Global Entry vs NEXUS vs SENTRI: Which Trusted Traveler Program Is Right for You?
Find the perfect fit for your travel needs. Review the application requirements, costs, and perks of DHS programs to skip the long lines at the border.
Global Entry vs NEXUS vs SENTRI: Which Program Is Right for You?
Feature
Global Entry
NEXUS
SENTRI
Cost
$100
$50
$122.25
TSA PreCheck Included
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Expedited US Entry
✅ Yes
US/Canada only
US/Mexico only
Interview Required
Yes
Yes
Yes
Avg Wait Time (2024)
4–18 months
2–6 months
3–9 months
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Trusted Traveler Programs allow pre-approved, low-risk travelers to receive expedited processing at select U.S. airports and land border crossings.
Official Program Statistics & Processing Times
As of early 2026, over 14 million members are enrolled in the Global Entry program, according to official CBP statistics.
Current vetting processing times are estimated by the Department of Homeland Security at 6 to 8 months for Global Entry, 12 to 14 months for SENTRI, and 16 to 18 months for NEXUS (refer to the DHS Trusted Traveler Programs Guide).
Regardless of which Trusted Traveler program you choose, the largest bottleneck is securing an appointment for your final approval interview. Demand is currently at an all-time high, leaving applicants waiting 4 to 11 months just to get a date at their local airport or border crossing.
That's where we come in. Our monitoring service scans the enrollment calendar 24/7 and sends you a text alert as soon as someone cancels, letting you snipe the slot and get your interview done in days—not months.
Trusted Traveler Programs FAQ
What is the main difference between Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS?
Global Entry is the primary program for international air travel into the U.S. SENTRI is optimized for expedited vehicle and pedestrian entry from Mexico into the U.S. NEXUS is designed specifically for expedited travel between the U.S. and Canada by air, land, and sea.
Does SENTRI or NEXUS include TSA PreCheck?
Yes, all three programs (Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS) include TSA PreCheck benefits for expedited domestic airport screening within the United States for approved U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Which program has the longest interview wait times?
Currently, Global Entry and SENTRI face the most severe backlogs, with applicants waiting anywhere from 4 to 12 months for an interview appointment at popular enrollment centers. NEXUS also experiences delays, particularly at shared border crossing locations.
Global Entry vs NEXUS vs SENTRI: 2026 Guide | Appt Helper