What Travel-Related Tasks Can I Do on the CBP Website?

The CBP website (cbp.gov) is the official portal for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and it provides direct entry points for several common travel tasks: applying for or renewing Global Entry, applying for ESTA, finding your I-94 record, browsing all Trusted Traveler Programs, and checking border wait times. These links are grouped under the site's "I Want To:" section, so you can reach them from the homepage without digging through menus.

Travel Tasks Available on cbp.gov

Apply for or Renew Global Entry

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program that expedites clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. On cbp.gov you can start a new application or renew an existing membership. You will need your passport and basic personal information to begin. After submitting, the process typically includes a background check and an in-person interview at an enrollment center.

Apply for ESTA

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is the required pre-travel authorization for eligible travelers visiting the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. The CBP site links to the official ESTA application. Have your passport, travel itinerary, and payment method ready. Approval is usually issued quickly, but you should apply well before your departure date.

Find an I-94 Record

Your I-94 is your arrival/departure record, which shows the date you were admitted and how long you may stay. On cbp.gov you can look up your most recent I-94 and print it if needed. You will need your passport number and date of birth to retrieve it. This is useful for verifying your authorized stay, applying for a driver's license, or completing employment paperwork.

Find All Trusted Traveler Programs

CBP offers several Trusted Traveler Programs beyond Global Entry, such as NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST. The site provides a single page where you can compare eligibility, benefits, and application steps for each program. This helps you choose the one that matches your travel patterns—for example, NEXUS for U.S.-Canada travel or SENTRI for the U.S.-Mexico border.

View Border Wait Times

If you are crossing a land border, the site lets you check current wait times at specific ports of entry. You can select the border (U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico) and the port to see estimated passenger and commercial vehicle wait times. This is helpful for planning your crossing to avoid long lines.

Other Useful Resources on the Site

• Trusted Traveler Mobile App: The new app consolidates Trusted Traveler tools for smoother airport travel.
• Smart Wall Map: Shows the status of border barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.
• Stats and Summaries Dashboards: Provides CBP statistical data on border security, trade, and travel.
• Official Notice of Extension, Suspension and Liquidation: For trade-related notices.
• Congressional Resources: The single point of contact between CBP and Congress.

What You Cannot Do on cbp.gov

The site does not handle visa applications—those go through the U.S. Department of State. It also does not process passport applications; that is handled by the State Department. CBP focuses on border security, trade, travel, customs regulations, and enforcement.

Quick Reference

All of these tasks are accessible directly from the CBP homepage under the "I Want To:" heading, making it a practical starting point for most travel-related needs.