Washington U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today that southern border crossers may now utilize a Web tool to apply for and administer their participation in CBPs Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) program.

In addition to applying online, SENTRI participants may now pay application and other program fees online. Key benefits of the online system include streamlining the entire application and vetting process for new applicants and renewals, and added convenience of a quick and secure online fee payment option.

As the SENTRI program continues to increase in popularity with frequent travelers along the U.S.-Mexico border, we are excited to offer an online fee payment capability to better facilitate the application process, said CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham.

SENTRI is a popular frequent traveler program that provides dedicated lanes and expedited processing for pre-approved, lowrisk travelers. Applicants voluntarily undergo a background check, in-person interview and fingerprinting, and pay a 5-year membership fee. The online application, launched in November 2006, has decreased processing time from several months, to an average of 46 weeks.

With the new online payment system, new applicants will be able to pay their initial $25 application fee through their online account. Current members can also pay other fees, for example membership card or vehicle decal replacement, online.

Once a new applicant has been conditionally approved through their online account, they will then schedule their appointment, also through an online scheduling tool. At the time of their appointment, they will complete the interview and fingerprint process and obtain a membership card, vehicle decal, and pay the remaining fee of $102.00. The total cost for an individual SENTRI membership is $127.00.

For families interested in enrolling in SENTRI, its important to note that every individual, children included, must create a separate account online and submit a separate application. Adults 18 years of age or older must each pay the $25 application fee. Children 17 years of age and younger may apply at no cost. Families will be responsible for an additional fee of $204.00 at the time of interview. Families may either schedule an interview appointment for each family member using the schedule interview option in their online account, or contact a local Enrollment Center to schedule an appointment as a family unit.

The SENTRI program was first implemented in 1995, and has grown to include 15 lanes at nine locations along the U.S.-Mexico border. More than 129,000 travelers from both sides of the border currently are enrolled in the program.

The SENTRI card is also proposed as an alternative document to the passport under new travel document requirements for U.S. citizens. This change, slated to be implemented at land and sea crossings as early as summer of 2008, requires a secure, verifiable document denoting citizenship and identity for U.S. citizens, who previously were not required to present documentation. Ample advance notice and a robust public information campaign will precede full implementation of the new requirement.