HIDALGO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge encourages travelers to apply for available programs that allow expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival to the United States.
“As the summer travel season has arrived, we would like to ensure that travelers know about the different programs available to expedite their entry to the United States,” said Port Director Severiano Solis, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
Trusted Traveler Enrollment Center.
The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) allows participants to enter the United States by using dedicated primary lanes at Southern land border ports.
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance upon arrival in the United States through automatic kiosks at selected airports. As an added perk U.S. citizens enrolled in Global Entry automatically qualify for participation in TSA PreCheck for domestic travel. U.S. citizens, Legal Permanent Residents and Mexican Nationals receive SENTRI privileges upon request and can be used at southern land border ports at no additional cost.
The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the United States from Canada and Mexico. This trusted traveler/trusted shipper program allows expedited procession for commercial carriers who have completed background checks and fulfill certain eligibility requirements. FAST enrollment is open to truck drivers from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Participation in FAST requires that every link in the supply chain, from manufacturer to carrier to driver to importer, is certified under the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program.
Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global/SENTRI/FAST entry programs. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.
While the goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and/or termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.
The Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Ports of Entry are each equipped with SENTRI lanes and a FAST lane at the Pharr cargo facility, and are available for your expedited crossing.
Trusted Traveler Program Enrollment Center at the Anzalduas International Bridge is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and by appointment on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. We encourage travelers to inquire about the program and its benefits. For questions call 956-207-7929 or visit our enrollment center at the Anzalduas International Bridge.
For more information about the Trusted Traveler Programs please visit the Trusted Traveler webpage.