nexus yearly travel pass

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• Trusted Traveler Programs

The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada. Program members use dedicated processing lanes at designated northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air and Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Preclearance airports. NEXUS members also receive expedited processing at marine reporting locations.

Trusted Traveler Programs: Nexus

Nexus benefits.

• Receive expedited passage at NEXUS-dedicated lanes
• Utilize Global Entry airport kiosks
• If arriving by sea, reporting arrival into the U.S. and Canada by calling a marine telephone reporting center

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What Is a Nexus Card and When Should You Use It?

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Table of Contents

What is a Nexus card?

How much does a nexus card cost, who is nexus right for, who should skip the nexus card, how to get a nexus card, final thoughts on nexus cards.

A Nexus card is a form of identification that can be used instead of a passport or a permanent resident card when entering Canada or the U.S. To get a card, travelers will have to apply for Nexus, which is a Trusted Traveler Program similar to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck .

Those who are approved for a Nexus membership receive a Nexus card. The main difference between a Nexus card and U.S. passport is where each is accepted. Nexus cards are accepted at U.S. and Canada land borders, Canada's airports and U.S. airports with Canada preclearance locations. Alternatively, a passport can be used to travel across most international borders.

What is the Nexus card? Here’s what else you need to know about the Nexus card.

Nexus was created for low-risk, preapproved travelers to help speed up border crossings between Canada and the U.S. All Nexus members receive a Nexus card when their membership is approved. The card can be used when entering the U.S. or Canada.

As a Nexus member, you bypass the regular line of travelers and enter a special security/customs line when you arrive in either country. These lines are typically much shorter, and the process is much quicker.

Nexus also offers the benefits of Global Entry at no additional cost. Nexus members can use Global Entry kiosks when entering the U.S. and also have TSA PreCheck benefits.

In addition, the Nexus card can be used in place of a passport when traveling between the U.S. and Canada. Be aware that when traveling by air from Canada to the U.S., you can use your Nexus card at Canadian airports with a U.S. preclearance area only. If the airport doesn't have a U.S. preclearance area, you'll have to use your passport to access your Nexus benefits.

» Learn more: 4 key differences between a passport card and book

Nexus membership costs $50 for five years, but the Nexus card is free with membership. There are several credit cards that reimburse the Nexus membership fee:

on Chase's website

$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .

Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card.

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS fee credit.

Aeroplan® Credit Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card .

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card .

United Quest℠ Card .

If you frequently travel between both countries, consider one of the cards above to get your membership fee reimbursed.

» Learn more: 8 credit cards that reimburse Nexus

Although Nexus and Global Entry share many features, the Nexus card might be a better option if you:

Travel frequently between the U.S. and Canada by both land and air.

Travel with children. Nexus is free for those younger than 18, while the $100 fee for Global Entry is the same for everyone, regardless of age.

Don’t have a travel rewards credit card that will reimburse the Global Entry membership fee . Nexus is half the price of Global Entry, so if you’re paying out of pocket, Nexus can save you some cash.

» Learn more: Global Entry vs. Nexus

The main reason you might want to pass on the Nexus card is because the final step in the application process is an in-person interview. These interviews occur at a handful of places only, including select U.S.-Canada land border crossings and airports in Canada.

If you'll have a difficult time making it to one of these locations, the Nexus card might not be a good choice for you.

» Learn more: What is Global Entry and how do I get it?

Nexus membership is open to citizens and permanent residents of both Canada and the U.S., as well as Mexican nationals who are members of Mexico’s trusted traveler program, Viajero Confiable.

To get your application approved, you need to prove that you’re a low-risk traveler. This step includes verifying that you:

Haven't been convicted of a crime.

Have no outstanding warrants.

Aren't subject to an ongoing investigation by a law enforcement agency.

Haven't violated customs, immigration or agriculture-related laws.

Both the U.S. and Canada need to approve your application. Once it's approved, you'll set up an appointment for an in-person interview, which can be held at border crossings in Canada and the U.S., as well as Canadian airports.

Consider scheduling your interview at a smaller location, as these tend to be less booked.

The Nexus card is a great option for people who travel frequently between the U.S. and Canada. In addition to offering the same benefits as Global Entry, the Nexus card is less expensive and can be used for both air and vehicle travel between the two countries.

However, the application process includes an in-person interview. If it would be a challenge for you to get to one of the limited interview locations, you may want to skip the Nexus card and apply for Global Entry.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

What Is a Nexus Card?

A Nexus card is used for cross-border travel

The NEXUS card gives U.S. and Canadian citizens expedited processing when entering Canada or the United States at all participating NEXUS air, land and marine ports of entry.

The card satisfies Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements; it proves identity and citizenship and acts as a substitute for a passport for entry into Canada for U.S. citizens (and vice versa). The program is a partnership between the Canada and U.S. border services, but NEXUS cards are issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) . The card costs $50.00 (both in U.S. and CAN funds) and is valid for five years.

NEXUS card holders are identified at land border crossings by presenting their cards for scanning and at airport kiosks by undergoing a retinal recognition scan—a process that takes about 10 seconds.

• NEXUS card holders have faster, less involved border crossings using automated NEXUS self-serve kiosks in designated areas at participating international airports.
• By land, drivers may bypass lineups and use the special (shorter, if not empty) NEXUS card lanes.
• By water, cardholders can report to border officials by phone in advance of arrival.
• Approval for a NEXUS card also includes inclusion in the TSA Pre program. 

