NEXUS closure at Canadian airports blamed on U.S. shutdown

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Pearson International Airport warned Sunday that the NEXUS and Global Entry pre-clearance programs for U.S.-bound flights were unavailable with Vancouver International Airport blaming a similar problem on the “partial U.S. government shutdown.”

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Pearson’s social media account said Sunday afternoon that travellers were “encouraged to use the Mobile Passport Control app to help expedite processing with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.”

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Airports in Calgary, Ottawa and Montreal were also facing similar issues with some asking for travellers to plan for extra time to clear security checks.

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Calgary International Airport did not offer clarity on the situation when contacted by The Canadian Press, saying in an email that the NEXUS program is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and they had no other information.

Vancouver airport spills the beans

A notice to U.S.-bound travellers, however, on the Vancouver International Airport’s website said the situation was due to the “partial U.S. government shutdown.

“This change may impact processing times for travellers departing for the U.S.,” the airport’s news release said. “All travellers flying to U.S. destinations from YVR are encouraged to allow additional time to complete U.S. pre-clearance procedures.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.”

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond Sunday to requests for an explanation from The Canadian Press. A Canada Border Services Agency spokesperson referred questions about the pre-clearance closure to U.S. authorities despite it being a joint venture between the countries.

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U.S. shutdown began earlier this month

A partial U.S. government shutdown began Feb. 14 after politicians were unable to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

The Department of Homeland Security then said Sunday that the Global Entry program would be suspended for as long as the government shutdown remains in effect, The Associated Press reported.

The department said a lack of federal funding would affect management of its website and information on the site might be out of date.

The NEXUS program was designed to speed up access to the U.S. and Canada for “low-risk, pre-approved travellers,” the CBSA’s website says.

— With files from The Canadian Press

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