Sachin Walls
The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travellers expedited processing when entering Canada or the United States at designated air, land, and marine ports of entry. Travellers can use their NEXUS card in combination with their passport or proof of permanent residence to enter Canada from anywhere in the world at 9 international airports using NEXUS arrival kiosks or eGates. NEXUS members can also use their cards at Global Entry kiosks located at 8 major Canadian airports. However, NEXUS cards cannot be used at Global Entry kiosks outside of Canadian Preclearance locations. While some sources suggest that NEXUS cards can be used in place of a passport when entering the United States from Canada, others advise against relying solely on the NEXUS card due to varying levels of staff awareness and potential issues with scanning the card.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries where the NEXUS card can be used | Canada and the United States |
| Card activation | Required before use |
| Card usage | Must be held in front of the card reader |
| Inspection | Visual inspection at the booth |
| Number of people allowed per kiosk | Up to 4 other members |
| eGate process | Same as the NEXUS kiosk, except travelers are processed one at a time |
| Global Entry kiosks | Can be used at no additional cost |
| Global Entry kiosk locations | 8 major Canadian airports |
| Passport | Must be carried when travelling |
| Personal information | Not stored on kiosks or eGates |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
NEXUS card use at Canadian airports
NEXUS is a trusted traveller program that allows pre-screened members expedited processing when entering Canada and the United States. Members receive a NEXUS card, which serves as proof of citizenship and can be used when entering Canada or the US at designated air, land, and marine ports of entry.
When flying into Canada, NEXUS members can use the designated NEXUS kiosks or eGates at the following nine international airports:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Vancouver International Airport
- Montréal-Trudeau International Airport
- Calgary International Airport
- Edmonton International Airport
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
To use the NEXUS kiosks or eGates, members must hold their membership card in front of the proximity card reader and proceed to the inspection booth for a visual inspection. It is important to note that everyone travelling with a NEXUS member must also be a member, and all individuals must carry their NEXUS card. Additionally, members must still travel with their passport or proof of permanent residence, as they may be required to prove their citizenship or permanent residence status. While NEXUS members can use their card when entering Canada by air, it is recommended to always carry a passport as some airport staff may be unaware of the eligibility of NEXUS cards for air travel.
Mankato Regional Airport: Where to Find Flight Data
You may want to see also
Explore related products
NEXUS card use at US airports
NEXUS is a trusted traveller program that allows pre-screened travellers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada. NEXUS members can take advantage of a variety of options to avoid long queues when entering the US.
When entering the US by air, NEXUS members must use a Global Entry kiosk located at any one of these eight major Canadian airports. NEXUS members can also use the designated NEXUS lanes at any land border crossing. NEXUS is currently available at 18 land border crossings for members driving into Canada.
NEXUS members can use their membership identification card when entering Canada or the United States at all designated NEXUS air, land, and marine ports of entry. However, it is recommended that members always travel with their passports and/or proof of permanent residence in case they are required to prove their citizenship or permanent residence status.
Some travellers have reported that their NEXUS cards were not accepted by gate agents at US airports, who requested their passports instead. It is important to note that NEXUS is a recognised document for travel in the US and Canada, but some staff at airports may be unaware of this. To avoid any potential issues, it is advisable to carry your passport in addition to your NEXUS card when travelling.
Using Euros in Singapore Changi Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
NEXUS card vs passport
A NEXUS card is a membership identification card that allows expedited entry into Canada or the United States at designated air, land, and marine ports of entry. It can be used as an alternative to a passport or permanent resident card when entering Canada or the US. NEXUS cardholders can use dedicated lanes at select northern border ports and NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada by air. NEXUS kiosks are available at nine international airports in Canada, as well as eight major Canadian airports in the US.
On the other hand, a passport is a government-issued travel document that is typically required for international travel. It serves as proof of identity and citizenship and is necessary for air travel between the US and Canada, according to the law in both countries. While a NEXUS card can be used as an alternative to a passport in some cases, it is limited to travel between the US and Canada and is not accepted for international travel to other countries.
