Passport card or SENTRI? Passing customs faster when coming back from Mexico - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

45user · 02-24-2014, 03:12 PM

I have a quick question on above.
Last year I was passing through customs at Otay Mesa and we saw people going through fast on another lane.
When we stopped at the border agent we asked what is required to use the fast lane and the border agent told us if all parties in vehicle have "passport card" then we can use the faster processing lane. Now I looked up on the internet it shows a card or program called SENTRI and it looks like that is what's required to use the fast lane (nexus lane)
Which is true? Do you just need to have passport card or need to enroll in SENTRI program?
Thank you for your help!
45

buddha · 02-24-2014, 03:23 PM

There are two kinds of passports the book and the card. The card I believe is only for entering Canada or Mexico by foot or car. The book is for air travel.

The Sentri pass is entirely different you have to fill out forms and have an interview. Not sure what it costs now.

If you get the Sentri pass that lets you go into the fast lanes entering the US.

45user · 02-24-2014, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buddha

There are two kinds of passports the book and the card. The card I believe is only for entering Canada or Mexico by foot or car. The book is for air travel.

The Sentri pass is entirely different you have to fill out forms and have an interview. Not sure what it costs now.

If you get the card that lets you go into the fast lanes entering the US.

Thanks for a quick one!
That what I thought. I need to tell my friend to just get passport card
45

buddha · 02-24-2014, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 45user

Thanks for a quick one!
That what I thought. I need to tell my friend to just get passport card
45

No I edited my message.

The Sentri Card is what gets you through to the fast lane.

makobob · 02-24-2014, 04:41 PM

Without the Sentri pass, I find it fastest to cross through Tecate, even on Sunday afternoons. In the last 4 trips mostly 1 hour, 15 minutes. MUCHO quicker than TJ or Mexicali.

ful-rac · 02-24-2014, 04:44 PM

I know last time we went thru the border I was the only one with a passport card. The border officer told us that if everyone in the vehicle had a passport card like me...we would be able to use the express lanes. I didn't even know that at the time.

buddha · 02-24-2014, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ful-rac

I know last time we went thru the border I was the only one with a passport card. The border officer told us that if everyone in the vehicle had a passport card like me...we would be able to use the express lanes. I didn't even know that at the time.

Do you have a sentri card or just a regular passport?

45user · 02-24-2014, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ful-rac

I know last time we went thru the border I was the only one with a passport card. The border officer told us that if everyone in the vehicle had a passport card like me...we would be able to use the express lanes. I didn't even know that at the time.

That's what we were told too..
Still confused haha

45

02-24-2014, 03:12 PM	#1
45user Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 576	Passport card or SENTRI? Passing customs faster when coming back from Mexico I have a quick question on above. Last year I was passing through customs at Otay Mesa and we saw people going through fast on another lane. When we stopped at the border agent we asked what is required to use the fast lane and the border agent told us if all parties in vehicle have "passport card" then we can use the faster processing lane. Now I looked up on the internet it shows a card or program called SENTRI and it looks like that is what's required to use the fast lane (nexus lane) Which is true? Do you just need to have passport card or need to enroll in SENTRI program? Thank you for your help! 45

02-24-2014, 03:23 PM	#2
buddha Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: chula vista Posts: 907	There are two kinds of passports the book and the card. The card I believe is only for entering Canada or Mexico by foot or car. The book is for air travel. The Sentri pass is entirely different you have to fill out forms and have an interview. Not sure what it costs now. If you get the Sentri pass that lets you go into the fast lanes entering the US. Last edited by buddha; 02-24-2014 at 04:36 PM.

02-24-2014, 04:41 PM	#5
makobob Baitless on Baja Join Date: May 2013 Location: Vista California, Gonzaga, San Quintin, Asuncion, Mag Bay Posts: 4,250	Without the Sentri pass, I find it fastest to cross through Tecate, even on Sunday afternoons. In the last 4 trips mostly 1 hour, 15 minutes. MUCHO quicker than TJ or Mexicali. __________________ http://www.mako-ville.com Home 760-630-4470 Cell 760-520-2514 YES YOU CAN

02-24-2014, 04:44 PM	#6
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	I know last time we went thru the border I was the only one with a passport card. The border officer told us that if everyone in the vehicle had a passport card like me...we would be able to use the express lanes. I didn't even know that at the time. __________________ There's nothing colder than yesterday's hotdog.