DEL RIO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Del Rio Port of Entry is now ready to begin operating the much-awaited SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) lane. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will commence at 10 a.m. immediately followed by the commencement of the SENTRI lane operation.
Beginning Thursday, October 1, the hours of operation for the new SENTRI lane are as follows:
- 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Starting Friday October 2, the hours of operation change to the following:
- 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week
Laredo Field Office together with civic leaders from the
City of Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña, Mexico prepare to
cut the ribbon to inaugurate the SENTRI lane at
Del Rio International Bridge.
SENTRI lane participants will utilize the same lane as commercial trucks but will continue towards primary inspection lane 2 (second lane from the southernmost primary lane) which has been designated as the dedicated SENTRI lane. Delineators and signage will be visible to guide participants to their dedicated lane.
“Although the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic has tested our port with trying times and challenges, the opening of the SENTRI lane at the Del Rio Port of Entry is a momentous occasion. The SENTRI lane provides CBP with an effective means of facilitating lawful travel and benefits the Del Rio community tremendously by expediting low-risk traffic and improving customer service for our daily cross-border travelers,” said Port Director Liliana Flores, Del Rio Port of Entry.
SENTRI is a CBP Trusted-Traveler Program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States. Participants may enter the U.S. using dedicated lanes at participating southern land-border ports. Travelers must be pre-approved for the SENTRI program and undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview as part of the enrollment process. Prospective SENTRI participants may apply online as well as pay application and other program fees online. Participants also have the option to apply in person at the Del Rio Port of Entry Trusted Traveler Enrollment Center which is located at the Port of Entry (3140 Spur 239, Del Rio, TX 78840) near the East side of the facility by the visitors parking lot. The cost for participation in the SENTRI program is $122.25 per person (children 14 and under are free) and is valid for five years. Air travelers that are interested in the Global Entry program, a Trusted Traveler Program in the international airport environment, that apply online may also have their in-person interviews conducted at the enrollment center. The hours of operation for the Del Rio Port of Entry Trusted Traveler Enrollment Center are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
As a reminder to travelers, travel restrictions are still in effect and must be adhered to when also utilizing the SENTRI lane. Details of these restrictions can be accessed via the link below:
A link to the Trusted Traveler Program online application process is found here.