BajaNomad

San Ysidro foot crossing w/ SENTRI

alafrontera - 11-18-2009 at 02:54 PM

I got my SENTRI card today, do I still need to carry my passport with me? I will today and will ask the CBP but you know I can probably ask five agents and get five different answers :rolleyes: Is there an actual rule on this or is it totally subjective ?

Cyanide41 - 11-18-2009 at 02:59 PM

Sentri alone will do, even if you are not in sentri lanes. I do it all the time and no one has even blinked twice.

tjBill - 11-18-2009 at 03:49 PM

Yes, Sentri is fine.

To enter the US you need one of the following: passport, passport card or Frequent Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

Also, you get to go to the front of the pedestrian line with your Sentri card.

alafrontera - 11-18-2009 at 05:53 PM

Cool, that's what I was counting on. I really don't like taking my passport to Tijuana :rolleyes: I applied for the card but never received it, but that's another thread and another story :(

alafrontera - 11-19-2009 at 02:20 AM

Just got back, no surprise but CBP told me I needed to carry my passport. Didn't actually ask to see it, I went through on SENTRI alone, but told me I needed it :?:

Cyanide41 - 11-19-2009 at 07:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by alafrontera
Just got back, no surprise but CBP told me I needed to carry my passport. Didn't actually ask to see it, I went through on SENTRI alone, but told me I needed it :?:


What?! Did you ask if you needed it? If that was the case I could understand them saying yes you need it. I have never heard of a sentri card alone not being enough. I think if you read the documentation, it will tell you that all you need is your sentri card.

BajaGringo - 11-19-2009 at 07:29 AM

I have been told by several agents at the border that the SENTRI card alone is all you need in lieu of a passport...

arrowhead - 11-19-2009 at 08:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by alafrontera
Just got back, no surprise but CBP told me I needed to carry my passport. Didn't actually ask to see it, I went through on SENTRI alone, but told me I needed it :?:


You are confusing two separate issues. You need only show a SENTRI card to enter the US by land from Mexico. However, any country can refuse you admittance if you do not have a passport, even Mexico. Mexico's lax visa requirements only apply to people from countries on their list, like the US, Canada and most European countries. Visitors from non-listed countries need a passport and a visa to enter Mexico. So, how are you going to prove you are not from North Korea or something? The State Department has always advised Americans to carry a passport when traveling abroad. This is nothing new, it's just common sense.

alafrontera - 11-19-2009 at 10:28 AM

"You are confusing two separate issues..."

Yes of course, I see your point. Makes perfect sense, I was indeed not seeing the "two separate issues". Thanks.