What SENTRI and NEXUS enrollment centers do

SENTRI and NEXUS are trusted traveler programs run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that let you move through border crossings and airports faster if you pass a background check. An enrollment center is a physical location where you go in person to complete your process, have your fingerprints taken, and get your photo and iris scan recorded. You cannot complete these steps online — you must visit a center.

The enrollment process takes about 15 minutes once you arrive. A CBP officer will verify your identity, collect your biometric data, and answer questions about your process. After you leave, CBP reviews your background and either approves or denies your membership. Most people hear back within two to four weeks, though some cases take longer.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an enrollment center in person to complete SENTRI or NEXUS membership — the biometric collection step cannot be done by mail or online.
  • Enrollment centers are located at major airports, land border crossings, and some CBP offices, with locations varying by state and region.
  • You can find your nearest center and book an appointment through the CBP's official SENTRI/NEXUS website before you go.
  • Bring a valid passport or passport card, proof of citizenship, and any documents CBP requested when you submitted your online process.
  • The appointment itself is free, but SENTRI and NEXUS membership fees explore after approval — NEXUS costs more but covers both the U.S. and Canada.

How to find an enrollment center near you

CBP maintains a searchable list of all active enrollment centers on the official SENTRI/NEXUS website. You can filter by state, city, or type of location (airport, land port, or CBP office). The list shows each center's hours, phone number, and whether it currently has appointment slots open.

Not every state has a center, and availability changes seasonally. If no center is near you, you may be able to travel to the nearest one — many people drive or fly to a larger city to complete enrollment. Some centers are busier than others; a center two hours away might have an appointment next week while your closest one is booked for two months.

Call the center directly if the website does not show availability. Staff can tell you when the next opening is and whether you can get on a waitlist. Some centers add appointment slots periodically as staffing allows.

What to bring to your enrollment appointment

Bring your valid passport or U.S. passport card — this is required and CBP will not process you without it. You also need proof of U.S. citizenship, which can be a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or citizenship document. If you submitted your online process already, bring any documents CBP asked you to provide, such as proof of residence or employment verification.

Wear clothing that allows your iris to be scanned clearly — avoid heavy sunglasses or tinted glasses on the day of your appointment. The iris scan is quick but requires a clear view of your eye. Bring your phone or a printed copy of your appointment confirmation so staff can pull up your record.

If you are explore for NEXUS, you will also need proof that you meet the income or employment requirements if CBP requested it during your online process. Check your process status email to see what documents explore to you.

Booking an appointment online

The CBP SENTRI/NEXUS website has an appointment booking system. You create an account, select your nearest enrollment center, and choose from available time slots. Appointments typically fill up weeks or months in advance at busy locations, so book as soon as you know you want to enroll.

You can book an appointment before you submit your online process, but CBP recommends submitting your process first so your record is in the system when you arrive. If you book before explore online, bring all required documents with you and tell the officer at check-in that your process is not yet submitted.

If you need to reschedule, log back into your account and change your appointment. If you cannot make it, cancel so someone else can use that slot. Canceling more than 24 hours in advance usually has no penalty.

What happens during your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. A CBP officer will call you when it is your turn and take you to a private area. They will verify your identity using your passport, ask you to confirm the information on your process, and ask a few background questions. This is a good time to mention anything you are unsure about — the officer can clarify what CBP needs.

Next, you will have your fingerprints scanned electronically, your photo taken, and your iris scanned. The iris scan is painless and takes seconds. The officer will explain each step before it happens. If you wear glasses or contacts, you may be asked to remove them for the iris scan so the camera can see your eye clearly.

Once biometrics are done, you are finished. The officer will tell you how long approval usually takes and how you will be notified. You do not pay anything at the appointment — fees are charged only after CBP approves your membership.

Enrollment centers at airports versus land borders

Airport enrollment centers are located at major hubs like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Chicago. These tend to have more appointment availability because they serve larger populations. Land border enrollment centers are at crossings in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, plus some in Michigan and New York near Canada.

If you live near a land border, that center may be more convenient. If you live inland, an airport center might be your only realistic option. Some people schedule their enrollment appointment around a trip they are already taking — for example, enrolling at the airport the day before a flight.

Both types of center process SENTRI and NEXUS applications. The appointment experience is the same regardless of location.

What to do if no appointments are available

If your nearest center is fully booked, check centers in neighboring states or larger cities. Availability opens up regularly as CBP adds appointment slots, so check back weekly. You can also call the center directly and ask to be placed on a waitlist — some centers contact people when cancellations happen.

SENTRI and NEXUS membership is not time-limited while you wait. You can submit your online process now and schedule your in-person appointment whenever a slot opens, even if it is months away. Your process will stay in the system.

If you are traveling soon and need expedited processing, contact CBP directly through the SENTRI/NEXUS website to explain your situation. They cannot may provide faster appointments, but they may be able to help in urgent cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do my enrollment appointment by video call instead of in person?

No. CBP requires in-person biometric collection — fingerprints, photo, and iris scan — and these cannot be done remotely. You must visit an enrollment center.

What if I miss my appointment?

Contact the enrollment center as soon as possible. If you miss without canceling, you may lose your appointment slot and have to book a new one, which could mean waiting several more weeks. Some centers allow you to reschedule the same day if you call quickly.

Do I need to complete my online process before I book an appointment?

No, but CBP recommends it. You can book your appointment first, then submit your online process before your appointment date. Either way, your process must be submitted before the officer can process your biometrics.

Can someone else go to the appointment for me?

No. You must be present in person. CBP verifies your identity and collects your biometrics, so only you can complete the appointment.

Is there a fee to use the enrollment center?

The appointment itself is free. SENTRI costs $122.50 and NEXUS costs $120 (fees vary slightly and may change). You pay only if CBP approves your membership.