Streamlining vehicle crossings at the Lukeville-Sonoyta land entry, while increasing both tourism and commercial competitiveness for Puerto Peñasco, is an urgent matter. With this in mind, steps are being taken again to encourage the opening of a SENTRI lane at the Lukeville border entry.
Oscar Federico Palacio Soto, local representative for the Sonoran Hotel and Motel Association, reported Covid-19 led to a setback in the process to open a SENTRI lane at the Lukeville-Sonoyta crossing. Now, various commercial and service groups from Puerto Peñasco are once again reaching out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to request this be revisited.
First requested in 2017, those interested in a SENTRI lane in Lukeville would like to see that opened as soon as possible, rather than in 2023 or at a later date as is currently planned. The goal being that a SENTRI lane would help alleviate and streamline traffic heading into the US, particularly during high tourism seasons.
What is SENTRI?
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Participants may enter the United States by using dedicated primary lanes into the United States at Southern land border ports.
Travelers must be pre-approved for the SENTRI program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment