Trusted Traveller Programs Compared

Which Trusted Traveller Program Is Right for You?

Trusted traveller programs give pre-approved passengers faster screening at airports through dedicated lanes, reduced document checks, or biometric verification. Each program has different eligibility rules, costs, and coverage.

This guide compares the major programs available globally so you can decide which — if any — are worth applying for. If you just need faster security on a specific trip, a FastTrack pass gives you priority lane access at 288+ airports with no pre-approval needed.

TSA PreCheck (United States)

TSA PreCheck is a US government program that allows pre-approved travellers to use dedicated security lanes at 200+ US airports.

Benefits

• Keep shoes, belt, and light jacket on
• Leave laptop and liquids in bag
• Shorter security lines (typically under 5 minutes)
• Available for domestic and international departures from US airports

Details

• Cost: ~£61 for 5 years (~£12/year)
• Eligibility: US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents
• Enrollment: Online application + in-person appointment (fingerprints, background check)
• Processing time: 2–3 weeks (sometimes 3–5 days with expedited processing)
• Coverage: 200+ US airports, 90+ participating airlines

Apply: tsa.gov/precheck

Global Entry (United States)

Global Entry is a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program for expedited clearance when entering the United States. It includes TSA PreCheck.

Benefits

• All TSA PreCheck benefits (faster security screening)
• Expedited US customs and immigration on arrival (skip the passport queue)
• Self-service kiosks at US ports of entry
• No customs declaration form needed

Details

• Cost: ~£79 for 5 years (~£16/year) — includes TSA PreCheck
• Eligibility: US citizens, permanent residents, and citizens of select partner countries (UK, Germany, South Korea, and others)
• Enrollment: Online application + in-person interview at a CBP enrollment center or select airports
• Processing time: 2–4 weeks for conditional approval; interview required
• Coverage: All US ports of entry + TSA PreCheck at 200+ airports

Apply: cbp.gov/global-entry

CLEAR Plus (United States)

CLEAR uses biometrics (eyes and fingerprints) to verify your identity, replacing the ID check step at TSA security. It gets you to the front of the screening line but does not change the screening process itself.

Benefits

• Skip the ID verification queue at security
• Biometric verification (no physical ID needed)
• Works alongside TSA PreCheck for maximum speed
• Also available at select stadiums and venues

Details

• Cost: ~£149/year (family plans available; often discounted through airlines or credit cards)
• Eligibility: US citizens and permanent residents; some visa holders
• Enrollment: Sign up online, complete enrollment at any CLEAR pod (no appointment needed)
• Processing time: Instant enrollment at the airport
• Coverage: 50+ US airports, expanding

CLEAR vs TSA PreCheck: They solve different problems. TSA PreCheck simplifies screening (keep shoes/laptop in bag). CLEAR skips the ID check queue. Used together, they provide the fastest possible experience at US airports.

NEXUS & SENTRI

NEXUS (US-Canada)

NEXUS provides expedited border crossing between the United States and Canada — by air, land, and sea.

• Cost: ~£39 for 5 years — the best value trusted traveller program
• Benefits: Includes TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Canada's CANPASS Air
• Eligibility: US and Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Coverage: US-Canada border crossings, plus TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Apply: cbp.gov/nexus

SENTRI (US-Mexico)

SENTRI provides expedited border crossing between the US and Mexico.

• Cost: ~£96 for 5 years
• Benefits: Includes TSA PreCheck and expedited US-Mexico land border crossing
• Eligibility: US citizens, permanent residents, and Mexican nationals

UK Registered Traveller

The Registered Traveller service allows eligible non-UK/EU nationals to use the eGates at UK border control, skipping the standard passport queue.

Benefits

• Use eGates at UK airports (normally reserved for UK/EU passport holders)
• Faster immigration on arrival in the UK
• No interview or biometric enrollment required

Details

• Cost: £70/year (membership) + £50 application fee (first year total: £120)
• Eligibility: Citizens of USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and other select countries who visit the UK regularly
• Requirement: Must have visited the UK at least 4 times in the past 2 years (or 2+ for some nationalities)
• Coverage: All UK airports with eGates (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and more)

Apply: gov.uk/registered-traveller

EU Entry/Exit System (EES) & ETIAS

The EU is introducing two new border systems that will affect all non-EU travellers entering the Schengen zone:

• EES (Entry/Exit System) — Biometric registration (fingerprints + facial scan) for all non-EU nationals entering the Schengen area. Launching 2025–2026. Read our full EES guide.
• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) — Pre-travel authorisation required for visa-exempt nationals visiting the EU. Expected ~£0 2026. Cost: ~£6 valid 3 years.

These are not "trusted traveller" programs in the traditional sense — they apply to all non-EU travellers. However, they will significantly impact border wait times, making services like FastTrack and immigration fast track even more valuable.

Which Program Should You Choose?

• US domestic flyers only: TSA PreCheck (~£61/5yr) — simplest and most cost-effective.
• US international travellers: Global Entry (~£79/5yr) — includes TSA PreCheck plus faster customs.
• US-Canada frequent crossers: NEXUS (~£39/5yr) — best value, includes both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
• US travellers wanting maximum speed: Global Entry + CLEAR — combine for the ultimate airport experience.
• Non-US nationals visiting the UK regularly: UK Registered Traveller — skip the immigration queue with eGates.
• One-off trips anywhere: FastTrack pass — no application, no background check, instant booking at 288+ airports worldwide from £5.

Many premium credit cards reimburse TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR fees. Check with your card issuer.