One advantage of the NEXUS card is that it provides expedited entry, helping travellers avoid long lines when entering Canada or the US. Cardholders can use designated NEXUS lanes at land border crossings and kiosks or eGates at participating airports. However, it is important to note that NEXUS members travelling with non-NEXUS members must use the regular lanes. Additionally, NEXUS cards cannot be used at Global Entry kiosks outside of Canadian Preclearance locations.
In terms of the application process, the NEXUS card typically has longer processing times compared to a passport. As of 2025, NEXUS processing times range from 18 to 20 months. In contrast, obtaining a passport usually takes up to eight weeks, or less for expedited passports. The NEXUS card is valid for five years and can be renewed before its expiration date, while passport validity varies depending on the issuing country.
While a NEXUS card can be used as an alternative to a passport for travel between the US and Canada, it is always recommended to carry a passport when travelling internationally. There have been reports of airlines and border agencies requiring a passport, even though NEXUS cards are officially accepted. Carrying a passport ensures compliance with travel regulations and avoids potential issues or inconveniences during travel.
Santorini Airport: Can You Buy Cigarettes?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
NEXUS kiosks and eGates
NEXUS is a program that allows pre-screened travellers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada. Members can 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.
In the United States, NEXUS members must use a Global Entry kiosk located at any one of eight major Canadian airports. It is important to note that NEXUS cards cannot be used at Global Entry kiosks or portals outside of Canadian Preclearance locations. At all other ports, travellers will need to use their passport or lawful permanent resident card.
When using the NEXUS kiosk or eGate, travellers will be prompted to follow certain steps, including uploading their passport photo for facial verification. After collecting a receipt, travellers can proceed to baggage claim. If there is something to declare, it must be done to an officer after using the kiosk or eGate. If the kiosk or eGate cannot verify the traveller's identity, they will be directed to see an officer for verification.
It is important to always travel with your passport and/or proof of permanent residence, as you may be required to prove your citizenship or permanent residence status. While NEXUS cards are recognised documents for travel between the US and Canada, some sources suggest that airport staff may be unaware of this, and it is recommended to carry your passport to avoid any potential issues.
Hartsfield-Jackson Airport: COVID Testing Available?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
NEXUS card activation
NEXUS is a trusted traveller program that allows members faster clearance when entering Canada or the United States at designated air, land, and marine ports of entry. Members can use their NEXUS card at Global Entry kiosks in Canadian Preclearance Airports.
To activate your NEXUS card, you must first log into your Trusted Traveller Program (TTP) account. Once you have logged in, click on the "Activate Membership Card" button under the "Program Membership(s)" section on the homepage. After activating your card, you can use the designated NEXUS lane at the airport. Stop and hold your membership card in front of the proximity card reader. Then, proceed to the inspection booth for a visual inspection. A border officer will indicate whether you are to enter the inspection area or proceed into Canada or the United States.
Please note that you should always travel with your passport and/or proof of permanent residence when using your NEXUS card, as you may be required to prove your citizenship or permanent residence status. Additionally, if you are travelling with individuals who are not NEXUS members, you must use the regular lanes.
X-ray Proof: Materials Blocking Airport Scanners
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travellers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada.
Yes, NEXUS members can use their NEXUS card to enter Canada from anywhere in the world using kiosks or eGates at 9 international airports. NEXUS is also available at 18 land border crossings for members driving into Canada.
NEXUS members can use Global Entry kiosks/portals at participating Canadian Preclearance airports to enter the US. At all other ports, you will need to use your passport or US Lawful Permanent Resident card.
Yes, always travel with your passport and/or proof of permanent residence in case you are required to prove your citizenship or permanent residence status.
Yes, before using your NEXUS card, make sure that your card is activated.