Applying for a Card

Any citizen of Canada or the U.S. who resides in either country and can pass criminal history and law enforcement checks may apply for a NEXUS card.  An applicant can fill out the form  online , or download the application from the CBP-NEXUS site and then mail or bring the application to one of the  Canadian Processing Centers (CPC) . NEXUS card applications may be available at some border crossings, but they are no longer available at Post Offices. 

A few weeks after the NEXUS card application has been submitted, a staffer will contact you to arrange an interview at an enrollment center. There are over 17 enrollment centers that accept interviews.

Interviews may be conducted by both a Canadian and an American border representative separately and generally last about a half hour in total. Questions focus on citizenship, criminal record, and border crossing experiences. Authorities will also explain the legalities of bringing items over the border. If approved, you will also be fingerprinted and have a retina scan.

Additional Facts

• NEXUS cards are a boon for those that travel for work-related reasons, but even tourists that only go to one of the two countries infrequently may find the card may be well worthwhile.
• NEXUS cards are free for kids under 18 years of age. If you're getting one for yourself, you may as well get them for your kids as well.
• If traveling with a group or family, all members need to have the NEXUS Card to use the designated NEXUS lineup.
• Although NEXUS users will not be asked to show their  passports at border crossings , technically they are supposed to have passports with them.
• NEXUS card holders can still be pulled over and searched.
• Cardholders can pay the duty on purchased goods automatically. They just give their credit info at the NEXUS interview and then drop off a form at the border each time they cross.

How to Apply for a NEXUS Card

What You Need to Know About Visiting Canada From the U.S.

Vancouver to Seattle Border Crossing: Which Travel Documents do I Need?

What Documents Do I Need for Mexico Travel?

Have TSA Precheck? You May Be Able to Participate in a Biometric Pilot Program

Canada to Loosen Border Restrictions Next Month—as Long as You're Vaccinated

Small Air Travel Upgrades You Can Totally Afford

Should You Pick Global Entry or TSA Precheck?

Passport Requirements for Driving to Canada

Visa Requirements for Canada

Do Children Need a Passport to Visit Canada?

How to Travel to Cuba If You Are an American

How to Cross the Border From San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico

Getting Around Detroit: Guide to Public Transportation

Reasons You May Be Denied Entry at the Canada Border

What Travel Documents Are Needed for Your Caribbean Vacation?

NEXUS card: essential guide (2024)

• Post author: Andrew D'Amours
• Post published: January 1, 2024
• Post category: Travel tips / Trip planning tips
• Post comments: 26 Comments

Having a NEXUS card is definitely one of the best tricks travel pros use (that so few people know about, like sooooooo many simple travel tricks). And honestly, there are very few situations where it would make sense NOT to be a NEXUS member.

Savvy travelers love to skip lines and save time … especially when it’s this easy.

Here is the 1st part of this guide (the 2nd part will be on how to actually use your NEXUS card very soon ).

Video about the NEXUS card

I had done this very short video, I’ll have a more detailed one at the same time as part 2 of this guide.

Here are the details. 

Basics of the NEXUS card

The NEXUS membership is for low-risk, pre-approved “ trusted travelers .”

It allows you to skip many lines and get priority access to save a lot of time when traveling. You get through almost instantly!

It works at:

• Security checkpoints in airports in Canada AND in the USA
• Customs in airports in Canada AND in the USA
• Land border crossings between Canada and the USA

The NEXUS card is offered jointly by:

• The Canadian Government (Canada Border Services Agency)
• The American Government (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

This is absolutely wonderful . We are talking about HUGE time savings.

It’s especially great given that you can even easily get paid to get NEXUS for free with the right credit cards ! Even if you decide to actually pay for it, it’s so affordable and worth it!

You’ll get:

• A priority line to skip the queue before the screening
• An expedited screening to speed up the actual process too

You’ll save time both on:

• Departure (it allows you to spend more time in airport lounges or get to the airport later)
• Arrival (it allows you to explore your destination faster or get home faster)

For example, when leaving on a trip, at the security checkpoint, you will pass through almost instantly (in 16 Canadian airports), regardless of your destination. If you go to the United States, you will also pass through American customs almost instantly. 

On your way back, you will pass through Canadian customs almost instantly (whether you’re arriving from the USA or not). If you leave from an American airport, you also get TSA Pre-Check privileges which are even better than the privileges at Canadian security checkpoints.

This is all thanks to express priority lines for NEXUS card holders.

Same thing by car in both directions (at the busiest border crossings); almost no wait! Thanks to dedicated lanes for NEXUS cardholders only.

It’s so great to pass in front of everyone waiting in the normal line, both by air and by land. You’ll really get used to it!!!

My girlfriend and I have had NEXUS cards for many years, and we will obviously keep renewing our membership. I really can’t recommend it enough!

Important details about the NEXUS card

Here is relevant information about the NEXUS card.

Credit cards that pay for the NEXUS card

First of all, many Canadian credit cards have a NEXUS credit as a benefit: in other words, you charge the NEXUS fees to your card, and it will be credited automatically on your statement, so it’s completely free (or almost free with the one less generous card).

Warning: that’s in addition to getting hundreds of dollars in welcome bonuses with these cards, of course (this NEXUS credit is NOT included in our Flytrippers Valuation of the welcome bonus; it’s really in addition to the rewards that cards give you).

