The ESTA Guide on the US TSA PreCheck program

ESTA Visa Guide and the USA TSA PreCheck

First, a few words about ESTA, which, when combined with the TS Program makes the US travel a doodle. Instead of a conventional US Visa, you might consider opting for an ESTA Visa. No matter, if you are an entrepreneur, or work for a large corporation or just want to come on vacation to Portland. Those formalities have to be taken care of. You’ll either need a regular USA Visa or an ESTA Visa. You can find the online ESTA application form here. Welcome to our  ESTA Visa travel guide for Portland Oregon. “ESTA” stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security manages the VWP which issues the ESTA Visa USA.

Your US ESTA Visa Guide for your TSA 

Now let us see what the TSA is all about:

Over 10 million people have enrolled in the US TSA PreCheck program.

 

On March 2, the US Transportation Security Administration announced that more than 10 million people have registered for the PreCheck security screening program. The TSA Pre✓® has been operating in the United States since December 2013, when its first enrollment center opened. From then on, the program has been growing rapidly. According to statistics gathered in March, TSA’s Trusted Traveler Program profited from an 18% increase in the number of new memberships between 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 assessments. 

Mr. David Pekoske, TSA’s Administrator, has said in a press conference that “The more individuals who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck, the more we can focus resources on individuals who more likely pose a risk to aviation security. It’s better security and a better experience for travelers.”

 

A milestone

This milestone was reached more than half a year before the October 1 deadline set by TSA in its Modernization Act. TSA’s security screening has also surpassed expectations in terms of efficacy. January saw around 94% of member passengers waiting less than five minutes in TSA PreCheck lines. With the news, Mr. Pekoske added that “TSA remains committed to its core mission to secure the homeland while ensuring passengers have as smooth a travel experience as possible.” 

The TSA Pre screening procedure currently operates in more than 200 airports across the United States. It is only accessible to registered U.S. citizens and permanent residents flying on/to partner carriers and airports. Now with more than 400 enrollment centers across the country and millions of members, it has become one of America’s largest trusted travel programs. 

Your US ESTA Visa Guide for your TSA 

• ESTA Visa – What is the TSA Pre?

 

The TSA Pre or TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler program run by the American Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Created to optimize the security of US transportation systems, the TSA collaborates with law enforcement and intelligence agencies in establishing several risk-based strategies and systems. It works as a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, introduced in response to September 11.

The TSA Pre✓® began operating in October 2011 by introducing expedited screening to selected members traveling on domestic and designated international routes. Under the TSA Pre, registered travelers needn’t remove shoes, belts, jackets or laptops when flying to/from more than 200 US airports. This allows members of partner frequent flyer programs as well as NEXUS, Global Entry, and SENTRI to go through screening procedures much more quickly. The same applies to midshipmen and cadets of US service academies and US military members. 

Applicants have to undergo a background check and have their fingerprints collected. TSA also charges a U$85 service fee per application. Once the registration process is completed and approved, applicants will receive a Known Traveler Number. This will work as their membership ID. When flying with partner airlines, travelers will have a code printed on their boarding pass. Depending on the airline, this notification can appear as “TSA PRE”, “TSAPRECHK”, or “TSA Pre✓®”.

Your US ESTA Visa Guide for your TSA 

• ESTA Visa – How does the U.S. TSA PreCheck work?

 

The US TSA Pre works only for domestic trips or when flying from a member airport in the USA to another country. In some cases, it is also available for connecting flights within the United States. Being eligible to a TSA PreCheck means undergoing screening procedures more quickly in one of the TSA designated lines. Member travelers with a PreCheck on their boarding pass don’t have to remove liquids or laptops from their bags. They may also keep their shoes, jackets, and belts on when going through security checks.

To obtain a TSA Pre Known Traveler Number, travelers have to fall into the category of U.S. citizen or U.S. national. Those considered lawful permanent residents of the United States may also apply for the TSA PreCheck. Applications involve the collection of fingerprints, a background check, and the payment of a U$85 service fee. Once approved, the PreCheck ID has the validity of five years. During this period, travelers may use the TSA lanes at security checkpoints in more than 200 airports across the US. However, this will only be possible when traveling with one of the 73 PreCheck approved airlines. 

Your US ESTA Visa Guide for your TSA 

• ESTA Visa – How to apply for a TSA Pre?

