Guide to NEXUS and Global Entry: Fast Track to the Borders

Programs NEXUS and Global Entry make it easier for Canadian and U.S. passport holders to cross the borders of both countries. Because these self-service programs speed up customs formalities. And this by sea, land or air.

NEXUS and Global Entry have pre-selected these travellers. Thus, the authorities concerned were able to conclude, according to their criteria, that these travellers represented only a low risk to the security of both countries. Therefore, no need to linger.

A third program, CANPASS AIR, has the same function but serves passengers on private or business aircraft.

The NEXUS program is the result of an agreement between the Canada Border Services Agency and the United States Customs and Border Protection. It therefore only concerns these two countries.

The NEXUS card allows selected travellers to expedite their border crossing on both the Canadian and American sides. And may include TSA Precheck from US airports.

It also works for returns to Canada from any other country.

The NEXUS card is effective for five years. Please note that with your NEXUS card, you will also be able to use Global Entry kiosks in the United States.

Of course, to save time and avoid queues in airports. So how do we proceed?

• First, by using the NEXUS automated kiosks installed at nine Canadian international airports.
• And Global Entry with the NEXUS card, to enter the United States.

Equipped with an IRIS reader, these terminals recognize you and link your biometric data to the security database. You then answer a few questions via the touch screen, and that’s it.

• Secondly, by accessing the expedited clearance halls that exist at many Canadian airports and getting through security checkpoints more quickly.
• And finally, by taking advantage of the TSA (Transport Security Administration) pre-check lines in the United States.

The same can indeed be done by land.

Because there are reserved lanes for travellers who are members of the NEXUS and Global Entry programmes. That’s right! At 21 Canadian border crossings.

Finally, the NEXUS program is also used by sea.

It’s very easy; one phone call to one of the Marine Reporting Centres located in over 450 Canadian ports.

You can find all the eligibility criteria on the Government of Canada website.

However, you must have been a citizen or permanent resident of Canada or the United States for at least three years. Mexican nationals participating in the Viajero Confiable program are also eligible.

In addition, you will need to have a clean criminal history.

You will need to provide evidence of your citizenship or permanent residence such as:

• valid passport,
• birth certificate and photo ID,
• permanent resident card, or
• work or study permit.

Then other documents proving your place of residence such as :

• a driver’s license, or
• or bank statement with your address on it.

The application for NEXUS membership is made online through the Trusted Traveler Programs System (TTP). It takes place in eight steps and ends with the payment of US$50.

Pull out your no-FX fee credit card like the HSBC World Elite^® Mastercard^® or those that offer to pay for the expense (more on that below).

Have your documents ready. In addition to the information in your passport and driver’s license, you will need the address and telephone number of your employer(s) for the last five years.

And that’s not forgetting the countries you have travelled to and your last home addresses.

After sending the form, the authorities will reply within five working days. If your application is accepted, you will be invited to the final stage: the interview.

Interview offices are gradually reopening, and to speed things up, Nexus interviews are now available at certain airports.

When you are summoned, they will ask to see some of your proof of citizenship or permanent residence.

A digital photograph of your iris will be taken and used to identify you at the NEXUS station each time you enter Canada and the United States by air (except for children).

A second digital photo, this time of your face, will be used for your NEXUS card.

Finally, you will be ready to take the fast track corridor by taking a look at the lines.

Some credit cards offer, among other benefits, a refund of the NEXUS membership fee every 48 months (for the whole family).

This is the case for these three popular credit cards in the Milesopedia community:

In addition, they often have generous welcome bonuses.

If you don’t have these credit cards, you should know that this expense is made in American dollars. It will then be useful to use a credit card with no conversion fees, of which here are the 3 best in Canada:

• HSBC World Elite^® Mastercard^®
• Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card
• Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card

Global Entry is an American initiative aimed at their citizens. Like NEXUS, it allows pre-screened travelers to quickly clear customs upon arrival in the United States. And it includes TSA Precheck for departures from US airports.

The Canadian traveller is well advised to enrol in the NEXUS program, which includes the other two programs and is also less expensive.