Canadian airports are currently alerting travelers that the NEXUS and Global Entry pre-clearance programs for flights bound for the United States have been suspended. This announcement has been notably linked to a partial U.S. government shutdown, particularly by Vancouver International Airport, which has provided detailed information regarding the situation.
Airports including Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto have advised passengers to expect longer wait times when passing through U.S. Customs, particularly on the first Sunday following the announcement. This advisory came amidst concerns regarding airport operations given the current political climate in the U.S.
While many airports opted not to elaborate on the reasons for the program's suspension, Calgary International Airport confirmed in an email to The Canadian Press that NEXUS is overseen by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), indicating that they themselves do not possess additional details about the situation. Despite the lack of clarity from other airports, Vancouver International Airport has made it clear on its website that the suspension of the NEXUS and Global Entry programs will remain in effect until further notice, directly attributing it to the ongoing partial U.S. government shutdown.
The NEXUS program is designed to allow pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the U.S. and Canada, featuring dedicated kiosks located at major airports. This program's efficacy is crucial for many frequent travelers who rely on expedited entry to ease the burdens typically associated with cross-border travel.
The current partial U.S. government shutdown began on February 14, 2026, due to a failure by Democrats and the White House to reach a consensus on funding legislation for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This failure has not only affected the functionality of pre-clearance programs but has also raised concerns about federal agencies' overall operational capacity.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not respond to inquiries from The Canadian Press regarding this matter. However, reports from The Associated Press indicate that DHS has confirmed that the Global Entry program will remain suspended for the duration of the partial government shutdown. Additionally, DHS has stated that the lack of federal funding will prevent the active management of its website, warning users that information available may not be current.
A spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency directed inquiries regarding the closure of the pre-clearance program back to American authorities, illustrating the complex nature of cross-border operations and the reliance on U.S. management for these programs.
This ongoing disruption emphasizes the broader implications of governmental functioning—or lack thereof—on international travel. With the NEXUS and Global Entry programs being essential tools for expedited border crossings, their suspension will undoubtedly impact numerous travelers who depend on these services for efficiency and convenience in their journeys to the United States.
Overall, the suspension of these critical travel programs highlights the intricate relationship between U.S. government operations and international travel, raising awareness among future passengers about the potential impacts of political decisions on their travel plans.
