The price of the USA’s fast-track border privilege programmes has gone up, in some cases by more than 100%, effective 1 October 2024.
The suite of US “Trusted Traveler Programs” (TTP) was introduced in 2008, with the idea of providing expedited border clearance for pre-approved, low-risk arrivals in the United States aimed at better facilitating lawful travel and trade. The new price, fixed at a blanket $120, represents the first increase in fees in 16 years.
Which schemes are affected by the price change?
Falling under the TTP umbrella are a number of schemes, that have all been priced differently until now. After an application process and in-person interview have been conducted, Global Entry gives travellers five years’ access to fast lanes at US airports, using biometrics and facial recognition. Its $100 price will go up by $20.
Meanwhile, SENTRI gives fast clearance for US entry via dedicated lanes at southern land border ports. Instead of being priced “a la carte” as it has been, the blanket $120 fee will now apply.
And users of NEXUS, a program shared between US Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to manage dedicated US – Canada arrivals, will find the price for their border privileges has increased more than two-fold from $50 to $120.
TODAY, all Trusted Traveler Program fees are changing to the same price: $120USD. This includes Global Entry. Plan ahead with your application for the new pricing!
— CBP (@CBP) October 1, 2024
Learn more: https://t.co/VUa479qUKP pic.twitter.com/XqJVrapOWr
Why are costs going up?
Aimed at generating funds to improve customer service, the new TTP price will enable security agencies to implement technological advances, optimise their processes and expand privilege schemes to ports across the northern border, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authority said in a press release.
“As these programs have matured and expanded, updating the fee structures is critical to the continuation and management of the programs,” the CBP, which is managed by the Department of Homeland Security, added.
Useful information
Under 18-year-olds go free under the new charging regime. It should also be noted that the TTP schemes are also open to applicants without a US citizenship, including permanent residents (Green Card holders) in the US, as well as selected residents of 15 other countries and territories. The fees are payable in US currency and are non-refundable.
Prospective TTP applicants should also note that although the schemes confer fast-track privileges, border agents are still able to select any traveller for further scrutiny at checkpoints. To maintain the integrity of the program, any violations of terms and conditions trigger immediate enforcement action and revocation of travel privileges.
