Traveling with NEXUS without a Passport
Jun 26, 2017, 9:52 am
#226
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Moderator's Action
I've merged your question into the encyclopedic thread on this issue. The responses contradict each other because people have had mixed experiences while traveling with NEXUS cards and without their passports.
It seems that the surest way is to cross the border at land crossings.
TWA884
Travel Safety/Security co-moderator
Jun 26, 2017, 1:43 pm
#227
Join Date: May 2006
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Hi All,
I've read a couple of threads on this topic, but the responses to seem to contradict each other, and would greatly appreciate any guidance.
My Situation:
I am an American, Canadian Permanent Resident, and I have NEXUS. My US (and only) passport is currently in the UK waiting for a visa to be stamped on it.
I have a flight back to IAH scheduled for this Friday the 30th, and it is looking very doubtful that my passport will be back in time. As I understand the rules, I need to have my NEXUS card and passport to enter the US, but I can re-enter Canada solely using the NEXUS card.
I understand that I can enter the US on land using the NEXUS card only. My plan is just adjust my flight schedule to BUF-ORD-IAH, then IAH-YYZ. I'll cross the border and stay the night in BUF on the way out, and return directly from Houston to Toronto.
Is this feasible? It's a very weird feeling to be stuck in a foreign country w/o a passport.
Thanks so much for any advice!
I've read a couple of threads on this topic, but the responses to seem to contradict each other, and would greatly appreciate any guidance.
My Situation:
I am an American, Canadian Permanent Resident, and I have NEXUS. My US (and only) passport is currently in the UK waiting for a visa to be stamped on it.
I have a flight back to IAH scheduled for this Friday the 30th, and it is looking very doubtful that my passport will be back in time. As I understand the rules, I need to have my NEXUS card and passport to enter the US, but I can re-enter Canada solely using the NEXUS card.
I understand that I can enter the US on land using the NEXUS card only. My plan is just adjust my flight schedule to BUF-ORD-IAH, then IAH-YYZ. I'll cross the border and stay the night in BUF on the way out, and return directly from Houston to Toronto.
Is this feasible? It's a very weird feeling to be stuck in a foreign country w/o a passport.
Thanks so much for any advice!
That said, if you use BUF, you shouldn't have any issue at all.
Jun 26, 2017, 8:38 pm
#228
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: SEA, or BOS, or MUC, or other places (probably connecting). "Detroit, Michigan is in the Eastern time zone."
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Note that using NEXUS alone for air travel from Canada to the US requires that you be flying out of a preclearance airport; in particular, YTZ is not an option. As noted, the safest bet is to cross on land and fly from a US airport.
Jun 27, 2017, 9:54 am
#230
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As for customs, you wouldn't be able to use the Nexus kiosks entering Canada (since they rely on iris scans), just enter in the regular lanes. CBP Global Entry kiosks don't recognize Nexus cards regardless of whether you have an iris scan on file. You'll need to go to regular lanes and present your docs and Nexus card as you would your passport. At that point, CBP agents don't care whether you have an iris scan on file.
Jun 27, 2017, 9:54 am
#231
Join Date: Dec 2004
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I'd much rather keep my original itinerary if possible, than go through BUF.
Thanks for any help.
Jun 27, 2017, 9:59 am
#232
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Okay so this is where I get confused. I am booked on an AC flight, this Friday, YYZ-IAH. Are you saying that I can travel on this flight using Nexus only? I thought that the GE kiosks require a passport to scan? I'd much rather keep my original itinerary if possible, than go through BUF.
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
Jun 27, 2017, 11:10 am
#233
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: LAS/GRU/DUB
Programs: Amex, JPMR, Nexus
Posts: 365
Just posted above. Yes, Nexus only is fine. CBP Global Entry kiosks don't recognize Nexus cards so you'd just need to go to regular lanes and present your docs and Nexus card as you would your passport. This is how it worked for me at YUL PreClearance when my passport was at some embassy for a visa.
Jun 27, 2017, 11:15 am
#234
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: BDL, YVR, CMH
Programs: AC, WN, Nexus
Posts: 74
When using the Global Entry kiosks in Canada Preclearance locations you can use your passport, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card or NEXUS card. You cannot use your NEXUS card at Global Entry kiosks outside of Canadian Preclearance locations. At all other ports, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card.
Jun 27, 2017, 12:14 pm
#235
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Just posted above. Yes, Nexus only is fine. CBP Global Entry kiosks don't recognize Nexus cards so you'd just need to go to regular lanes and present your docs and Nexus card as you would your passport. This is how it worked for me at YUL PreClearance when my passport was at some embassy for a visa.
