Canadian airports have issued warnings to travellers regarding the suspension of NEXUS and Global Entry pre-clearance programs for flights bound for the United States. This development has been particularly noted by Vancouver International Airport, which has linked it to a partial U.S. government shutdown.

Airports in major Canadian cities, including Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto, have advised passengers to allow for additional time when passing through U.S. Customs. This change has caught the attention of many frequent flyers, especially those who rely on expedited processing through these programs.

Details surrounding the reasons for the closure remain sparse. Calgary International Airport acknowledged in an email to The Canadian Press that NEXUS is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and that it did not have any further information on the matter. However, Vancouver International Airport provided clarity on its website, explicitly stating that the suspension of these programs is effective "until further notice" due to the ongoing partial U.S. government shutdown.

The NEXUS program facilitates expedited processing for pre-screened travellers entering both the U.S. and Canada, featuring dedicated kiosks at various airports. This ease of travel is now in jeopardy, as a partial U.S. government shutdown commenced on February 14, 2026, following the failure of negotiations between Democrats and the White House to agree on funding legislation for the Department of Homeland Security.

In response to inquiries, U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not provide an immediate comment when approached by The Canadian Press. Nevertheless, reports from The Associated Press indicated that the Department of Homeland Security announced on Sunday that the Global Entry program would remain inactive for the duration of the government shutdown.

The situation has significant implications for international travellers, as the lack of funding has rendered the Department of Homeland Security's website unmanageable. It has been noted that information provided on the site may be outdated or inaccurate due to the lapse in federal funding. The communications surrounding this issue highlight the interconnectedness of U.S.-Canada travel programs and the potential disruptions caused by political actions.

The Canada Border Services Agency, for its part, has deferred questions regarding the pre-clearance suspension to American authorities, emphasizing that any changes in policy must be addressed in conjunction with U.S. guidelines. As the situation unfolds, the impact on travellers and the processing of customs at Canadian airports continues to be a point of concern.

In conclusion, as the partial U.S. government shutdown persists, the immediate and longer-term effects on the NEXUS and Global Entry programs are yet to be fully understood, leaving many travellers unsure about their future travel plans.