TSA PreCheck, Global Entry,
NEXUS, SENTRI or CLEAR

Which Is the Best for Expediting Security and Customs?

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Tsa Precheck Global Entry Nexus Clear Best Airport Security Customes Programs Airplane Travel Expert Advice

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) raised the cost of applying for or renewing Global Entry, NEXUS & SENTRI – from $100 to $120 on October 1, 2024

Updated: October 1, 2024

What is the difference between TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and CLEAR Plus for Getting Through Airport Security and Customs?

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and CLEAR/CLEAR Plus are programs are designed to expedite the airport security or customs process, but they serve different purposes depending on where you're traveling and what level of clearance you need.

Learn More About US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler Programs

Here's our easy breakdown of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and CLEAR:

1. What is TSA PreCheck?

Purpose of TSA PreCheck

Expedites domestic security screening in U.S. airports.

Learn More About TSA PreCheck

Benefits of TSA PreCheck

Available at over 200 U.S. airports; applies to domestic flights and some international flights departing from the U.S. Allows for quicker security checks at U.S. airports, with benefits like keeping shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and leaving laptops and liquids in bags.

Who is Eligible for TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents.

Best For: All travelers
Valid for: 5 years
Cost: $78
How to Enroll: You can apply at 650+ enrollment centers Apply for Global Entry
Estimated Processing Time:
- Minimum: 3-5 days (90% approved)
- Maximum: 60 days

2. What is Global Entry?

Purpose of Global Entry

Facilitate international travel by expediting customs and immigration processes for U.S. citizens and international travelers.

Benefits of Global Entry

Includes all TSA PreCheck benefits
Plus expedited processing at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checkpoints when entering the United States.

Who is Eligible for Global Entry?

Global Entry is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents, as well as citizens of certain other countries.

Best For: Frequent international travelers (4+ trips per year)
Valid for: 5 years
Cost: $120
How to Enroll: You can apply at select international airports offer interview locations Apply for Global Entry
Estimated Processing Time: Vetting process occurs within two weeks of application submission. If additional review of is needed, a manual review of the application will take place. Manual review processing can vary between household members or groups, and is currently around 12-24 months.

3. What is NEXUS?

Purpose of NEXUS

Expedite travel between the United States and Canada.

Benefits of NEXUS

Includes all Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits
Plus expedited processing at Canadian customs and immigration checkpoints.

Who is Eligible for NEXUS?

NEXUS is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Best For: Frequent travel between U.S. and Canada
Valid for: 5 years
Cost: $120
How to Enroll: You can apply at select offices and international airports along the U.S. - Canada border Apply for NEXUS
Estimated Processing Time: Vetting process occurs within two weeks of application submission. If additional review of is needed, a manual review of the application will take place. Manual review processing can vary between household members or groups, and is currently around 12-24 months.

4. What is SENTRI?

Purpose of SENTRI

Designed for frequent travelers between the U.S. and Mexico. Expedited entry into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico via land.

Benefits of SENTRI

Includes all Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits
Plus expedited land border crossings from Mexico into the U.S. via dedicated SENTRI lanes.

Who is Eligible for SENTRI?

SENTRI is available to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and all foreign nationals.

Best For: Frequent international travelers between the U.S. and Mexico + includes other benefits
Valid for: 5 years
Cost: $120
How to Enroll: You can apply at select offices and international airports along the U.S. - Canada border Apply for SENTRI
Estimated Processing Time: Vetting process occurs within two weeks of application submission. If additional review of is needed, a manual review of the application will take place. Manual review processing can vary between household members or groups, and is currently around 12-24 months.

5. What is CLEAR^® Plus

Purpose of CLEAR Plus

Streamline the airport security process by using biometric technology (such as fingerprint or iris scans) to verify identity. This program is run by a private company.

Benefits of CLEAR Plus

Once enrolled, travelers can use CLEAR Plus immediately at the airport
Bypass regular security lines and go straight to document check and physical screening.

Who is Eligible for CLEAR Plus?

Available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.

Valid for: Paid annually.
Cost: $189 per year.
How to Enroll: You can apply at select offices and international airports along the U.S. - Mexico border Apply for SENTRI
Estimated Processing Time: Vetting process occurs within two weeks of application submission. If additional review of is needed, a manual review of the application will take place. Manual review processing can vary between household members or groups, and is currently around 12-24 months.

