NEXUS Shuttered at Canadian Airports Due to US Shutdown

The partial shutdown of the U.S. government is being blamed for the closure of the NEXUS and Global Entry programs at Canadian airports. The shutdown stems from the American government’s failure to reach an agreement regarding funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As a result, parts of the government are experiencing lapses, for instance the website for Homeland Security is not being updated, and TSA workers are not being paid. Homeland Security stated it was taking “emergency measures to preserve limited funds.” Among the steps listed were “ending Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck lanes and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry service, to refocus Department personnel on the majority of travelers.”

 TSA Pre-Check, which allows an expedited security process at U.S. airports for approved passengers was originally included in the suspension, before DHS did an about-face and announced that TSA would “evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly,” meaning Pre-Check will operate when and where staffing levels allow. 

A notice on the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) website states that the programs, which are designed to ease travel between the U.S. and Canada for pre-vetted passengers, are suspended until further notice. The airport advises U.S.-bound passengers to allow additional time to complete U.S. pre-clearance procedures. Toronto Pearson tweeted that the NEXUS lane was closed last night, before announcing it was open again this morning.

While the suspensions are in place, travellers should check with the airport for the most up-to-date information. 

Related: Canada Updates U.S. Travel Advisory: New Warning Added

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