 

There are several ways to apply for a US expedited security screening service. Yet they all involved going through one of USA’s Customs and Border Protection agencies such as TSA Pre✓®, NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry. These are all Trusted Traveler Programs approved by the US Department of Homeland Security. Regardless of personal preference, the DHS advises that travelers choose the application channel according to their eligibility requirements.  

The application process for a TSA Pre Application Program is simple and quick. Travelers first have to fill out and submit an online form, which shouldn’t take more than five minutes. Then, they should schedule an appointment at one of the PreCheck enrollment centers. Finally, officials will conduct a ten-minute background check and collect the applicant’s fingerprints. When applying via the PreCheck Application Program, individuals should receive a response in less than three weeks from the appointment date. In some cases, the approval may be granted a couple of days after the in-person interview. Therefore, make sure to check the status of your TSA Pre Application online. 

ESTA Visa and your TSA

Anyone opting for a PreCheck application should know that the TSA contracts enrollment providers to facilitate the process.

These agencies collect all relevant information from applicants and send them to TSA (as well as the FBI) for review. There are currently managed by two different providers: Idemia Identity & Security USA LCC and IdentoGO. Agencies such as Telos Identity Management Solutions and Alclear are scheduled to start conducting enrollments for TSA PreCheck as of 2020.

Those applying for a NEXUS, Global Entry, or SENTRI membership should first create an online account on the platform’s website. Applicants can then follow the instructions to schedule an interview at one of the official enrollment centers. If in need of further instructions, travelers should visit the official Trusted Traveler Program website or contact the CBP via email.

All Trusted Traveler programs charge a service fee per application according to the program chosen. Those applying for a TSA PreCheck will need to pay $85, either by debit card, credit card, company check, or money order. If applying for Global Entry, for example, travelers can pay the $100 processing fee via electronic bank transfer or by credit/debit card. 

Your US ESTA Visa Guide for your TSA 

 

• ESTA Visa Guide – Airlines Enrolled in the TSA Pre Program

 

A TSA Pre Known Traveler Number is only valid when flying with one of the 73 airlines registered in the program. Below is a list of the airlines that participate in the US TSA PreCheck as of December 2019.

• Aeromexico
• Air Canada
• The Air France
• Air India
• Air Serbia
• Alaska Airlines
• Alitalia
• All Nippon Airways
• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines
• Aruba Airlines
• Asiana Airlines
• Austrian Airlines
• Avianca
• Azul Airlines
• Boutique Airlines
• British Airways
• Brussels Airlines
• Cape Air
• Cathay Pacific Airways
• China Airlines
• Condor Airlines
• Contour Aviation
• Copa Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Eastern Airlines
• Edelweiss Air
• Elite Airways
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• EVA Air
• Finnair
• Flycana
• Frontier Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Icelandair
• InterCaribbean Airways
• Interjet
• Japan Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Key Lime Air
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Korean Air
• Lufthansa
• Miami Air International
• Norwegian Air
• PAL Express
• Philippine Airlines
• Porter Airlines
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Scandinavian Airlines
• Seaborne Airlines
• Silver Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• Southern Airways Express
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• Sunclass
• Sunwing Airlines
• Swift Air
• Swiss International Air Lines
• Swoop
• TAP Air Portugal
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines
• Virgin Atlantic
• VivaAerobus
• Volaris
• WestJet
• World Atlantic
• Xtra Airways

Your US ESTA Visa Guide for your TSA 

ESTA Visa Guide

Who is eligible for a TSA PreCheck?

 

Only those with American citizenship, nationality, and permanent residence can request a TSA PreCheck. Members of other Trusted Traveler Programs such as NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry may also apply for a TSA Pre✓®. Likewise, members of U.S. Armed Forces (U.S. Coast Guard and National Guard included) can benefit from the PreCheck Program. Foreign travelers will only be eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck when bearing a valid residence permit. Should an applicant present false or incomplete information during the application process he/she will become ineligible for a TSA Pre. The same applies to those who have committed criminal offenses and/or violated the US transportation security regulations. 

Each of the four agencies (Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS, and TSA Pre✓® Application Program) features different regulations, prices, and conditions.

Therefore, before submitting an application, the US Department of Homeland Security recommends that travelers review the eligibility requirements of all Trusted Traveler Programs. The DHS also offers travelers an online comparison tool to help determine the best choice of program for each individual.  

Your US ESTA Visa Guide for your TSA 

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