Sentri Pass thread

[Mahigeer]

I got great news via Email today. Santa must have sent it, but I was not home Xmas day, so I just got it today.

Dear GOES User,
GOES ACCOUNT INFORMATION
There has been a recent change to the status of your application.
Please login to your GOES account for more information.
Thank you,
Customs and Border Protection

The earliest available date is March 13. However, they don’t list LAX on the attached calendar.
On their website it does show LAX and Long Beach as one the ones available. I guess I got to call the locations and ask about the confusion.

I had submitted my application on November 7th. Which means this part took only 50 days.

Over all it looks like about 5 months to get the pass.

[jruiz]

It's at the 2nd or 3rd floor of the bradley terminal

[stevie951]

Very nice! have not met any of you Baja Travelers personally, but hope to travel the pristine coastline one day soon with you guys and get on to some awesome bites and beautiful sites! Passport arrived a few weeks ago, guess I gotta get SENTRI now to travel with the crowd :doh: :reel: Happy Holidays!

[Mahigeer]

I got the address and the phone number, but why is it not in the list they offer, once I click on where to go?

I just called them, but only a recorded message of where to send an Email with question was the reply.

I will try tomorrow, as probably they are off today.

[jruiz]

http://usa.immigrationvisaforms.com/travel/global-entry-interview-locations

[Mahigeer]

Thanks for the list.

It does not show Long Beach, but it does show LAX.

That is my first choice. I may have to pay a visit.

[Mahigeer]

I have an interview on Feb 10, at 06:30 AM in San Ysidro.


I went to the LAX office, and they said they do not do interviews there.


The list by jruiz lists Lax, but I think that is for Global Entry. When I was there, a person in front of me was told to wait behind the line to be called. I did not asked him for what?

[YakDout]

I have an interview on Feb 10, at 06:30 AM in San Ysidro.


I went to the LAX office, and they said they do not do interviews there.


The list by jruiz lists Lax, but I think that is for Global Entry. When I was there, a person in front of me was told to wait behind the line to be called. I did not asked him for what?



When you go pay attention to the correct exit. If you miss the exit, you will miss your appointment and have a wait at the san ysidro border coming back from tijuana! And it will be without a sentri pass. Mexico is literally the exit after the one you shouldnt miss.

[Mahigeer]

When you go pay attention to the correct exit. If you miss the exit, you will miss your appointment and have a wait at the san ysidro border coming back from tijuana! And it will be without a sentri pass. Mexico is literally the exit after the one you shouldnt miss.

Thanks for the tip.

I looked it up on Google Maps. It looks like a parking lot with a shack on one corner!

[YakDout]

Its a pretty big building, you cant miss it. I recommend parking in the outlet mall parking lot which is right across the street. Tons of free parking. Good luck hashem and make sure not to tell them about your drug running...






Jk you will be fine.

[Mahigeer]

Its a pretty big building, you cant miss it. I recommend parking in the outlet mall parking lot which is right across the street. Tons of free parking. Good luck hashem and make sure not to tell them about your drug running.
Jk you will be fine.

I guess the Google Map picture is an old one for the new address, because in my invitation letter it says there is a new location (the new address) to go to.

I will take Exit 1B Via de San Yisdro which ends in Calle Primera, which turns to Willow Rd., which ends in Camino De La Plaza., which will take me to Virginia Av.

That parking lot is where I went to wait for the ride to fly to Cedros Island several years ago.


I had a little incident in the parking lot of the 7/11 across the street before getting to the outlet parking lot before the Cedros trip.

[Baja_Traveler]

Just got back from visiting Bob and Ross down at Las Encantadas, trip back was super easy - pulled into the lane that leads to the Sentri crossing at Mexicali and couldn't even see the end of the line on the other side of the wall. All I know is it was long, and it was not moving.
Drove and drove and drove, and finally caught up with the Sentri line - 6 cars in front of me - looked at the time: 11:04am. At the last minute the line split off into 2 Sentri booths, drove up to the booth and handed him my card - he looked at it, looked at the computer and waved me through - looked at the clock again: 11:08.

