Tolls Ahead: The Rising Cost of Global Entry and Trusted Traveler Programs
Table of Contents
Trusted Traveler Fees Going Up: What You Need to Know
Want the coveted “trusted traveler” status that allows you to zip through airport and border security? Soon, it’ll cost you much more to apply.
Increased Fees for Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, is hiking application fees for several of its trusted traveler programs for the first time in 15 years. Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1, applications for Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI will all require an upfront $120 fee.
Why the Price Increase?
The original fees for each of the three programs are no longer sufficient to recover CBP’s costs to administer the programs, according to Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the secretary of homeland security.
The New Fee Structure
Global Entry: Price is rising from $100 to $120. Includes TSA PreCheck. Allows expedited security clearance for land, sea, and air entry into the U.S. Application processing time may take up to six months. Membership lasts five years.
NEXUS: Formerly $50. May include TSA PreCheck for qualifying applicants. A Canadian-U.S. program, it allows expedited clearance via land, sea, and air (including pedestrian entry) to or from Canada. Application processing time may take up to 14 months. Membership lasts five years.
SENTRI: Had a complex fee structure that totaled $122.25. An application fee, an FBI fingerprinting fee, and a service fee were charged separately to reach the grand total. Starting in October, $120 will be due upfront. Benefits largely mirror NEXUS but exclude sea travel and include Mexico. Application processing time may take up to 12 months. Membership lasts five years.
Conclusion
Applying to these trusted traveler programs does not guarantee approval. Applicants must pass a rigorous background check and clear an in-person interview.
Source link
