BajaNews - 10-30-2006 at 03:35 PM
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20061030-1...
By Onell R. Soto
October 30, 2006
SAN YSIDRO – Border officials long criticized for the delays in processing applications for a popular program for frequent crossers announced Monday
they have streamlined the application process and moved it online.
They also announced that participation in the SENTRI program has been extended an additional three years, so people who are already in it won't have
to reapply until 2009, at the earliest.
About 70,000 people in the San Diego-Tijuana region take part in the program, which allows participants to use special lanes to cross from Mexico into
San Ysidro and Otay Mesa.
Applications used to be processed by hand in an Otay Mesa office, but now that work is being moved to Vermont, where workers will handle applications
filed online beginning Wednesday.
“People want immediate service,” said Adele Fasano, who oversees operations of the border crossings between Mexico and California.
Under the old system, people made appointments to submit their application paperwork, then had to go to Otay Mesa three times: to formally hand over
the application, for fingerprinting and a background interview, and finally to receive a crossing card and sticker for their vehicles.
The whole process could take up to eight months.
In the new program, applicants will have to fill out forms online, and, if approved, be able to make one visit to Otay Mesa for the background
interview, fingerprinting, and to get their crossing card stickers.
Participation in the SENTRI program will be for five years instead of two, but the fee remains the same: $129.
Applicants who already have appointments to submit their paperwork may cancel those appointments and submit their applications online beginning
Wednesday.
The application site, which was not operational Monday, is to be at www.cbp.gov. Applications can be found by clicking on Travel, Frequent Traveler Programs and then SENTRI.
http://www.cbp.gov
.
BajaWarrior - 10-30-2006 at 03:43 PM
So I take it this pass is for the vehicle and it's registered driver?
What about passengers? Do they need one as well?
I heard you cannot tow a trailer through the line irregardless of size, true?
elgatoloco - 10-30-2006 at 05:11 PM
All passengers must be enrolled in SENTRI.
No trailers, no campers.