4 minutes to cross the border - doesn't get much better than that!

[Mahigeer]

Thanks for the update.

And the best part is it costs now only $122.50 total for (5) years.

I thought the $25.00 application fee is separate from the $122.50, but it is included.

I wonder why more people do not get the pass?

I moved my appointment from March 14 to Feb 10 due to cancellation. I check the calendar everyday to see if there are more cancellations closer that Feb 10.

[defjack]

Ok im going to do mine at Otay mesa feb 23 at 6am.:luxhello:

[stevie951]

I had submitted my application on November 7th. Which means this part took only 50 days.

Over all it looks like about 5 months to get the pass.

Well shucks, i just submitted my application and payment today so i should hope to be fishing with you guys by June/July? :confused::(

Guess I'll be leading the non-SENTRI convoy per invite :eek::rolleyes::doh::drool5:

Tight Lines

[Mahigeer]

On the positive side;


You will appreciate the Sentri pass once you had to wait in a long line.

[defjack]

Its worth it to keep checking interview dates I moved mine up from march 14 to feb 16.Thanks Hasham

[Mahigeer]

Good for you jack.

I have been checking it everyday.

[stevie951]

I had submitted my application on November 7th. Which means this part took only 50 days.



may have been clarified previously, but any one get their approval in less than a month and a half? The wait is causing near agony :confused: :rolleyes: :the_finger:

Also, anyone know what the wait times look like in the inland area and where the appointment locations are? The Superior Court in Down town Riverside here?

Cheers!
:cheers1:

[YakDout]

may have been clarified previously, but any one get their approval in less than a month and a half? The wait is causing near agony :confused: :rolleyes: :the_finger:



Also, anyone know what the wait times look like in the inland area and where the appointment locations are? The Superior Court in Down town Riverside here?



Cheers!

:cheers1:



My approval took 3-4 months. Totally normal, they are busy. And the locations will be down on the border, san ysidro, otay mesa, mexicali, etc

[stevie951]

My approval took 3-4 months. Totally normal, they are busy. And the locations will be down on the border, san ysidro, otay mesa, mexicali, etc

Dang, thanks brother.. Wishful thinking. Do you guys usually have a non sentri convoy on your trips or it's fend for yourself if your not with the pack? (Referring to MakoLand trips of course :) ) Wanting to commit to the March gonzaga trip to fish with you guys but not sure how this timeline will play out.

:cheers1:

[YakDout]

I would say in the last year or so there has really been on an upward of the amount of people going out for sentris. If i had to guess, I would say there is still 60-70% of baja travelers without sentris, but that number is changing fast. Carpooling is one thing, it would make taking someone without a sentri, useless to have one yourself. Which is why it will kind of be a prerequisite of mine to have a sentri to carpool. Convoy would be a little different as a sentri has no time saving advantage until basically the very end of the trip when you get back to the border. But once you make it in line, I think you can pretty much fend for yourself. But this is where the guys with sentri will be flyin through. 10-20 minutes. Could be an hour to up to four hours without.

[makobob]

Just got back from visiting Bob and Ross down at Las Encantadas, trip back was super easy - pulled into the lane that leads to the Sentri crossing at Mexicali and couldn't even see the end of the line on the other side of the wall. All I know is it was long, and it was not moving.
Drove and drove and drove, and finally caught up with the Sentri line - 6 cars in front of me - looked at the time: 11:04am. At the last minute the line split off into 2 Sentri booths, drove up to the booth and handed him my card - he looked at it, looked at the computer and waved me through - looked at the clock again: 11:08.

4 minutes to cross the border - doesn't get much better than that!

TOOK Makobob 1hour and 44 minutes to cross on this trip.
I did my application on 12 December.
Still waiting Application waiting review. EXPECT to set dates for interview in next couple of weeks.

So I will be Sentri less for a while, BUT these trips are easy with or without the Sentry, I just get a few hours more in paradise. Too bad it is spent waiting in line.

