Documents & Paperwork
SENTRI and Ready Lane: Differences, Requirements and How to Apply for SENTRI
By the deGaritas Online editorial team · Updated Friday, October 30, 2026 · 1 min read
In short: SENTRI is a trusted traveler program with dedicated lanes; it requires an application, an interview and a fee. Ready Lane requires no application: all you need is a document with an RFID chip, such as the laser visa.
The three main lanes
| Lane | Who can use it | Typical speed |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Any traveler with valid documents | Slowest |
| Ready Lane | All occupants with an RFID-chip document | Intermediate |
| SENTRI | SENTRI members with a registered vehicle | Fastest |
Ready Lane
You do not need to enroll. Everyone in the car (or you, if you cross on foot) must carry a document with an RFID chip:
- Recent-model Border Crossing Card (laser visa).
- US passport card.
- Recent-model green card.
- Enhanced Driver's License.
- SENTRI, NEXUS or Global Entry card.
As you approach the booth, take out the cards and hold them up so the reader can detect them.
SENTRI
SENTRI is CBP's program for low-risk travelers at the Mexican border. Members use dedicated lanes by car and on foot, and usually wait a fraction of the time of the Standard lane.
How to apply
- Create an account on the official Trusted Traveler Programs portal and fill out the SENTRI application.
- Pay the fee (around 120 dollars for five years; verify the current amount).
- Wait for conditional approval.
- Schedule and attend your interview at an enrollment center, where they take your fingerprints and photo.
- Register your vehicle: this is a separate step and the car goes through an inspection.
Membership lasts five years. Any customs or immigration violation can get it revoked.
Which one is right for me?
If you cross several times a week, SENTRI pays for itself with the time you save. If you cross occasionally and your visa has a chip, Ready Lane is enough. Compare the wait times for each lane in the border wait times report.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ready Lane?
It is a lane for travelers carrying documents with an RFID chip, such as a recent laser visa or a passport card. No enrollment is required.
How much does SENTRI cost?
The application fee is around 120 dollars and membership lasts five years. Verify the current amount on the official portal.
Can I use SENTRI if not everyone in the car is a member?
No. All occupants must be SENTRI members and the vehicle must be registered.
Check the line before you leave
This guide is for information only and does not replace official information from CBP, the US Department of State, Mexico's National Immigration Institute (INM) or Mexico's customs agency (ANAM). Requirements and fees may change.