The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card has an amazing increased bonus.

Each adult should take advantage of their own welcome bonus to get more free travel.

But otherwise, the NEXUS credit you get can be used for other travelers’ NEXUS fee, not just for the credit card holder only. That means that with some of the $100 NEXUS credits, you can probably even charge the NEXUS fee for 2 people and have only a small amount left to pay — we’ll confirm the exact terms and conditions and update this at the same time as part 2 of the guide.

Cost of the NEXUS card

If you don’t like getting free travel, honestly, the price of NEXUS is so low that I can’t imagine anyone would really stop themselves from getting a NEXUS card because of the price. It just seems unthinkable to me.

The cost of this awesome luxury is only US$50 for 5 years (≈ C$68).

That works out to an absurdly low price of C$14 per year. Even if you only sadly travel once a year, saving that much time makes that $14 worth it.

The fee is for the application and is non-refundable. So if you are not accepted into the program, you still have to pay. You have to pay online, by credit card only (which you should obviously always do for everything anyway to earn travel rewards).

The NEXUS program is completely free for minors (those under 18 years of age), but an application must still be completed for them.

Eligibility for a NEXUS card

Not everyone can get the NEXUS card.

As I said, it’s a “trusted traveler” program, so there is a thorough assessment by Canada and the United States separately. They call it an extensive background and risk check. And the in-person interview is mandatory (I’ll get to that in the next section).

Here are the 4 official conditions listed to be accepted for a NEXUS card:

• Be eligible to enter Canada or the United States under applicable immigration laws
• Provide accurate and complete information on the application
• Not be in violation of any customs, immigration, or agricultural laws
• Meet all other program eligibility requirements

They also say you may not be eligible if:

• You have been convicted of a felony offense without a pardon
• You have a criminal history, including arrests and pardons

In short, for the majority of Canadians, acceptance is almost guaranteed. If you’re not sure, get one of the cards that give you a credit to pay for NEXUS, that way you literally have nothing to lose by applying for NEXUS.

And the NEXUS card is not just for Canadian citizens. Permanent residents of Canada are also eligible. However, you must have lived in Canada for at least 3 years in that case.

In terms of required documents, it’s pretty simple: you need proof of citizenship and residency.

Effort required to get a NEXUS card

The price should certainly not be a barrier for any traveler, and the requirements should not be for most travelers.

But perhaps you may think that because they don’t travel that much, the time saved with NEXUS is not as worthwhile because there is some time you need to invest to:

• Complete the online application for the NEXUS program
• Go to an in-person interview for the NEXUS program

But, in my opinion, yes, it is worth it anyway! Because you can schedule the interview whenever you want, and you can certainly find the time to go do that.

Unlike the time saved in the airport when you have a very limited time to travel (everyone always complains they don’t have enough time to travel and that’s why they always make terrible travel decisions that cost them an insane amount of extra money)…

I think it’s much better to invest some time outside of your trips to save time during your trips. That’s always the key to traveling for less and traveling better, actually: planning and preparing your trips well. It’s not rocket science, as explained in our free ebook with the 7 best travel tips (with 100+ other tips).

Example of a NEXUS card

For those who are curious, the NEXUS card is exactly the same size as a standard driver’s license.

It comes in a special little RFID-blocking sleeve (which is surprisingly resistant; it has survived many years of my lack of finesse or carefulness across 60+ countries in those 5 years since I’ve had it).

The whole thing weighs only 7 grams total. That’s much less than a premium metal credit card like The Platinum Card from American Express (18 grams), so it’s not cumbersome during your travels.

Here’s what the NEXUS card looks like, with some of my private information redacted of course.

How to get a NEXUS card

Here’s everything you need to know to get a NEXUS card.

In practical terms, here’s the step-by-step process to get a NEXUS card:

• Complete the application online (a few minutes)
• Pay with a credit card (ideally one that pays for NEXUS)
• Wait for conditional approval (from 2 days to 2 years)
• Schedule an in-person interview (easy with our pro tip)
• Do the in-person interview (under 30 minutes)
• Get your NEXUS card in the mail (about 3 weeks)

Let’s look at each step.

Online application for the NEXUS card

Of course, filling out the online application is pretty simple. 

Just read what is written and provide the requested information, as you would for any form.

Payment for the NEXUS card

I’ve already covered this above; it’s so easy to get it for free (AND get a huge welcome bonus).

If not, it’s so cheap.

Conditional approval for the NEXUS card

It’s quite fascinating right now, as many of our readers have reported getting approved for NEXUS in under 48 hours . It’s the absolute ideal time to apply while there is this glitch in the governments’ application processing order.

Normally, it can take a few months to get conditional approval (I think it took me a few months when I first applied over 5 years ago).

During the pandemic, the length of the wait could even reach 18-20 months, so 48 hours is truly phenomenal.

To manage your expectations, I would still not assume it will only take 2 days, but as they ramp up their approvals to clear the backlog, the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll get approved. 

Scheduling the in-person interview for the NEXUS card

First, when we say “NEXUS interview,” it’s actually NEXUS interview s , as there are 2:

• Interview with American customs officer
• Interview with Canadian customs officer

There are 2 things to consider when scheduling your NEXUS interview:

I’ll start with the location.

You can do the interview at the:

• 8 major Canadian airports with USA customs preclearance
• 16 major land border crossings from BC to NB

The interviews had been paused for a long time because of the pandemic the governments’ response to the pandemic . Then by a dispute about guns in Canadian airports.