MY KAYAK WILL ARRIVE SOON!!!! My boat will come in? My sentri is coming, but for now still WAITING.

Tight Lines amigos.

[MrPukaShell]

You getting another Kayak?


TOOK Makobob 1hour and 44 minutes to cross on this trip.
I did my application on 12 December.
Still waiting Application waiting review. EXPECT to set dates for interview in next couple of weeks.

So I will be Sentri less for a while, BUT these trips are easy with or without the Sentry, I just get a few hours more in paradise. Too bad it is spent waiting in line.

MY KAYAK WILL ARRIVE SOON!!!! My boat will come in? My sentri is coming, but for now still WAITING.

Tight Lines amigos.

[makobob]

You getting another Kayak?

NO, just saying. Tight Lines

[Mahigeer]

My original earliest appointment was on March14th.

Then luckily as I checked their Calendar on a daily basis, I was able to find a cancelation and moved it to Feb 10th.

I still check it often to see if I can move it closer yet.

[makobob]

Only takes 5 minutes to register a DRONE, but MONTHS to get a Sentri...........
.....................???????

[Mahigeer]

PASSED THE INTERVIEW.

I WAS TOLD I SHOULD HAVE IT IN TWO WEEKS, THEN I HAVE TO ACTIVATE IT.

[MrPukaShell]

Yes activate it as soon as you get it. I forget who said it but you only have 30 days to activate and then you have to jump through hoops to get it done if you miss that window. Great news Hasheem

PASSED THE INTERVIEW.

I WAS TOLD I SHOULD HAVE IT IN TWO WEEKS, THEN I HAVE TO ACTIVATE IT.

Look for complete "how-to" information post coming soon.

[Mahigeer]

Thanks Robert.

It is in the information packet that they gave you.

[Mahigeer]

I can put an informative post regarding my experience with Sentri pass interview, how to get there, etc., BUT it will only relate to the San Ysidro location.

Is there enough interest here for it.

It will be time consuming, and before I spend the time, I like to know if anybody would like to see it.

[jruiz]

I remember weighing the pros and cons of getting one vs the other when I applied and interviewed last year. Cheaper, faster to get, same benefits as SENTRI plus you get to use it at other countries expedited travel programs.



https://www.easysentri.com/global-entry-vs-sentri-locations-costs/#Int
https://www.dhs.gov/trusted-traveler-comparison-chart

[YakDout]

I remember weighing the pros and cons of getting one vs the other when I applied and interviewed last year. Cheaper, faster to get, same benefits as SENTRI plus you get to use it at other countries expedited travel programs.



https://www.easysentri.com/global-entry-vs-sentri-locations-costs/#Int
https://www.dhs.gov/trusted-traveler-comparison-chart

Its $20 more for a five year card. Thats 4 dollars a year. With added benefits. Sentri includes everything global entry does and more.

[jruiz]

Help me with the "more" part

[YakDout]

Help me with the "more" part



Come on man, you posted the chart...

[jruiz]

Come on man, you posted the chart...

Read through the first link

[MrPukaShell]

So it is cheaper and more places to get an appointment. Quotes from the link


Conclusion:

So there you have it: Global Entry vs SENTRI

From a benefits standpoint (not counting the International Arrangements) they are the same.

But in a comparison of Global Entry vs SENTRI application process…Global Entry comes out ahead due to its cost and number of interview locations available.

Through the SENTRI pass may be the only option for some wishing to have what Global Entry offers.

Look,

If you are a U.S. citizen and have a U.S. Passport you can Stop Reading This Article.

Get Global Entry.

It’s Cheaper and has more locations for a interview

[Baja_Traveler]

NOT the same by my reading of it.

Global Entry is only good for those traveling by air.

Cut and Paste from the Website (emphasis Mine):

What is the Global Entry Program?

"The Global Entry program is the US government’s fast track border crossing program for people traveling by air. The Global Entry pass expedites travel for predetermined low risk citizens entering the United States from international airports. Global Entry membership is valid for 5 years. If you only fly between the US and Canada, you should download the NEXUS card application. The Global Entry card is perfect for frequent travelers and regular fliers who are flying into the USA on a regular basis; however there is no restriction on the amount of foreign trips taken.

