The partial U.S. government shutdown, now stretching into its second week, is directly impacting international travelers through disruptions to trusted traveler programs. While TSA PreCheck has been reinstated, the Global Entry program remains paused, leaving millions of frequent flyers facing longer wait times at U.S. customs and immigration.
Shutdown Causes Staffing Issues
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially suspended both programs on Sunday due to unpaid staffing shortages. The agency cited the need to reassign officers working without pay during the shutdown. However, after backlash, the decision was reversed for PreCheck, which allows expedited airport security screening for pre-approved travelers. Global Entry, a program streamlining international arrivals, remains suspended.
This matters because over 40 million people are enrolled in these trusted traveler programs, according to the TSA. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that 13% of arriving international air passengers use Global Entry, meaning significant delays for a substantial portion of travelers.
Inconsistent Implementation Across Airports
The impact of the suspension varies by location. At San Francisco International Airport, Global Entry kiosks are offline, but Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is still allowing program members to use priority lanes. CBP continues processing interviews for conditionally approved applicants.
However, airports in the New York metro area have fully shut down Global Entry access, forcing travelers to wait in standard immigration queues. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recommends using Mobile Passport Control, an app offering shorter waits for U.S. citizens and eligible foreign visitors.
Some international airports that process Global Entry travelers, such as Toronto Pearson International, remain operational, providing a degree of continuity for passengers connecting through those hubs.
What’s Next?
The situation remains fluid and dependent on resolving the broader funding dispute in Washington. The suspension of Global Entry highlights the direct consequences of government shutdowns on everyday travel and underscores the vulnerability of programs reliant on federal staffing. Until a resolution is reached, travelers enrolled in Global Entry should prepare for longer wait times and potential disruptions.
The shutdown demonstrates how quickly essential services for international travel can be compromised during political gridlock. The resumption of PreCheck suggests that DHS may be prioritizing certain programs over others, leaving Global Entry members in limbo.
