
Is Global Entry the same as SENTRI? SENTRI includes Global Entry, but is not directly the same. SENTRI allows expedited access into the U.S. via land border crossings from Mexico.Is Global Entry and SENTRI the same?
Can I use my SENTRI card at the Global Entry kiosk? No, when you use the Global Entry kiosk, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card. The SENTRI cards do not work when entering the U.S. by air through the Global Entry kiosks.Can I switch from SENTRI to Global Entry?
All current NEXUS members, and U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents who are SENTRI members, are eligible to use Global Entry kiosks once they provide fingerprints and document information to CBP.SENTRI vs Global Entry (Avoid Spending Lots of Hours at the Mexican Border)
More answers regarding why is SENTRI more expensive than Global Entry?
Answer 2
You can use the SENTRI lanes at the US-MEX (as well as NEXUS lanes at US-CAN) land border with the Global Entry RFID card that they send you (if flying it's just your passport, no card). CBP also does not require a vehicle inspection anymore to register your car for it, at least if you do it with your application. If registering it later, I'm not sure (but it costs like $40 to then anyways).
Answer 3
I cross from Mexico to the US using a Sentri pass. My wife crosses, with me, through the Sentri lane with a Global Entry pass. You are required to have your car inspected one time. I understand that with a Global Entry, you are now able to have your car inspected. Not applicable if you are walking across.
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