Now, if someone here with Global Entry can verify that they successfully used it in a Sentri lane in Calexico, Otay or San Ysidro without getting sent into secondary I'd like to hear about it!

[jruiz]

NOT the same by my reading of it.

Global Entry is only good for those traveling by air.

Cut and Paste from the Website (emphasis Mine):

What is the Global Entry Program?

"The Global Entry program is the US government’s fast track border crossing program for people traveling by air. The Global Entry pass expedites travel for predetermined low risk citizens entering the United States from international airports. Global Entry membership is valid for 5 years. If you only fly between the US and Canada, you should download the NEXUS card application. The Global Entry card is perfect for frequent travelers and regular fliers who are flying into the USA on a regular basis; however there is no restriction on the amount of foreign trips taken.

Now, if someone here with Global Entry can verify that they successfully used it in a Sentri lane in Calexico, Otay or San Ysidro without getting sent into secondary I'd like to hear about it!

Would a global entry program user's vehicle registered in the SENTRI program be convincing enough?

[jruiz]

Logged in to my GOES account and it indicates that I have SENTRI even though I only applied for Global Entry. Any SENTRI applicants have Global Entry?

[Baja_Traveler]

Hmmm. I may just have to register the wife in Global Entry instead of Sentri if that means she can accompany me in the vehicle through the Sentri lane...

[YakDout]

Sentri comes with global entry.

[MrPukaShell]

Sentri comes with global entry.
Yes it does. Already got my SENTRI card so I am ready to go. Now just to get everyone who is riding with me to get one.

[makobob]

Yes it does. Already got my SENTRI card so I am ready to go. Now just to get everyone who is riding with me to get one.

Conditional Approval Notification RECIEVED
Apointment Scheduled 9am on 23 FEB in Calexico.
then Baja here I come!!!

[defjack]

My interview was at otay mesa 6 30 done. By 7 easy.ok

[Mahigeer]

Looks like by April many of us will have the Sentri card.

With the kitchen done and more room at the "inn" there will be less of hardship and more of fun than before.

[Mahigeer]

Great news for me.

The Sentri card arrived today in mail.

Initial filling date--November 7th, 2016. Card in hand Feb 17, 2017.


Mexico here I come.

Now to learn more Spanish.

[YakDout]

Great news for me.



The Sentri card arrived today in mail.



Initial filling date--November 7th, 2016. Card in hand Feb 17, 2017.





Mexico here I come.



Now to learn more Spanish.



Dont forget to activate asap

[Mahigeer]

Thank you for the tip.

Yes, I already did it.

[MrPukaShell]

Great news


Great news for me.

The Sentri card arrived today in mail.

Initial filling date--November 7th, 2016. Card in hand Feb 17, 2017.


Mexico here I come.

Now to learn more Spanish.

[Mahigeer]

Thanks.

Now it will be easier to carpool with other Sentri card holders, if needed be.

[makobob]

72 Hrs

and my interview will be over and 10 minutes later I will cross the border headed to paradise, this trip to work on kitchen interior cabinets and countertops, maybe even cut in the sink. Might even look for a corvina for dinner. Tight Lines.

[stevie951]

PASSED THE INTERVIEW.

I WAS TOLD I SHOULD HAVE IT IN TWO WEEKS, THEN I HAVE TO ACTIVATE IT.

Going on nearly 2 months and no news on the GOES inbox front :/ Still a pending application from 01/04... Should i expect a denial soon here? (I'm not a criminal or anything that I know would disqualify me :the_finger: ) Or is it just that time of year and i should expect the approval any day here? Not that you're experts but shoot... :arne1::sifone:

[makobob]

Going on nearly 2 months and no news on the GOES inbox front :/ Still a pending application from 01/04... Should i expect a denial soon here? (I'm not a criminal or anything that I know would disqualify me :the_finger: ) Or is it just that time of year and i should expect the approval any day here? Not that you're experts but shoot... :arne1::sifone:

I applied 12 Dec, tentive approval 15 Feb, sentri meeting 23 Feb, Mine is in the mail and should be here around the 10th of March..

