Traveler Program People Travel Time Lines Border Special

People who travel "frequently" (often) spend a lot of time waiting in lines at security and "customs" (the place where bags are checked to make sure travelers are not bringing items not allowed into a country). Fortunately for them, "U.S Customs and Border Protection" has several "Trusted" (can be believed and relied on) Traveler Programs that help frequent travelers move through those lines more quickly.

For example, the "Global Entry" programs lets travelers use "automated" (using machines, not humans) "kiosks" (small machines that are attached to the ground, usually inside a building) to avoid standing in long lines at customs. Travelers must be "pre-approved" (approved before their trip). This involves an "extensive" (thorough; involving a lot of time and details) "background check" (a review of one's history, especially criminal history) and an interview.

The NEXUS program provides special documents to people who frequently cross the border between the United States and Canada. The SENTRI program gives special documents to people who frequently cross the border between the United States and Mexico. Like the Global Entry program, both programs require pre-approval of the travelers, but the effort involved allows the traveler to "expedite" (speed up) the process of crossing the border.

However, participating in these Trusted Traveler Programs is not a guarantee of faster entry. Customs officers and immigration officials can choose to ask program participants questions about their trip and search their bags just as they would for any other passenger. In addition, special travel documents can be "revoked" (taken back) at any time if the traveler "violates" (does not follow) the "terms and conditions" (rules) of the program.