Traveling with NEXUS without a Passport
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2010
Programs: AC*E50k, AvisFirst, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 136
Just to make it perfectly clear, it's obvious that one should carry their passport whenever possible, and I do. This is just an extraordinary circumstance where I will not have it with me for reasons stated in the OP.
I expect I will run into confused and misinformed hurdles during this journey, but as far as I can tell, It should be possible to do this within the rules.
I expect I will run into confused and misinformed hurdles during this journey, but as far as I can tell, It should be possible to do this within the rules.
- I can enter the US via YYZ using only a Nexus card. If the kiosks are down, I'm screwed, though.
- I can board an AC aircraft in either direction using only a Nexus card
- I can re-enter Canada using a Nexus card, but if the kiosks are down, I must use the standard lanes with a Canadian birth cert and a drivers license.
#17
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MYF/CMA/SAN/YYZ/YKF
Programs: COdbaUA 1K MM, AA EXP, