Passport card or SENTRI? Passing customs faster when coming back from Mexico - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Waterâ€™s Edge

45user · 02-24-2014, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buddha

There are two kinds of passports the book and the card. The card I believe is only for entering Canada or Mexico by foot or car. The book is for air travel.

The Sentri pass is entirely different you have to fill out forms and have an interview. Not sure what it costs now.

If you get the card that lets you go into the fast lanes entering the US.

Thanks for a quick one!
That what I thought. I need to tell my friend to just get passport card
45

buddha · 02-24-2014, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 45user

Thanks for a quick one!
That what I thought. I need to tell my friend to just get passport card
45

No I edited my message.

The Sentri Card is what gets you through to the fast lane.

makobob · 02-24-2014, 04:41 PM

Without the Sentri pass, I find it fastest to cross through Tecate, even on Sunday afternoons. In the last 4 trips mostly 1 hour, 15 minutes. MUCHO quicker than TJ or Mexicali.

ful-rac · 02-24-2014, 04:44 PM

I know last time we went thru the border I was the only one with a passport card. The border officer told us that if everyone in the vehicle had a passport card like me...we would be able to use the express lanes. I didn't even know that at the time.

buddha · 02-24-2014, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ful-rac

I know last time we went thru the border I was the only one with a passport card. The border officer told us that if everyone in the vehicle had a passport card like me...we would be able to use the express lanes. I didn't even know that at the time.

Do you have a sentri card or just a regular passport?

ful-rac · 02-24-2014, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buddha

Do you have a sentri card or just a regular passport?

Just like I said "PASSPORT CARD".

I didn't even know that either, but I asked him just to make sure and the officer confirmed that the passport card is ok to use in the express lanes. Ask Jim, and Greg they were in my truck with me...they heard it too.

buddha · 02-24-2014, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ful-rac

Just like I said "PASSPORT CARD".

I didn't even know that either, but I asked him just to make sure and the officer confirmed that the passport card is ok to use in the express lanes. Ask Jim, and Greg they were in my truck with me...they heard it too.

To me that is very suspect. Everyone that comes back to the US has to have a passport. The passport card is actually the lesser form of the passport as you can only enter by car or foot.

I fail to see how a passport card is special since everyone has to have a passport.

I had two friends drive to the border and one of them had the Sentri card and one had the passport card. The one with the passport card had to get out of the car and stand in the walking entry while the one with the Sentri card was allowed to go through the fast lane. Unless both have the Sentri card you can not go through the fast lane.

FISH11 · 02-24-2014, 06:19 PM

Exactly!

ful-rac · 02-24-2014, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buddha

To me that is very suspect. Everyone that comes back to the US has to have a passport. The passport card is actually the lesser form of the passport as you can only enter by car or foot.

I fail to see how a passport card is special since everyone has to have a passport.

I had two friends drive to the border and one of them had the Sentri card and one had the passport card. The one with the passport card had to get out of the car and stand in the walking entry while the one with the Sentri card was allowed to go through the fast lane. Unless both have the Sentri card you can not go through the fast lane.

I cant say that i tried it yet, unless the border officer didnt know what he was talking about...told me very clearly that it was ok...I even remember asking about the sentri card so we wern't confused...and he even told the guys to get one so we could go in e express lanes...

Im telln you what he said...

Next time somebody crosses the border make sure to ask again for everyone.

jorluivil · 02-25-2014, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ful-rac

Just like I said "PASSPORT CARD".

I didn't even know that either, but I asked him just to make sure and the officer confirmed that the passport card is ok to use in the express lanes. Ask Jim, and Greg they were in my truck with me...they heard it too.

I asked them and they replied saying they don't know anyone named Tony

45user · 02-25-2014, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorluivil

I asked them and they replied saying they don't know anyone named Tony

45user · 02-24-2014, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ful-rac

I know last time we went thru the border I was the only one with a passport card. The border officer told us that if everyone in the vehicle had a passport card like me...we would be able to use the express lanes. I didn't even know that at the time.

That's what we were told too..
Still confused haha

45

buddha · 02-24-2014, 05:40 PM

This like Who's on First!

Everyone has to have a passport to enter the US. Either the passport card or the book.

The only "card' that gets you into the fast lane is the Sentri Card.

FISH11 · 02-24-2014, 05:53 PM

Where I work there as several employees that live in Mexico and the Sentri pass is what they got to enter quicker. It required filling out paperwork, interviews, background check and a fee. It is only worth it for people who have to cross the border several times a week.

02-24-2014, 04:41 PM	#3
makobob Baitless on Baja Join Date: May 2013 Location: Vista California, Gonzaga, San Quintin, Asuncion, Mag Bay Posts: 4,250	Without the Sentri pass, I find it fastest to cross through Tecate, even on Sunday afternoons. In the last 4 trips mostly 1 hour, 15 minutes. MUCHO quicker than TJ or Mexicali. __________________ http://www.mako-ville.com Home 760-630-4470 Cell 760-520-2514 YES YOU CAN

02-24-2014, 04:44 PM	#4
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	I know last time we went thru the border I was the only one with a passport card. The border officer told us that if everyone in the vehicle had a passport card like me...we would be able to use the express lanes. I didn't even know that at the time. __________________ There's nothing colder than yesterday's hotdog.

02-24-2014, 06:19 PM	#8
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,643	Exactly!

02-24-2014, 05:40 PM	#13
buddha Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: chula vista Posts: 907	This like Who's on First! Everyone has to have a passport to enter the US. Either the passport card or the book. The only "card' that gets you into the fast lane is the Sentri Card.

02-24-2014, 05:53 PM	#14
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,643	Where I work there as several employees that live in Mexico and the Sentri pass is what they got to enter quicker. It required filling out paperwork, interviews, background check and a fee. It is only worth it for people who have to cross the border several times a week.