Aug 21, 2007
CBP SENTRI Program Now Accepting Payments Online 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced last week that frequent travelers crossing the U.S./Mexico border can now use a web-based method to apply for and administer aspects of their participation in that organization’s Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) program.

SENTRI is a program implemented for frequent travelers that has created dedicated lanes and expedited processing for pre-approved, low–risk travelers. Applicants in the program voluntarily go through a background check, in-person interview and fingerprinting, and pay a 5-year membership fee. The program, launched online in November, 2006, has decreased processing times for these travelers from several weeks to the current average of four to six weeks.

With this new web-based method, SENTRI participants can now pay application and other fees related to SENTRI online. New applicants can now pay their initial $25 application fee through their online account. Current members can also pay other fees online, such as the membership card and the vehicle decal replacement.

“As the SENTRI program continues to increase in popularity with frequent travelers along the U.S.-Mexico border, we are excited to offer an online fee payment capability to better facilitate the application process,” said W. Ralph Basham, Commissioner of CBP.

New applicants can receive conditional approval of their applications online. They then schedule an appointment through the online scheduling tool. Finally, they complete the interview and fingerprinting process in person, and pay the final, remaining fee of $102. The total cost to participate in SENTRI is $127.

Please note that all individuals in families that participate in the program, must complete a separate account online and submit a separate application. This includes children; however, there is no initial cost for children’s’ participation in the program. Families, however, will be responsible for providing an additional fee of $204 at the time of the in-person interview.