SENTRI & GLOBAL ENTRY
As a SENTRI or Global Entry user, ensuring your membership remains active and compliant is crucial for smooth cross-border travel. Below are key tips and guidance, compiled from discussions with CBP officers, to help you stay on track:
HOW TO MAINTAIN, RENEW, AND KEEP YOUR PROGRAM UP-TO-DATE
1. Keep Your Vehicle Registration Up-to-Date
• Ensure both front and back license plates are mounted on your vehicle, with current registration tags.
• If you’re enrolling a new car with dealer plates, you can switch to permanent plates once they arrive from the DMV.
2. Keep Your Personal Information Current
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Update your Trusted Traveler Program account with any changes, including:
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Address (if you’ve moved)
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Employer (if you’ve changed jobs)
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Name (if legally changed)
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Driver’s license details (ensure it’s current with no expired dates).
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3. Avoid Switching Between Programs During Renewal
• When renewing, stick with your current program (e.g., don’t switch from SENTRI to Global Entry) to avoid potential delays or loss of crossing privileges.
• If you want to add Global Entry to your passport, schedule an appointment at an enrollment center without disrupting your SENTRI status.
4. For Global Entry Users: Keep Your Passport Updated
• Always maintain a valid passport. If you renew your passport, promptly update the expiration date and new passport number in your Trusted Traveler Program account via https://ttp.dhs.gov/.
• Failure to update your passport details may temporarily suspend your privileges.
5. Plan Ahead for Renewals
• Trusted Traveler memberships last five years, so it’s easy to lose track of your expiration date.
• Apply for renewal up to one year before expiration to avoid lapses.
• Set calendar reminders or email alerts to ensure you don’t miss key renewal dates.
6. Enrollment Period Differences Between Programs
Global Entry applications generally have shorter enrollment periods than SENTRI, but a valid passport is required for Global Entry enrollment.
7. Key Enrollment Center Information
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The Otay Mesa Enrollment Center is located at:
9725 Via de la Amistad, San Diego, CA 92154
Phone: (619) 690-7600
Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM-
You can reach a live person if you wait long enough during operating hours.
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WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE REVOKED OR DENIED
1. Submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request at https://www.foia.gov/.
2. Once you receive a response, call the enrollment center and request a supervisor interview for further assistance.
Maintaining your Trusted Traveler Program membership is essential for hassle-free cross-border travel. By staying proactive with updates and renewals, you can ensure uninterrupted privileges and avoid delays at the border.
For additional questions or support, feel free to contact us or visit the Otay Mesa Enrollment Center.