So your tentive approval should VERY SOON. Mine was 63 days.

[defjack]

Got mine 8 days after interview.lm all set now

[YakDout]

Going on nearly 2 months and no news on the GOES inbox front :/ Still a pending application from 01/04... Should i expect a denial soon here? (I'm not a criminal or anything that I know would disqualify me :the_finger: ) Or is it just that time of year and i should expect the approval any day here? Not that you're experts but shoot... :arne1::sifone:



Two months, Dont worry mine was like that for around four months. For some reason, they like approving some people faster than others. You'll still get it, as did I.

[makobob]

Two months, Dont worry mine was like that for around four months. For some reason, they like approving some people faster than others. You'll still get it, as did I.

Brandon were you not working on base at the time, that would have slowed it down a week or two. When we going fishing again bud?

[YakDout]

Brandon were you not working on base at the time, that would have slowed it down a week or two. When we going fishing again bud?



I actually was working on base at the time, so Im surprised I didnt get approved sooner. Could be my dual citizenship. I have a german passport as well, cant remember if I declared it or not. I need to make a deal on a new yak, then we will talk fishin! Already putting the bug in my boss's ear that Ill be out of town for a week in OCTOBER!

[MrPukaShell]

I already inked the calendar for two weeks in October. Liked the look on the bosses face when she saw that one.

[makobob]

10 March O'dark thirty left for Gonzaga, GREAT weather window. 85-90 degrees, no wind. Full Moon, 25 lb WSB caught at Punta Buefeo. Kitchen coming along really nice.

Just got home, wife said SENTRI arrived day I left. ACTIVATED.
And of course my wait at the Mexicali/Calexico was 14 minutes. But that should be my LAST LONG WAIT. Mexico here I come again. Leaving Sunday.

Tight Lines.

[Baja_Traveler]

14 Minutes?? When did you cross? Midnight?

[Mahigeer]

Maybe he forgot the daylight savings!!

Just kidding Sir.

[makobob]

10:40 am, drove all the way past the TOWER before line stopped. Never had that happen before.

[GTT]

Nexus Card (http://www.globaltrustedtraveler.com)

[Mahigeer]

I think that is for Canada, not Mexico.

[rossman]

There is an interesting thread on one of the other forums that I follow regarding the SENTRI card. Here's what the OP originally posted:


So I've had my SENTRI for 5 years now (I am waiting for the renewal as we speak). I very rarely go to Baja unless I cam doing some sort of camping. I've crossed about 50-75 times with my SENTRI and a pretty loaded Land Cruiser with camp gear.

Today however as I was coming back north, the CBP officer was very upset about me having a "full" SUV of gear. He said I was violating SENTRI laws, and that he could revoke my card, send me to secondary, etc.

Anyways, since I've been home I'm trying to find the rules and see if it explicitly says anything about this. I don't recall seeing anything and I've never had another officer even mention anything. He said that I need to use the Ready lanes next time.

I don't have a pass and have no intentions of getting one since I only cross the border once or twice a year but I thought this was interesting. Anyone ever read the fine print on going through with a loaded vehicle versus just human cargo?

Just as an aside, Aquachico, who is an old time member of BWE and no doubt crosses the border more often than makobob, left the following advice on the other forum.

It's a coin toss. Best thing to do is call their bluff. Say you are aware you have a lot of stuff and it goes against the spirit of the sentri lane. You would like to go into secondary as you are not in a hurry.

Done it a few times. Once I went into secondary, it's a 15 minute dog sniff. Good time to stretch, take a quick nap or hit the head.

[Mahigeer]

Thanks for the heads up. I would not call 50-75 trips "rarely".

I don't recall seeing anything except trailer use issue.

For me going to secondary is not a problem. I hope they have bathroom, or it is peeing in the jar.

Waiting in long line is the issue, but once I get to the booth, I have all day if they want to search my SUV.

