see also: in May 2007 News Releases:   Agriculture Inspection, User Fee Requirements Begin June 1 for Commercial Trucks, Railroad Cars Entering U.S. From Canada   Customs and Border Protection starts 2007 Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act Cycle   New Mexico Border Patrol Seizes Nearly $1.5 Million in Marijuana   Suspected Child Molester, FBI Top 10 Fugitive Turned Over to Buffalo Customs and Border Protection   Jayson P. Ahern Announced as Next CBP Deputy Commissioner   CBP Border Patrol Continues Recruiting With Help of Car #28   Electronic Manifest Filing Now Mandatory in Michigan and New York ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers   Trusted Traveler Programs   FAQs on SENTRI Application via CBP's Global Online Enrollment System

contacts for this news release

Washington — U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding applicants of the steps necessary to complete the SENTRI frequent traveler program application online. SENTRI, or Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection, has been in use on the southern border since 1995, and currently has over 123,000 members.

Individuals who submitted an application online through the Global Online Enrollment System, or GOES, are reminded that they must check their GOES account online to find out if they are conditionally approved. At that point, the online scheduling tool can be used to schedule an appointment for the final, in-person phase of the application process. Applicants have 180 days from the time they are conditionally approved to set up an appointment. Individuals who fail to take that next step will be automatically removed to a denial status.

“Leveraging the technology of both the Internet, as well as the radio frequency identification technology in SENTRI cards, represent important tools in our toolbox,” said CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham. “CBP has the dual mission of securing America from those who would do us harm while facilitating legitimate travel and trade, and I am pleased that so many travelers are enjoying the benefits of the program.”

The online application, which can be accessed at SENTRI website, was launched in November 2006. ( Trusted Traveler Programs ) It provides a more streamlined process for individuals applying to or renewing their SENTRI membership. The new enrollment mechanism has resulted in both a decrease in turnaround times of approval – previously up to a year – as well as an increase in applications. Current turnaround time for admittance is three - four weeks.

Individuals who have lost their password should click the link to the Frequently Asked Questions on the GOES homepage where specific instructions for scheduling or re-scheduling an appointment are also available. ( FAQs on SENTRI Application via CBP's Global Online Enrollment System ) Individuals are advised that they will neither receive an automatic email, nor a mailed copy of notification of conditional approval. Their notification will be posted to their online account.

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.