NEXUS & Global Entry Suspended at Canadian Airports Due to US Shutdown

Access to expedited U.S. Border crossing programs for Canadian travellers is currently suspended at several major airports across Canada, stemming from the ongoing partial government shutdown in the United States. The disruption affects both NEXUS and Global Entry programs, impacting travellers flying to the U.S.

Airports in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal have all issued advisories on Sunday, February 23, 2026, stating that access to the programs for U.S.-bound flights has been temporarily closed. Calgary International Airport (YYC) advised passengers travelling through U.S. Customs to allow for extra time due to increased security checks. Toronto Pearson International Airport recommended the use of the Mobile Passport Control app to expedite processing at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) explicitly linked the suspension to the U.S. Government shutdown, stating on its website that access to both pre-clearance programs is suspended “until further notice.” The airport warned that this change may impact processing times for departing passengers.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Sunday that the Global Entry program would be suspended for the duration of the shutdown. This followed an earlier announcement that both Global Entry and the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) PreCheck program would be affected, though the PreCheck closure was later cancelled.

The shutdown began on February 14, 2026, after Democrats and the White House failed to reach an agreement on legislation to fund DHS. The core of the disagreement lies in Democratic demands for changes to immigration operations, specifically those related to President Donald Trump’s deportation policies.

The NEXUS program is designed to expedite border crossings for frequent travellers between Canada and the U.S. It operates by pre-screening travellers, allowing border officers to concentrate resources on identifying illegal activities and potential security threats. According to Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs officials, the program aims to streamline legitimate travel while enhancing security.

Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program, provides pre-approved, low-risk travellers with expedited customs processing upon entering the United States from abroad. While specific data on time savings is not readily available, travel industry experts estimate that Global Entry can reduce customs processing times from an average of 30 to 90 minutes to between 5 and 10 minutes.

Holders of Global Entry membership also automatically receive TSA PreCheck benefits. In 2024, the Department of Homeland Security reported that over 20 million Americans participated in TSA PreCheck, with a significant portion also holding Global Entry memberships.

The disruption to NEXUS and Global Entry highlights the interconnectedness of border management and the potential impact of political gridlock in one country on the travel experiences of citizens in another. The suspension of these programs underscores the reliance on continued operational funding for these initiatives and the challenges faced when government functions are disrupted.

Travellers intending to cross the U.S. Border are advised to check the latest updates from their departure airport and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the most current information regarding program availability and processing times. The situation remains fluid and is subject to change as the U.S. Government shutdown continues.