Interviews restarted nearly 1 year ago, in early April 2022 at the land border and in March 2023 in Canadian airports.

Many Canadians live close to the land border and that may still be the best option, because the process is different based on whether you choose to do your NEXUS interview at the land border or at the airport. Even before the pandemic, back in 2017, I did my interview at the land border myself as it was already more convenient. 

But if you really want to do the NEXUS interviews in a Canadian airport, the process is a bit different and requires you to take a Canada–USA flight to complete the process because they must be completed separately and the USA interview must be completed after going through customs (which requires a ticket).

You cannot do 1 interview at the airport and 1 interview at the land border; you must do both at the same type of customs.

You can read all the details in our post about the reopening of NEXUS centers in Canada while you wait for our deep-dive post about the NEXUS interview itself very soon.

And now the timing.

Just like with literally anything in the world of travel, it’s really not that complicated: invest more time, and you’ll make travel more affordable and make travel more enjoyable.

Every single week, someone complains that they can’t find an interview slot. Of course, if you check once and never check back, you might only see an appointment slot in 2 months. Kevin, Flytrippers’ other co-founder, got his appointment in 3 days in December, as have many savvy travelers who followed our tips.

Simply go back to the NEXUS website every day to see if last-minute appointment slots opened up for the next few days, because they often do.

For certain NEXUS centers at the land border, you can use our Twitter bot pro tip , to automatically get an alert when appointments open up. But for NEXUS centers in Canada, it is sadly suspended for now. 

In other words, just like when you are looking for a cheap flight: look often, look at all options, and be flexible!

Doing the in-person interview for the NEXUS card

Many wonder about the interview process. Kevin will soon share a detailed post about his December interview for a more thorough walkthrough.

In my case, I went to the Champlain (NY) land border crossing with my girlfriend in 2017. We were able to do the interview together at the same time. I found it to be pretty informal. Like any customs experience, it depends on which customs officer you encounter.

I didn’t feel like it was an interrogation or anything like that. This makes sense, since you are already conditionally approved for a NEXUS card when you’re at the point of going in for the interview.

The nice customs officer rather:

• Revalidated all our information
• Asked a few more questions
• Took our fingerprints
• Took a photo of our irises
• Took a photo of our faces

But most importantly , he thoroughly explained how the program works.

It took less than an hour total for both of us. It was really very simple.

Activation of your NEXUS card

You’ll get final approval the day of the interview or the next. You can already immediately use the TSA Pre-Check privilege at security checkpoints in USA airports, since that doesn’t require having the physical card (I’m spoiling part 2 about how to use NEXUS).

For every other NEXUS privilege, you need the physical NEXUS card . You’ll receive it by mail in about 2 weeks.

Then, you simply need to create an online account on the USA government website to activate your NEXUS card.

How to use the NEXUS card

Come back soon for the 2nd part of this guide with more details. In the meantime, here are 2 teasers.

My 2023 experiences with the NEXUS card

I wrote about examples of all 4 airport benefits of the NEXUS card as I experienced them on my January 2023 trip to Miami and Cartagena . 

This summer, I just tried the new improved and accelerated NEXUS security process in Canadian airports, I’ll share a detailed post soon.

Sharing the NEXUS card

To be clear, there are no shared privileges , family accounts, companion benefits, or anything like that.

Obviously, the NEXUS program is for “trusted travelers” and not for “trusted travelers and any random person that happens to be with them.”

Only NEXUS card holders can use the priority lines at airports (both at security and customs), so if accompanying persons do not have their own NEXUS card, they will have to go to the regular line (except at security in USA airports, where your travel buddies might get the same privileges; see the upcoming section on how to use NEXUS).

By land, you cannot use the NEXUS lane if someone in the car with you is not a NEXUS member, regardless of age. It’s a very serious offense if you do this, and you could lose your NEXUS card privileges entirely.

In short, it’s simple: these are lines and lanes for NEXUS card holders, not for NEXUS card holders and companions.

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The NEXUS card is absolutely great for travelers, at least those who want to save time when traveling. With credit cards that offer it for free or even with the regular very low price, it is clearly worth it.

What would you like to know about the NEXUS card? Tell us in the comments below.

See the deals we spot: Cheap flights

Explore awesome destinations : Travel inspiration

Learn pro tricks : Travel tips

Discover free travel: Travel rewards

Featured image: Chicago O’Hare airport (photo credit: Gary Meulemans)

Share this post to help us help more people travel more for less:

Andrew D'Amours

You might also like.

NEXUS news (to get through customs in literally 1 minute as I did last week)

NEXUS: Update on speed, reminders of the basics, concrete examples, and a teaser of other content

Reopening of NEXUS centers in Canada confirmed (book quickly)

This post has 26 comments.

We did the interview at YVR without having a flight. It was pre pandemic. Maybe rules changed?

Yes they changed.

Your card summary above shows the CIBC Aventura Gold card with a Nexus credit of $100 but I believe that the credit is only $50.

Regarding the ads I see on Facebook about getting into airport lounges for free. Can you please explain this. We have had nexus for years and never seen this claim before. Can you please explain if this is just the airport waiting areas or those private airline run lounges? thnaks for the info.

Hi, the NEXUS program and airport lounge access are 2 completely separate things. I’m not sure which ad you are referring to, if you do see it again please send the link here so I can double check.

