Travel Often, Know The World

Becoming a known traveller, or a member of the TSA PreCheck program, allows travellers to receive special treatment at TSA security checkpoints. To become a known traveller, you must complete a membership application and approval process. This includes an online application, an in-person appointment, and a background check. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) and become eligible to use the TSA PreCheck security lanes. The process typically takes less than five minutes to complete and is valid for five years.

TSA PreCheck: The program that allows travellers to receive special treatment at TSA security checkpoints

TSA PreCheck is a program that allows travellers to receive special treatment at TSA security checkpoints. It is designed to make the security screening process smoother and faster for trusted travellers. With TSA PreCheck, there is no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets from your bags. This means that TSA PreCheck passengers often spend less time in security lines at airports.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you need to complete a short application and attend a quick in-person appointment. The process can be started online via the TSA website, and takes about five minutes to pre-enrol and schedule an in-person appointment. Before applying, ensure that you are eligible for the program. It is open to US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents without criminal records.

During the in-person appointment, you will be required to provide documents for review, undergo a background check, and have your fingerprints taken. The TSA PreCheck appointment fee is $78, and it is valid for five years.

Children 12 and under do not need a PreCheck number as they are allowed to join a parent or guardian in the dedicated lanes. Children aged 13-17 may accompany their parent or guardian as well, but they must have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.

Global Entry: A step up from PreCheck, Global Entry allows travellers to skip the U.S. Customs line when re-entering the country

Global Entry is a step up from TSA PreCheck, allowing travellers to skip the U.S. Customs line when re-entering the country. It is a trusted traveller program that allows the expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travellers. Global Entry is currently available at 53 U.S. airports and 15 Preclearance locations.

To apply for Global Entry, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. legal permanent resident. Citizens of certain countries with trusted traveller arrangements with the U.S. are also eligible, including Argentina, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Canadian citizens and residents enrolled in NEXUS may also use the Global Entry kiosks.

To apply, you must create a GOES account and fill out an application. The application will require information such as your passport information, residence history, and employment history. You must also pay a $100 application fee online. Once you have applied and paid the fee, you will receive an email prompting you to log in to your GOES account, which will notify you if you are approved, pending your interview.

During the interview, you can expect to be asked about basic topics such as your travelling tendencies and your employment status. If you are approved, your fingerprints will be taken, and you will receive your Known Traveller Number (KTN) at the end of the interview.

To use your KTN, bring your passport to the airport and scan it at a Global Entry kiosk. The kiosk will take your photo, scan your fingerprints, and print out a receipt, which you will hand to the customs agent to access an expedited customs experience.

NEXUS: A joint program between the U.S. and Canada that provides efficient travel between the two countries and access to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

NEXUS is a joint program between the US and Canada that allows for more efficient travel between the two countries. It also provides access to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

NEXUS is one of four Trusted Traveler Programs, which also include Global Entry, SENTRI, and TSA PreCheck. These programs are intended for personal and business travellers, while the fifth program, FAST, is for commercial trucking. Unlike the other programs, which are administered by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), NEXUS is run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

NEXUS provides expedited entry into Canada, a benefit that Global Entry and TSA PreCheck members do not get. The cost of the program is $50, and enrolment centres can be found in select cities in the northern US.

To apply for NEXUS, you must be a US citizen, US national, or lawful permanent resident, and pass a background check. You can start your application on the TSA website, and will then need to make an appointment at an enrolment centre. You will be required to show a valid photo ID, proof of citizenship, and immigration documentation if applicable.

The NEXUS program lasts for five years, after which you will need to renew your membership.

SENTRI: Provides similar benefits to NEXUS, but for frequent travellers to Mexico

To become a known traveller, you can apply for a number of Trusted Traveller Programs (TTPs) that allow expedited entry into the U.S. when crossing international borders. These include TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI.

SENTRI

SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) 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. It is the only program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to re-enter the U.S. from Mexico on foot or by vehicle using special SENTRI lanes at the land border ports. In addition, it also grants expedited access into the U.S. from Canada through dedicated NEXUS lanes.

The SENTRI pass makes sense for travellers who frequently cross the U.S.-Mexico land border by car, especially those who live near the southern border and visit Mexico often. The pass costs $122.25 and is valid for five years.

To apply for SENTRI, you need to:

• Create a TTP account.
• Log in to your TTP account and complete the online application.
• Pay the $122.25 membership fee, which is good for five years.
• Upon conditional approval, schedule an interview at a SENTRI Enrollment Centre.
• Attend your interview and bring your passport, one other official form of identification, vehicle registration, and a copy of your U.S. auto insurance policy. Bring your permanent resident card if you are a lawful permanent resident. If you are at least 14 years old, you must also have your fingerprints taken.

NEXUS

NEXUS is a TTP that allows pre-approved travellers to travel between the U.S. and Canada in expedited lanes. It is a joint program between U.S. and Canadian immigration authorities, so these lanes are found on both sides of the border. NEXUS is a good option for Canada-bound U.S. travellers.

Application process: To become a Known Traveller, you must complete an online application and schedule an in-person appointment

To become a Known Traveller, you must complete an online application and schedule an in-person appointment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying for TSA PreCheck, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. The program is open to US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents without criminal records. Enrollees will undergo criminal history vetting as a condition for approval.

Step 2: Start Your Online Application

Go to the TSA website and look for the “Apply Now” button. This will redirect you to the TSA's Universal Enroll website and the official application form for TSA PreCheck. The online application should take around five minutes and covers four steps:

• Step 1: Enter personal information such as name, gender, date of birth, email address, and phone number.
• Step 2: Confirm your eligibility with a series of "Yes" or "No" questions, including verification of citizenship or residency and any criminal records.
• Step 3: List the photo identification and citizenship/immigration documents you will bring to your appointment.
• Step 4: Select a TSA PreCheck enrollment center and schedule your in-person appointment.

Step 3: Attend Your In-Person Appointment

During your appointment, you will be required to provide the documents listed in your online application. Typically, this includes one photo identification and one citizenship/immigration document. Your legal name must match exactly on all identification documents.

The in-person appointment is primarily for verification purposes. You will hand over your documents for review, undergo a background check, and have your fingerprints taken.

Step 4: Pay the Fee

At your appointment, you will pay a non-refundable fee, which is currently $78. Various payment methods are accepted, including credit cards, money orders, company checks, and certified/cashier's checks.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

After your appointment, you will typically receive a Known Traveller Number (KTN) by email within three to five days. However, some applications can take up to 60 days for approval. Your TSA PreCheck membership will be valid for five years.

It is important to note that approval for TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed. Applicants can be denied based on disqualifying criminal offenses, and the $78 fee is non-refundable for rejected applicants.

Once you receive your KTN, remember to add it to your existing flight reservations and airline loyalty program profiles before check-in to ensure you can use the TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport.

Frequently asked questions