NEXUS Cards and Air Travel

What is a NEXUS Card?

NEXUS is a trusted traveller program that is operated by both the Canadian Border Services Agency and the US Customs and Border Protection. The program is designed for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. Participants in the program are able to use self-service kiosks at airports in Canada, the United States and some international ports. If flying between the USA and Canada, a NEXUS card can be used in place of a passport.

How do you apply for a NEXUS Card?

You can submit your application for a NEXUS travel card by visiting the US Customs and Border Patrol website or the Canada Border Services Agency website. The application costs approximately $50. Applicants will be screened for US and Canadian citizenship and a criminal record check will also be conducted. Those candidates who pass the initial screening will then be interviewed by border control agents from both countries. Your RFID NEXUS card will then arrive in the mail.

How do you qualify for a NEXUS Card?

In order to qualify for a NEXUS card you must be a permanent resident of the United States or Canada, or a citizen of Mexico with a "Viajero Confiable" membership. You must also be legally admissible to both countries and be submitted to a criminal record check.

Can you use NEXUS Cards for air travel?

Yes. Citizens of both the United States and Canada in possession of a valid NEXUS travel card are able to fly between the two countries using their NEXUS card, instead of a passport. This is because a NEXUS card is a WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) compliant document.

NEXUS Cards and global entry

US and Canadian citizens can use their NEXUS membership at Global Entry kiosks.