But maybe you mixed up separate benefits a same card has, like for example the CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Card and the CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card gives you both a credit to pay for NEXUS and 4 airport lounge passes for free. But completely separate. You can read more about airport lounge access .

Please see the link. In FB it shows access to lounges.

(LINK REMOVED BY MODERATOR)

Yeah, we recommend to just use the official NEXUS website always, and not some random website that charges you to literally fill out a 4-minute form that everyone can do on their own. Not sure why they are talking about lounges but it’s irrelevant because I can assure you NEXUS does not have anything to do with lounges. Some credit cards that offer a credit to get NEXUS for free also have lounge access, but those are separate benefits.

I want to apply on-line for a Nexus card. Apart from writing my profile, I cannot find any form to complete. Where is it the application form? There should be a questionnaire, spaces to fill, anything to give information about. I find nothing. The site I visit is https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/dashboard . I see: Nexus, “to begin”, And then, it basically says that should apply if it is not done already. ok, Where to apply? I appreciate your help. 😊

I can’t simulate it because I already have NEXUS but if you create an account on that link, there has to be an option to create an application on your dashboard somewhere. If you share a screenshot of your dashboard (block out personal info, if any) I can help.

After 2 weeks of trail and error, I have been able to submit the “inscription initiale” and I am ” en attente d’examen”. The registration system is unstable, it is why it takes so long to thru. Still, I am optimistic and expect to get some feedback from them in “1 or 2 days” as they post on their site. :))

It almost certainly won’t take that long, but still, it’s best to manage your expectations a bit haha!

Its been already 4months since I have applied for the Nexus from Canada. Any idea on when I will get the conditional approval ? Thanks.

Hi, the governments can’t even do something as simple as processing applications in the order they were received. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any way to speed things up, although we’ll try to reach out to get an official response.

Can the Nexus card be renewed or do you have to start again. Ours expire October 2024 and February 25. How far ahead should I apply. Thanks.

Hi, you don’t need to start again, you can renew very easily online. I think you can start a year before expiry. I just renewed mine, I will share a detailed post about the experience soon 🙂

When you did your interview in Champlain NY, were you interviewed by both CBP and CBSA at same appointment?

Yes exactly 🙂

Does vaccination status come in play for the nexus card?

That’s a good question, let me look into that for the next part of the post.

Hi, are there business lounges at certain airports that a Nexus card will give you access to?

Hi, the NEXUS program is run by the government so it only has benefits at the security checkpoints and customs, not in lounges. But the 5 credit cards listed in this post that give you a credit for NEXUS also have some type of lounge access too 🙂 https://flytrippers.com/how-to-get-airport-lounge-access/

Can a Nexus card be used at YYZ to go to Portugal

Hi, yes a NEXUS card works to bypass airport security in all major Canadian airports as mentioned, and YYZ is the busiest in Canada so definitely included 🙂

This is so helpful. Great guide. Exactly what I was looking for. I knew I could count on FlyTrippers! Can’t wait for part 2.

Thanks for following us, it will be coming soon 🙂

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What to Know About Trusted Traveler Programs — PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI

Here’s what you need to know about Trusted Traveler Programs, including TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad passionate about personal finance and travel. He is traveling full-time with the help of points and miles and enjoys connecting with people on the ground. His work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today Blueprint, Matador Network, and other publications. 

TSA PreCheck

Global entry, which trusted traveler program is right for you.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Your time at the airport is precious. You want to ensure you have enough time to enjoy a pre-flight snack or cocktail at an airport lounge, but you also don’t want to get there so early that you’re waiting to board for hours before departure. Luckily, there are programs that can help you more reliably budget the time you need to get through security. 

Trusted Traveler Programs are issued through the Department of Homeland Security, and they allow members to move through security more efficiently. There are four main Trusted Traveler Programs offered to regular travelers: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, and SENTRI. There’s a lot of overlap in what each program offers, so you will likely only need to apply for one. However, requirements, cost, and time to get approved can vary significantly from program to program. I spoke with Steve Orens , a senior vice president at FROSCH Travel and T+L A-List travel advisor, to compile this guide.

The best tip to anyone wanting to apply for these programs is to be thorough, says Orens. “Be prepared, fill out all requested information,” he explains. “Check back on the [application] page on a regular basis to follow the progress or provide any other information requested.”

Although it can take months or more than a year in some cases, these programs provide significant utility to travelers. Here’s everything you need to know about the Trusted Traveler Programs, and who should apply for each. 

Meet the Expert

Steve Orens is a senior vice president at FROSCH Travel and a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in insider access.

John Moore/Getty Images

The first Trusted Traveler Program, and one of the most popular, is TSA PreCheck , which allows travelers to enjoy expedited security benefits. Travelers enrolled in PreCheck will not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or jackets when going through TSA airport security. In 99 percent of cases, travelers will get through security in 10 minutes or less. In my experience, it’s typically even faster. 

The enrollment process is quite simple — all you need to do is choose an enrollment provider , submit an application online , and visit an enrollment location for fingerprinting and payment. Once you receive your Known Traveler Number, you can start enjoying your benefits. The cost varies between $78 and $85 for new enrollments and $70 and $78 for PreCheck renewals , depending on your provider. You can even get TSA PreCheck for free thanks to credit cards that will reimburse you for the application fee, making it extremely worthwhile to enroll. 

U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents can apply for TSA PreCheck. Most airports will have dedicated TSA PreCheck security lanes. If not, you will receive a card indicating your membership. You will have to go through the regular security line with the card but will receive the same benefits. 

Michael Paulsen/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Global Entry allows travelers re-entering the U.S. from abroad to expedite the customs process. Members can use a dedicated Global Entry lane to proceed to a kiosk, which will capture a photo to confirm membership in the program. Then, proceed to the Customs and Border Patrol officer, and you’re all set. Global Entry includes all of the benefits of TSA PreCheck, so you do not need to apply for these programs separately. 

Global Entry is for pre-approved and low-risk travelers. As part of the application, you must undergo a background check and in-person interview to complete enrollment. Typically, the process requires you to visit an enrollment center for your interview before departure. If you cannot, you can complete your interview when you return to the U.S. through Enrollment on Arrival . 

It was just announced that you can also complete your Global Entry enrollment with Enrollment on Departure , a brand-new offering only available (for now) at Washington Dulles International Airport. The application fee is $100, but like PreCheck, many credit cards will reimburse you for the fee as long as you have not already been reimbursed for TSA PreCheck. 

Global Entry members can also validate their arrival to the U.S. via a Global Entry mobile app at select airports, further improving the process. 

The following people are eligible for Global Entry:

• U.S. citizens
• U.S. lawful permanent residents
• Citizens of Argentina
• Citizens of Brazil
• Citizens of Bahrain
• Citizens of India
• Citizens of Colombia
• Citizens of the United Kingdom
• Citizens of Germany
• Citizens of the Netherlands
• Citizens of Panama
• Citizens of Singapore
• Citizens of South Korea
• Citizens of Switzerland
• Citizens of Taiwan
• Mexican nationals

There could be additional requirements to meet, depending on your country of citizenship. Canadian citizens and residents can also be eligible for Global Entry benefits through membership in NEXUS. 

Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images

NEXUS is similar to Global Entry but specific to Canadian entry ports. You can use NEXUS when traveling by land, air, or sea. Members use expedited processing lanes when entering the U.S. and Canada: dedicated lanes at northern border ports of entry, NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air, Global Entry kiosks when entering the United States via Canadian Preclearance airports, and expedited processing at marine reporting locations. 

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals who are members of Viajero Confiable are eligible to apply for NEXUS. The process to get approved takes a lot longer than Global Entry or TSA PreCheck because you have to get approved by both the U.S. and Canada. The average processing time is around 12 to 14 months, and the application fee is $50. The process for applying is similar. All you need to do is submit an application and schedule an interview at an enrollment center. Note you will need to be interviewed by both U.S. and Canadian officials. NEXUS includes TSA PreCheck benefits. 

The fourth and final Trusted Traveler Program is SENTRI , which allows expedited entry into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. SENTRI works the same way as NEXUS but enables the benefits on both the northern and southern borders of the U.S. Members can use dedicated processing lanes at southern land border crossings, the NEXUS lane when entering the United States from Canada by land, and Global Entry kiosks when entering by air. There aren’t any citizenship requirements for eligibility into SENTRI. However, Mexican nationals who wish to use the Global Entry kiosk when traveling by air will need to apply for Global Entry through their Trusted Traveler account. 

This is the most expensive program, with an application fee of $122.25. The processing timeline is slightly shorter than NEXUS, taking 10 to 12 months to complete. However, the process is the same as the other programs: complete an application, receive conditional approval, and schedule an interview at an enrollment center. You must bring your vehicle registration and proof of automobile insurance in the U.S. to your interview. SENTRI includes TSA PreCheck benefits. 

The best program for you depends on your travel habits, budget, and timeline. If you only travel within the U.S., TSA PreCheck is likely the best option. It includes all the security benefits and has one of the quickest processing times. However, if you take a couple of international trips per year, Global Entry is a fantastic option. I have Global Entry, and it has made my life significantly easier. Not only can I enjoy all of the same PreCheck benefits, but I can pass through customs quickly when entering the U.S., whether for a layover or my final destination. There are so many credit cards that will cover this application fee, too. 

NEXUS and SENTRI are both excellent programs for anyone who frequently travels between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico. Although they typically include the same PreCheck benefits, they won’t include Global Entry benefits when entering the U.S. from elsewhere, so you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons before applying. Enrollment in each program lasts for five years, so once you’ve decided, you can enjoy the benefits for a long time before having to renew. 

You should also think about present and future timelines, explains Orens. “For example, TSA PreCheck comes with Global Entry, but you can also only renew your TSA PreCheck when you renew your Global Entry,” he says. “So, when your Global Entry expires, so does your PreCheck.  If you don’t have time to [renew] Global Entry, then you will not have PreCheck back until you do.”

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• Using the NEXUS Lane

Using the NEXUS lane at airports

Travelers, who intend to use their NEXUS pass for air travel should have had an iris scan at one of the NEXUS enrollment centers. Everyone must complete a Customs declaration form and then proceed to the NEXUS or Global Entry kiosk. Then they should stand before the camera for iris scan identification and enter details about their trip using the touch screen. After receiving a NEXUS kiosk self service receipt they should proceed to baggage claim and present the self service ticket and the Customs declaration form at the exit.

