
The Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) is a US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiative that includes programs such as TSA Precheck and Global Entry. These programs allow pre-approved members to use expedited lanes at US airports and when entering the country by land or sea. While there is no explicit mention of security questions, applicants must provide documents proving their identity and may be required to complete an interview as part of the application process.
What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck® application process
The TSA PreCheck® Application Program allows eligible travellers to receive expedited screening at over 200 participating US airports and on more than 81 participating airlines. The application process is outlined below:
Step 1: Select an enrolment provider
Visit tsa.gov/precheck to select an enrolment provider that best meets your needs and has an enrolment location near you.
Step 2: Pre-enrol online and make an appointment
You can pre-enrol online in as little as 5 minutes and make an appointment for the in-person process, or walk into an enrolment centre without an appointment.
Step 3: Complete the in-person process
The in-person process takes 10 minutes. During this process, the enrolment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints and photo), verify identity documents, and collect payment.
Step 4: Receive your Known Traveller Number (KTN)
If approved, most applicants receive their KTN in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. You will receive an email or phone notification with instructions on retrieving your KTN online.
Step 5: Add your KTN to your airline reservations
Add the KTN to each participating airline profile or provide it when making air travel reservations. The name used when applying for TSA PreCheck® must match the name used when booking travel.
Additional Information
There are over 400 TSA PreCheck® application centres nationwide, including at the following airports:
- Arizona Phoenix (PHX)
- Arkansas Little Rock (LIT)
- California Los Angeles (LAX)
- Sacramento (SMF)
- San Diego (SAN)
- Santa Ana (SNA)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Colorado Denver (DEN)
- Connecticut Windsor Locks (BDL)
- Florida Fort Myers (RSW)
- Miami (MIA)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Palm Beach (PBI)
- Tampa (TPA)
- Georgia Atlanta (ALT)
- Illinois Chicago (MDW, ORD)
- Springfield (SPI)
- Indiana Indianapolis (IND)
- Kentucky Hebron (CVG)
- Massachusetts Boston Logan (BOS)
- Michigan Detroit (DTW)
- Minnesota Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP)
- Missouri St. Louis (STL)
- Nevada Las Vegas (LAS)
- New York Syracuse (SYR)
- North Carolina Charlotte (CLT)
- Raleigh–Durham (RDU)
- Pennsylvania Pittsburgh (PIT)
- Tennessee Memphis (MEM)
- Nashville (BNA)
- Texas Austin (AUS)
- Dallas (DFW)
- Houston (HOU, IAH)
- Virginia Arlington (DCA)
- Dulles (IAD)
- Washington Seattle (SEA)
- Spokane (GEG)
There are over 350 off-airport locations. To find the location nearest to you, visit the TSA website.
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Global Entry eligibility
Global Entry is a program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to skip long lines at customs and head to an automated kiosk. It is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler Program, managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The program is valid for five years and comes with free TSA PreCheck.
To be eligible for Global Entry, applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older. Minors require parental or legal guardian consent.
- Be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States, or a citizen of certain other countries, including Argentina, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and South Korea.
- Not have been convicted of any criminal offence, have pending criminal charges, or be the subject of an ongoing investigation.
- Not have been found in violation of any customs, immigration, or agriculture regulations in any country.
- Not have been denied the purchase of a firearm.
- Be admissible to the U.S. under immigration regulations.
- Satisfy CBP of their low-risk status and meet other program requirements.
There may be additional eligibility requirements depending on the applicant's country of citizenship. For example, Korean citizens must first enrol in the Smart Entry Service (SES) program operated by the Korean Immigration Service.
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NEXUS program
The NEXUS program is a trusted traveller program designed to speed up border crossings into Canada and the United States for pre-screened, pre-approved, low-risk travellers. The program is jointly run by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
NEXUS members can use dedicated processing lanes at designated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air, and Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Preclearance airports. NEXUS members also receive expedited processing at marine reporting locations. Memberships are valid for five years and there is a $50 (USD) non-refundable application processing fee. From October 1, 2024, the application fee will increase to $120 for a 5-year membership.
To apply for the NEXUS program, you must create an account in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Program System and provide your personal information. You will also need to schedule an interview. Everyone travelling with you, including children, must have their own card to benefit from the program. Children under 18 are free.
NEXUS is one of several Trusted Traveller Programs offered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to help travellers move more quickly through the line at the airport or port of entry. Other programs include TSA Precheck and Global Entry.
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SENTRI program
The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States.
SENTRI is one of several Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These programs provide modified screening for pre-approved members, improving security by making screenings more efficient and facilitating legitimate trade and travel at ports of entry.
To apply for the SENTRI program, you must first create a TTP account and complete the application. A non-refundable fee is required with each completed application. Once your application has been conditionally approved, you will be instructed to schedule an interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Center. Each applicant must schedule a separate interview.
For the interview, you will need to bring a valid passport and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card. Lawful permanent residents must present their permanent resident card. You will also need to provide vehicle registration and evidence of U.S. automobile insurance. If you require assistance for the interview due to a disability, you can contact the SENTRI Enrollment Center to request a reasonable modification.
Upon approval, your Trusted Traveler Program membership will last for 5 years.
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FAST program
The FAST program is a trusted traveler program that stands for Free and Secure Trade. It is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the United States from Canada and Mexico. The program was initiated after 9/11 to allow expedited processing for commercial carriers who have completed background checks and meet certain eligibility requirements. FAST enrollment is open to truck drivers from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FAST vehicle lanes are located at land border ports of entry that serve commercial cargo. The majority of these dedicated lanes are located in northern border ports in Michigan, New York, and Washington, as well as at southern border ports from California to Texas. Participation in FAST requires certification under the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program for every link in the supply chain, from manufacturer to carrier to driver to importer.
CBP routinely conducts on-site visits to domestic and foreign CTPAT member facilities to evaluate and validate their supply-chain security measures. More than 10,000 companies worldwide are certified CTPAT members.
In addition to the FAST program, there are other trusted traveler programs offered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These include TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, which provide expedited security screening benefits for domestic and international travelers, respectively. NEXUS and SENTRI are also trusted traveler programs that offer expedited entry at specific land border ports of entry.
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Frequently asked questions
The Trusted Traveler Program is managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It includes programs like TSA Precheck and Global Entry, which provide expedited lanes at US airports and when entering the US by land or sea.
To apply, you need to pay a fee and provide documents proving your identity. Depending on the program, you may also need to complete an interview.
The programs provide modified screening for pre-approved members, improve security by making screenings more efficient, and facilitate legitimate trade and travel.
You can renew your membership by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account and following the instructions. You become eligible to renew your membership one year prior to its expiration date.