SENTRI and Ready Lane Guide | Juárez-El Paso Bridges

Everything you need to know about trusted traveler programs for faster border crossings. Check live wait times including SENTRI lane data.

Lane Types

SENTRI

Dedicated lane for approved members. The fastest option.

  • Cost: $122 USD / 5 years
  • Typical wait: 5–15 min
  • Requires: Application + CBP interview
  • Includes: Global Entry + TSA PreCheck

Ready Lane

For RFID-enabled documents. Faster than standard.

  • Cost: Free (use your existing document)
  • Typical wait: 20–60 min
  • Requires: BCC with chip or e-passport
  • No need for: Special application

Standard

Regular lane for all valid documents.

  • Cost: N/A
  • Typical wait: 30–180 min
  • Requires: Valid passport + visa
  • Note: Most traffic uses this lane

Bridges with SENTRI Lanes

BridgeSENTRIReady LaneHours
Santa Fe (PDN)✓✓24 hours
Bridge of the Americas✓✓24 hours
Zaragoza (Ysleta)✓✓24 hours
Lerdo-Stanton (DCL)✓✓Mon-Fri 6 AM–12 AM
Santa Teresa——6 AM–10 PM
Tornillo (Guadalupe)——8 AM–4 PM

How to Get SENTRI

  1. 1.Create a TTP account:Register at the Trusted Traveler Programs portal at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov.
  2. 2.Complete the application:Provide personal information, travel history, and vehicle data (if applicable).
  3. 3.Pay $122 USD:Fee is charged when submitting (non-refundable if denied).
  4. 4.Conditional approval:CBP reviews your application (can take weeks to months).
  5. 5.Schedule interview:Visit a SENTRI enrollment center (El Paso has available centers).
  6. 6.Receive your card:Once approved, you get your SENTRI card valid for 5 years.

What is the Ready Lane?

Ready Lane is a faster-than-standard lane designed for RFID-enabled travel documents. No special application needed, just a compatible document.

Accepted Ready Lane Documents:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SENTRI and how does it work?

SENTRI is a CBP program that gives you access to a dedicated fast lane at land border crossings. It includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck automatically.

How much does SENTRI cost and how long does it last?

$122 USD for 5 years (~$25/year). The process includes an online application, background check, and in-person interview.

Does my Visa Laser work in Ready Lane?

If your Border Crossing Card was issued after ~2008, it likely has an RFID chip and works in Ready Lane. Look for the chip symbol on the card.

What is the difference between SENTRI and Global Entry?

SENTRI is for land border crossings. Global Entry is for international air arrivals. SENTRI includes Global Entry, but Global Entry does NOT include SENTRI.