Using the NEXUS lane by land

Upon reaching the US-Canada-border by car NEXUS pass holders should follow pull into the NEXUS lane and hold their passes before the pass reader. After they scan their passes, they should stop at the customs booth for a visual check from the customs officer. If not selected for a random or vehicle check, they can proceed to crossing the border. NEXUS pass holders cannot use the NEXUS lane if they are traveling with persons without NEXUS passes in the car. Please note the NEXUS pass can be revoked for carrying non-Nexus passengers and letting them out to walk across the border.

Using the NEXUS lane by sea

When crossing the border by sea, it is the boat captain who is responsible for dealing with customs and immigration on behalf of the NEXUS pass holders aboard the boat. The captain should call the NEXUS reporting center number up not later than 30 minutes before the boat’s arrival and give the personal details of all NEXUS members onboard, together with details of the trip.  The border officer at the reporting center will issue a report number that must be presented to the customs officers at a specified landing site.

Items permitted in a NEXUS lane

• Alcohol a traveler’s own use (only if out of country of residence for 48 hours)
• Tobacco products marked “Canada-Duty Paid”
• Gifts up to $60 each  (when traveling into Canada) or up to $100 total (when traveling into the United States)

Items prohibited in a NEXUS lane

• Cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos or loose tobacco not marked “Canada-Duty Paid”
• Commercial goods
• Agricultural products
• $10,000 or more in cash

Before purchasing the NEXUS pass service, please refer to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

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Apply for, renew or replace a NEXUS card: Renew or replace

• 1. Benefits of the program
• 2. Who is eligible
• 3. What you need before you start
• 4. How to apply
• 5. After you apply
• 6. Renew or replace

Renewing your membership

Your NEXUS membership is valid for 5 years. Check the expiry date on your NEXUS card. If you renew your membership before the expiry date, you can retain your NEXUS privileges.

If there is no expiry date on your NEXUS card, please contact us .

You may renew your membership online and pay the processing fee through the Trusted Traveller Programs (TTP) System operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ). You will need your Login.gov account information to log in.

The non-refundable processing fee for renewing your membership is $50 (USD). There is no fee for members under the age of 18.

With the streamlined renewal process, you may not need to do an interview at an enrolment centre. Generally, you do not need an interview if there are no changes to your personal information or new information that may affect your eligibility.

Replacing your membership

You can request a replacement for your lost, stolen or damaged NEXUS card through your TTP System account. There is a $25 (USD) non-refundable processing fee to issue a replacement card. You may have to do an interview at an enrolment centre to replace your card.

Process to renew or replace your membership

To complete your request for a replacement card or to renew your NEXUS membership, you must:

• Leave this page and access the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s official Trusted Traveller Programs System
• Choose the NEXUS program link from the program options presented on the page

Before leaving this page, review:

• Canada’s privacy statement
• United States Privacy Act statement
• U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation Privacy Act statements

Renew or replace

Exit notice

You will be leaving the CBSA website. You will link to the Trusted Traveler Programs ( TTP ) System website operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ). U.S. CBP is the CBSA’s partner in delivering the NEXUS program.

When you complete your application for NEXUS using the TTP System, you will be providing your personal information directly to U.S. CBP . Your information will be shared with the CBSA to determine your eligibility for NEXUS.

By continuing, you confirm that you have reviewed Canada’s privacy statement and United States Privacy Act statement and agree with the use of your personal information.

How long it will take to process your request

Note There are currently long wait times for interviews for new applicants.

Renewal applications and requests for NEXUS card replacements may be processed within 30 days.

The estimated processing time only applies to properly completed applications and does not include the time for postal delivery or to schedule an interview.

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What to Know Before Booking a National Park Trip This Summer

Additional routes in popular parks now require reservations, the annual pass gets a big change, Juneteenth is now a new free entrance day and more changes for 2024.

By Lauren Matison

In 2023, the seashores, lakeshores, battlefields, historic sites, monuments and more that make up the National Park Service had 325.5 million visits , an increase of 4 percent from the year before.

The National Park Service director, Charles F. Sams III, praised the surge of interest in “learning our shared American story throughout the hidden gems of the National Parks System.”

Expecting an even greater turnout in 2024, the Park Service and Recreation.gov , the booking platform for federal land reservations, have implemented new measures to streamline the park experience, manage overcrowding and safeguard the environment.

More parks are requiring reservations

To better avoid congested trails, packed parking lots and overflowing trash cans, additional parks are joining Rocky Mountain , Arches and Glacier National Parks this year in requiring day-use permits, timed entries and other reservations for travelers who wish to visit, particularly during peak hours, holidays and the parks’ high seasons. Yosemite National Park is reinstating a timed-entry system it instituted in 2020, but paused in 2022.

Many park enthusiasts expressed mixed feelings about the reservation policies, with some lamenting a lack of first-come, first-served campsites while others find comfort in knowing they have a confirmed booking. As nearly 75 percent of visitors each year descend on national parks from May to October (and often on weekends), park officials stand by the system.

“In some parks, the level of demand is exceeding the capacity for which infrastructure was designed or is outpacing the National Park Service’s ability to sustainably support visitation,” said Kathy Kupper, a public affairs specialist for the service. “This trend is resulting in the need to explore new strategies to protect natural and cultural resources and provide opportunities for safe and meaningful visitor experiences.”

It can be confusing.

New to implementing timed-entry reservations for vehicles is Mount Rainier National Park , in Washington, for its popular Paradise and Sunrise Corridors during certain times in the summer season. Reservations cost $2, are valid for one day and must be purchased along with the park ticket, but do not apply for visitors with wilderness permits or camping or lodge reservations. Similar vehicle reservations are now required for certain periods for viewing the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park in Maui, Hawaii , and driving the Cadillac Summit Road in Maine’s Acadia National Park .