Key Differences Between TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and CLEAR Plus - What You Need to Know

Key Differences:

TSA PreCheck: Domestic security clearance at U.S. airports.
Global Entry: Includes TSA PreCheck, plus expedited re-entry into the U.S. for international travelers.
NEXUS: Includes TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, with additional expedited processing between the U.S. and Canada.
SENTRI: Includes TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, with additional expedited processing between the U.S. and Mexico.
CLEAR: Bypasses ID checks and works with TSA PreCheck for quicker access to security screening.

Each program is tailored for specific travel patterns, so frequent domestic travelers might benefit most from TSA PreCheck, while international travelers or those crossing borders frequently may find Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI more advantageous.

Scope of Benefits

TSA PreCheck focuses on domestic security screening, Global Entry adds international customs and immigration benefits, NEXUS is specific to travel between the U.S. and Canada, and CLEAR streamlines the document check and physical screening process.

Geographic Coverage

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available at various airports across the United States, while Global Entry and NEXUS involve international travel with a focus on U.S. and Canadian border crossings.

Application Process

The application processes for these programs involve background checks and, in some cases, in-person interviews. Fees also vary, and some programs may have different eligibility criteria.

Cost, Duration, and Approval Time of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and CLEAR Plus

	TSA PreCheck	Global Entry	NEXUS	SENTRI	CLEAR Plus
COST	$78/$85	$120	$120	$120	$189
DURATION	5 Years	5 Years	5 Years	5 Years	Five Years
TYPICAL APPROVAL TIME	3-5 Days	4-6 Months	12-14 Months	12-14 Months	Immediate, once enrolled
PROVIDED BY	TSA	U.S. Customs & Border Protection	U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Canada Border Services Agency	U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Mexico Border Services Agency	Private company

Many frequent travelers find value in combining programs. For example, some people have both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry for comprehensive domestic and international benefits. It's essential to consider your travel patterns and needs when choosing the program(s) that best suit you.

FAQs About TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and CLEAR

How do I apply for TSA PreCheck?

You can apply online, undergo a background check, and schedule an in-person appointment for fingerprinting. If approved, you'll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN).

How much does the TSA PreCheck cost?

The cost to apply for TSA PreCheck is either $78 or $85, and depends on if you apply through Telos or Idemia. (At the time of publishing.) You can expect to pay this if you file for consideration through the federal government.

How do I apply for Global Entry?

Apply online, pay a non-refundable fee, undergo a background check, and schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.

How do I apply for NEXUS?

Apply online, pay a fee, undergo a background check, and attend an in-person interview at a NEXUS Enrollment Center.

Do I need an interview to enroll in CLEAR Plus?

CLEAR is a private program that uses biometric technology to expedite the airport security process by verifying identity through fingerprint or iris scans. You can apply online, complete the in-person verification process (including biometric scans), and start using CLEAR at participating airports.

What is the difference between NEXUS and Global Entry?

Key Differences between NEXUS and Global Entry

Scope of Travel:

Global Entry focuses on expedited processing for travelers entering the U.S. from international destinations.
NEXUS is specifically tailored for travel between the United States and Canada, offering benefits for both U.S. and Canadian citizens.

Participating Countries:

Global Entry involves only the United States.
NEXUS involves both the United States and Canada.

Application Process:

While both programs require an online application, a fee, a background check, and an in-person interview, the interview locations may differ as they are conducted by the respective country's authorities (CBP for Global Entry and both CBP and the Canada Border Services Agency for NEXUS).

It's worth noting that having a NEXUS membership automatically includes Global Entry benefits, but the reverse is not true. Therefore, if your primary travel involves the U.S. and Canada, NEXUS might offer more comprehensive benefits. If your travel is more global, then Global Entry might be more suitable.

Is it faster to get NEXUS or CLEAR Plus approval?

The processing time for getting approval for NEXUS or CLEAR Plus can vary, and it depends on several factors, including the current volume of applications, the completeness of your application, and the efficiency of the processing by the respective agencies.

The processing time for NEXUS applications can vary. After submitting your application, it may take several weeks to months before you are conditionally approved and invited for an interview. The interview availability at NEXUS Enrollment Centers can also affect the overall timeline.

The application process for CLEAR typically involves an in-person verification step at an enrollment center, and this step can often be completed on the same day you apply. Therefore, CLEAR may offer a faster approval process compared to programs that require a more extensive background check and interview process.

Additionally, consider your specific travel needs and whether the program's benefits align with your preferences before deciding which one to apply for.