CBP to Issue New Frequent Traveler Cards

SENTRI Members Asked to Update Contact Information

June 3, 2008 -- Washington – U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced it will issue new cards for current Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection members starting today and members should be receiving them within the next week.

The new cards will have enhanced security features and will allow U.S. citizen cardholders to comply with the documentary requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

CBP will issue new SENTRI members the enhanced cards in July. All members must activate their cards within 30 days by going to the web. ( Global Online Enrollment System ) Additionally, current SENTRI members are requested to verify and update their contact information on-line. ( Global Online Enrollment System )

SENTRI is a land-border crossing program that provides expedited CBP processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers along the U.S./Mexico border.

The SENTRI program was first implemented at Otay Mesa, Calif. in 1995, and has grown to include 16 lanes at the nine largest ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border including San Ysidro, Calif.; Calexico, Calif.; Nogales, Ariz.; two crossings in El Paso, Texas; and the Texas ports of Laredo, Hidalgo and Brownsville. More than 165,000 travelers from both sides of the border are currently registered in the SENTRI program.

A similar program called Nexus serves citizens of the U.S. and Canada on the northern border. ( NEXUS Program )


U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.