Visitors wishing to hike Old Rag Mountain in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park must obtain a day-use ticket between March 1 and Nov. 30, and in Zion National Park, in Utah, hikers wishing to visit Angels Landing , the dramatic 1,488-foot-tall rock formation, also need to purchase a permit. Fees range from $1 to $6, in addition to the parks’ entrance fees.

As each destination is managed differently, check the park’s webpage for the type of reservation required. Although most bookings can be made through Recreation.gov, some sites, such as Muir Woods National Monument, use a different system.

New features on Recreation.gov

In 2023, Recreation.gov reported that more than 4 million camping reservations and 2 million timed-entry reservations were booked online, and 1.5 million permits were issued. Some 2.9 million new users signed up for the site. With its expanding user base, the booking platform has added 58 reservable national park locations — including 17 campgrounds — such as Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Bluff Hike In Camping in South Carolina’s Congaree National Park.

Recreation.gov has also improved an alerts feature, piloted in July 2023, that can notify users through email or mobile push notifications when a sold-out campsite becomes available. After Recreation.gov notifies you of availability, you must book the campsite yourself online — and quickly, as you’ll be shown how many other people (possibly hundreds) have received the same alert.

While its customer support center and mobile app are still only available in English, Recreation.gov recently introduced a Spanish language translation option. The Park Service partners with Latino Conservation Week , which hosts nationwide hikes and events on environmental education and in-park stewardship, and will celebrate its 10th year in September.

A limit to the annual America the Beautiful pass

The 2024 America the Beautiful pass no longer allows two owners. The annual interagency pass, which costs $80 and covers the entrance fees for more than 2,000 federal recreation sites (of which roughly 100 do not charge for admission year-round), is now marked by a single signature line on the back of the card. The pass owner must show I.D. and be present with any accompanying travelers wishing to access the park with the pass. (Annual passes issued in 2023 will still be valid until their expiration date.) The pass covers all passengers in a vehicle — up to four adults, and children under 16 are admitted free — or up to four cyclists riding together. Active military or veterans and people with permanent disabilities are eligible for a free lifetime pass; 4th grade students may receive a free annual pass; and senior citizens may purchase a $20 annual pass or pay $80 for a lifetime pass.

At the parks, more accessible features, E.V. chargers and new lodging

To better protect against global warming, the Park Service is putting more than $65 million from the Inflation Reduction Act and Great American Outdoors Act into climate mitigation and ecosystem restoration.

Using $15.9 million budgeted for zero-emission vehicle deployment, charging capacity and infrastructure, the Park Service is prioritizing a reduction in carbon emissions, said Mr. Sams, by installing new electric-vehicle charging stations and running electric buses.

An interactive online locator tool created in 2023 shows E.V. charging stations throughout 27 national parks and the type of chargers available. In addition to the tool, every national park page displays alerts on road closures, parking lot capacities, construction work and other incidents.

Mr. Sams also said the Park Service is investing $1.3 billion from the Great American Outdoors Act to improve accessibility features, ranging from a new A.D.A.-compliant visitor center at Morristown National Historic Park in New Jersey to new beach wheelchairs at Sleeping Bear Dunes , Channel Islands and Virgin Islands National Parks . Each destination’s website has an accessibility tab to help visitors plan their trip, and Recreation.gov now has a search filter on its homepage to make it easier to locate accessible accommodations.

New lodging options now available across the country include the Flamingo Lodge , which opened inside Everglades National Park last fall with 24 guest rooms built from repurposed shipping containers. In March, along the southeastern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cataloochee Ranch reopened with 11 renovated cabins and a new restaurant. This spring, the Clubhouse Hotel & Suites will welcome its first guests in Rapid City, S.D., the closest major town to Badlands National Park , and opening in May in Idaho is the Yellowstone Peaks Hotel , a 30-minute-drive from Yellowstone National Park. This fall, California-bound travelers planning a visit to General Sherman, the largest known tree on Earth, might book at AutoCamp Sequoia , just outside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park .

Also in California: Those who don’t score a highly coveted (and contentious) spot at the newly reopened High Sierra Camps in Yosemite could book Wildhaven Yosemite in Mariposa, which offers more affordable rates, hiking trails and views of the Sierra Nevadas. Reservations for its first season are available beginning May 1.

Celebrating milestones and a new free entrance day

On the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, visitors can pay tribute to African American heritage at over 100 parks , including the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument , and the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail . This year also marks 100 years since Indigenous people were recognized as United States citizens. Although many parks have Indigenous programming , Mr. Sams, who is the first Native American to serve as N.P.S. director , suggested visiting Hopewell Cultural Historical Park in Ohio and Whitman Mission Historic National Historic Site in Washington, where he recently brought his daughter.

“In order to celebrate the diversity that makes our country great, we must share the complete story of America, which includes both the successes and challenges encountered on the way to form a more perfect union,” Mr. Sams said.

Juneteenth National Independence Day is the National Park Service’s newest free entrance day . Visitors can also take advantage of free admission on April 20, the first day of National Park Week; Aug. 4, the four-year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act ; Sept. 28 on National Public Lands Day ; and Nov. 11 for Veterans Day .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the Flamingo Lodge. It is inside Everglades National Park, not outside the park.

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