Updated October 31, 2026

NEXUS vs Global Entry: what each one covers and which to choose

NEXUS and Global Entry both cost $120 for five years, and children under 18 can join free (for Global Entry, when a parent or guardian is a member or has applied). NEXUS covers entry into both Canada and the US and includes Global Entry benefits, while Global Entry only speeds up entry into the US. NEXUS needs approval from both CBP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and it's only open to US, Canadian and some Mexican travelers.

If you're eligible for both and ever cross into Canada, NEXUS usually gives you more for the same fee. If you can't easily reach a NEXUS interview, or you're not American or Canadian, Global Entry may be the better fit. Fees and rules checked on October 31, 2026.

NEXUS vs Global Entry at a glance

Which countries can apply for Global Entry?

Many comparisons still say Global Entry is open to 14 countries. CBP's eligibility page, last modified October 27, 2026, lists US citizens and permanent residents, Mexican nationals and citizens of 22 partner countries: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Germany, India, Japan, Jordan, the Netherlands, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. CBP notes some countries add their own requirements.

Canada isn't on that list. Canadian citizens get Global Entry kiosk access by joining NEXUS instead, since CBP says all NEXUS members can use Global Entry kiosks at no extra cost.

Does NEXUS include Global Entry?

Yes. CBP says all NEXUS members can use Global Entry kiosks and portals when entering the US at participating airports, at no extra cost. The reverse isn't true: CBP says Global Entry cards aren't valid for entering Canada through NEXUS lanes or kiosks, and Global Entry members must apply separately for NEXUS.

One catch for Canadian permanent residents. The Trusted Traveler Programs website lists TSA PreCheck as a NEXUS benefit for US citizens, US permanent residents and Canadian citizens. A Canadian permanent resident who isn't a Canadian citizen gets the border benefits of NEXUS but not that PreCheck access.

Which documents work where?

This is where most mix-ups happen. Here is what CBP's NEXUS card page and Global Entry FAQ say:

In a car, CBP says everyone traveling with you must be a member to use NEXUS lanes. If anyone isn't, use the regular lanes. CBP also says to carry your passport or proof of permanent residence even with a NEXUS card.

Which one should you get?

If you mostly want shorter airport security lines and rarely leave the US, compare both with TSA PreCheck first. TSA suggests Global Entry if you travel abroad four or more times a year.

How is the NEXUS interview different?

After both countries finish their risk assessments, CBP says you're conditionally approved and can schedule an interview. CBSA says a NEXUS interview has a Canadian part and a US part, done three ways: jointly at a land enrollment center in the US, split between Canadian and US land centers, or in two steps at participating Canadian and US airports. A Global Entry interview is with CBP only.

CBSA's deadline for scheduling a NEXUS interview after conditional approval gets shorter on April 1, 2027. Our NEXUS interview guide lists the new deadlines, explains the joint, split and airport options and covers the questions each officer asks. Our Global Entry interview guide covers the CBP-only version.

Can you switch from Global Entry to NEXUS?

Yes. CBP's FAQ says a Global Entry member can log in to TTP, choose "Add Trusted Traveler Program," select NEXUS, answer the extra questions, certify and pay the fee. To use NEXUS to enter Canada, you then complete an interview with CBSA.

At renewal time, CBP lets you pick a different program you're eligible for, so you can also move to NEXUS then. Our NEXUS renewal guide covers that route.

Who can't get NEXUS or Global Entry?

The lists are nearly the same. You may not be eligible for either if you give false or incomplete information, have a criminal conviction, pending charges or warrants (including driving under the influence), broke customs, immigration or agriculture laws in any country, are under investigation, were denied a firearm purchase, are inadmissible to the US, or can't satisfy the officers that you're low risk.

CBP's NEXUS page and Global Entry FAQ also both list having received a criminal pardon from any country. If you were turned down for Global Entry, our guide to Global Entry denials explains the next steps.

Visaful is an AI mock interview app for US visa interviews: an AI officer asks your visa's questions out loud and shows what to fix.

This is interview practice, not legal advice. For questions about your own case, talk to an immigration attorney. Visaful is not affiliated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Canada Border Services Agency, the U.S. Department of State or any government agency.