I think the officer had a bad day, and maybe felt empowered to be harsh toward the OP. Lot of that is going on these days.

[rossman]

Thanks for the heads up. I would not call 50-75 trips "rarely".

I don't recall seeing anything except trailer use issue.

For me going to secondary is not a problem. I hope they have bathroom, or it is peeing in the jar.

Waiting in long line is the issue, but once I get to the booth, I have all day if they want to search my SUV.

I think the officer had a bad day, and maybe felt empowered to be harsh toward the OP. Lot of that is going on these days.

I think you are right about the bad day for the officer, or the traveler brought it on himself with an attitude. You never know.

Only been in secondary once and that was at San Ysidro, ironically because I got into the SENTRI lane by mistake and couldn't get out. There they had a proper rest room.

[rossman]

Thanks for the heads up. I would not call 50-75 trips "rarely".

I don't recall seeing anything except trailer use issue.

For me going to secondary is not a problem. I hope they have bathroom, or it is peeing in the jar.

Waiting in long line is the issue, but once I get to the booth, I have all day if they want to search my SUV.

I think the officer had a bad day, and maybe felt empowered to be harsh toward the OP. Lot of that is going on these days.

By the way I think the OP was saying he used the sentri 75 times and rarely was he not loaded with camping gear.

[Mahigeer]

I am currently waiting to hear from CBP regarding acceptance of my revised application due to the new car information.

To save time, I submitted the license plate that I will have on the SUV. However, I first have to receive the plates that DMV will be sending me and then exchange it.

I am hoping against hope that they do not check the vin against the eventual plates. Since it would be different.

However, when it is said and done and when I cross the border, the information on the application will be correct.

It may take up to (90) days to receive the new plates and since I ordered new replacement plates for the existing ones that may even take longer. The application process is a long time ordeal too. I just hope by the end of the year I have it all settled!

[Baja_Traveler]

Ok - yet another post on the merits of going through the hassle of obtaining a card.

Came home from our Gonzaga trip yesterday (Memorial Day), and never in my life have I seen so many California and Arizona plates on the road - all heading the same direction for the border. At one point in the twisties down by rio Hardy there was a 75 car backup behind a motorhome, all gringos with kayaks and offroad vehicles of every sort in tow. I knew right then the border was going to be a disaster, and taking the Mexicali II crossing was the better option.

(For those that do not know, to get to that crossing you take a right at the light immediately after the underpass tunnel, then just follow that road as it meanders north/east until you see the border wall - then turn right. 1 3/4 miles down is the crossing, which is 7 miles east of Mexicali I.)

As soon as I made my right, the line of cars began. I couldn't believe that there was a 2 mile line, so I bypassed them all and cruised down to the crossing. At the left turn to the border crossing the Mexicali police were directing all the mayhem, and the middle lane I was in turned out to be a turn lane. They waved me through right into the Sentri lane and I drove past 100 or so more cars to the end of my line. I checked the clock - 12:03, and while I made my way up front, started deleting the 130 or so junk emails off my phone that had accumulated over the 5 days I was gone. I couldn't even finish the last 20 before I hit the booth - declared my Honey from the San Felipe honey man and I was through. Checked the clock - 12:13.

10 minutes to cross on one of the busiest days of the year - I'll bet I was in Alpine before the regular folk finally got across...

[Mahigeer]

Thanks for the post.

I have been looking at the satellite picture and it seems that there is bottle neck area.

It looks to me that for a while one must be in a common line then a separate Sentri lane is accessible. Am I seeing correctly?

[Baja_Traveler]

It looks like a bottleneck on the map also, but in reality they are separate lanes all the way through from the beginning. I think the gap comes from a separate lane coming in from the east that meets up with the west lanes.

[Mahigeer]

Thanks for the reply.

[makobob]

Came through today at 10am, west entrance, Sentri stopped with longer line then regular lanes. But took only 9 minutes to cross, three lanes for Sentri were open and only 30 seconds at the booth. Is it worth the hassle, YOU BETTER BELIVE IT.