US Trusted Traveler Programs · CBP

Global Entry — or NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST?

The US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler Programs speed you through the border — but which one fits, and do you qualify? Answer three questions to get a recommendation, the fee, and the process.

The short answer

There are four CBP Trusted Traveler Programs, each for a different kind of crossing. Pick by where you travel — and note the fees harmonised in October 2024.

Official sources: CBP TTP · CBP — Global Entry · CBP — fee changes

TTP fees and rules last reviewed 2026-06-15.Fees verified against CBP (2026-06-15).

Find your program

Computed in your browser. CBP makes the actual eligibility decision.

Each program covers a different kind of crossing.

Global Entry is open to US citizens, US lawful permanent residents and citizens of specific partner countries.

A criminal conviction or pending charges, a customs/immigration violation, giving false information, or being on a watchlist.

Recommended program

Global Entry

Expedited clearance on arrival in the US — kiosks/app at major airports — and it includes TSA PreCheck. Best for frequent international air travellers.

Application fee $120 · valid 5 years.

Includes TSA PreCheck for faster US airport security screening.

You appear eligible to apply

As a US citizen or lawful permanent resident with no disqualifiers, you appear eligible to apply for this program. CBP still makes the final decision after a background check and interview.

This is a self-assessment. CBP alone decides eligibility; meeting the basic criteria does not guarantee approval.

How to apply

  1. Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account and submit the online application with the fee.
  2. CBP runs a background check and may give conditional approval.
  3. Schedule and attend an in-person interview at an enrolment centre (or enrolment-on-arrival for Global Entry).
  4. On approval you get a membership and a Known Traveler Number, valid 5 years.

Fees shown reflect the CBP fee change effective 1 October 2024 (Global Entry / NEXUS / SENTRI $120; FAST $50). Always confirm the current fee on CBP before applying.

How the recommendation works

1. Match the program to your crossing

Global Entry for international air, NEXUS for US-Canada, SENTRI for the US-Mexico land border, FAST for commercial drivers. If you do a mix, Global Entry is the most versatile and also confers TSA PreCheck.

2. Read your apparent eligibility

US citizens and lawful permanent residents are generally eligible; partner-country citizens have an extra home-country step; a disqualifier (conviction, violation, false info, watchlist) can lead to denial.

3. Plan the fee and process

Budget the fee ($120 for Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI, $50 for FAST) for a 5-year membership, and the application → background check → interview process. The fee is non-refundable.

Frequently asked questions

Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
Yes. Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck, so you also get the faster airport security lane for flights within and departing the US — which is why it is the best value for frequent flyers who also travel internationally.
How much does each program cost now?
After the fee change effective 1 October 2024: Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI are $120 each; FAST is $50. NEXUS rose from $50 to $120 in that harmonisation. All memberships last 5 years. Confirm the current fee on CBP before you apply.
Global Entry vs NEXUS — which is better?
If you fly internationally into the US often, Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck) is usually the pick. If most of your crossings are between the US and Canada, NEXUS fits — and NEXUS members also get Global Entry benefits when flying into the US. They now cost the same ($120).
Can non-US citizens apply?
Yes. Global Entry is open to US citizens, US lawful permanent residents and citizens of specific partner countries — partner-country applicants usually complete a home-country vetting step first. NEXUS is open to US and Canadian citizens and lawful permanent residents. Check the program's eligibility page for your status.
What can get me denied?
CBP can deny a Trusted Traveler application for a criminal conviction or pending charges, a customs or immigration violation, providing false or incomplete information on the application, or being on a relevant watchlist. The application fee is non-refundable even if you are denied.
Is this an official CBP tool?
No. This is an independent self-assessment that matches you to a likely program and shows the fee and process from CBP's published information. CBP alone decides eligibility. Apply and verify on the official Trusted Traveler Programs site.

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