That's not true. The biggest issue will be with clueless US airline check-in or gate agents who may not even know what Nexus is. A check-in or gate agent isn't going to know or care whether you have an iris scan on file or not.
As for customs, you wouldn't be able to use the Nexus kiosks entering Canada (since they rely on iris scans), just enter in the regular lanes. CBP Global Entry kiosks don't recognize Nexus cards regardless of whether you have an iris scan on file. You'll need to go to regular lanes and present your docs and Nexus card as you would your passport. At that point, CBP agents don't care whether you have an iris scan on file.
As for customs, you wouldn't be able to use the Nexus kiosks entering Canada (since they rely on iris scans), just enter in the regular lanes. CBP Global Entry kiosks don't recognize Nexus cards regardless of whether you have an iris scan on file. You'll need to go to regular lanes and present your docs and Nexus card as you would your passport. At that point, CBP agents don't care whether you have an iris scan on file.
- Entering Canada by air - NEXUS kiosk requires iris scan. If no iris scan but have NO IRIS sticker, use CBSA special services. If no iris scan and do not have a NO IRIS sticker, you may be able to use CBSA special services. YMMV.
- Entering Canada by land (no IRIS scan required) - Use NEXUS lanes if all occupants are NEXUS members. Traffic light above NEXUS lane might be lit RED but if nothing blocking the lane, it is open for NEXUS members. Some NEXUS lanes might not be staffed but there should a call button for you to ring once you pull up to the booth. CBSA will then clear you remotely via CCTV and mic/speaker.
- Entering US by land (no IRIS scan required) - Use NEXUS lanes if all occupants are NEXUS (or Trusted Traveler) members. Only exception is AFAIK is Whirlpool Bridge which is exclusively NEXUS ONLY; no other Trusted Travelers. NEXUS card members can also use Ready lane.
- Entering US by air via Canada Preclearance (no IRIS scan required but fingerprint must be on file) - NEXUS card or passport will work on CBP kiosks. Nothing different with YUL.
- Entering US by air not via Canada Preclearance (no IRIS scan required but fingerprint must be on file) - Officially CBP GE kiosk at non-Canadian Preclearance locations will require passport but there have been reports they also recognize NEXUS card. Proceed at your own risk if using NEXUS. Not recommended.
Jun 27, 2017, 1:48 pm
#236
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SFO
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Agreed. On webpage https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-t...ams/nexus/card , the CBP writes:
When using the Global Entry kiosks in Canada Preclearance locations you can use your passport, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card or NEXUS card. You cannot use your NEXUS card at Global Entry kiosks outside of Canadian Preclearance locations. At all other ports, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card.
When using the Global Entry kiosks in Canada Preclearance locations you can use your passport, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card or NEXUS card. You cannot use your NEXUS card at Global Entry kiosks outside of Canadian Preclearance locations. At all other ports, you will need to use your passport or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident card.
Jun 27, 2017, 4:12 pm
#237
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That's not true. The biggest issue will be with clueless US airline check-in or gate agents who may not even know what Nexus is. A check-in or gate agent isn't going to know or care whether you have an iris scan on file or not.
As for customs, you wouldn't be able to use the Nexus kiosks entering Canada (since they rely on iris scans), just enter in the regular lanes. CBP Global Entry kiosks don't recognize Nexus cards regardless of whether you have an iris scan on file. You'll need to go to regular lanes and present your docs and Nexus card as you would your passport. At that point, CBP agents don't care whether you have an iris scan on file.
As for customs, you wouldn't be able to use the Nexus kiosks entering Canada (since they rely on iris scans), just enter in the regular lanes. CBP Global Entry kiosks don't recognize Nexus cards regardless of whether you have an iris scan on file. You'll need to go to regular lanes and present your docs and Nexus card as you would your passport. At that point, CBP agents don't care whether you have an iris scan on file.
If it wasn't reading it, try turning it upside down (top of your head on your photo toward you). It reads better that way.
Jun 27, 2017, 4:22 pm
#238
Join Date: Jul 2003
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That isn't true. GE kiosks DO read NEXUS cards at all preclearance airports. In fact, I have successfully used it at US-based GE kiosks on flights from Canada (which I believe is how they are supposed to work).
Did it give you an error, or did it just not read it? Cause I always use my NEXUS card at Canadian airports, and fly through them nearly weekly.
If it wasn't reading it, try turning it upside down (top of your head on your photo toward you). It reads better that way.
Did it give you an error, or did it just not read it? Cause I always use my NEXUS card at Canadian airports, and fly through them nearly weekly.
If it wasn't reading it, try turning it upside down (top of your head on your photo toward you). It reads better that way.
Jun 27, 2017, 5:45 pm
#239
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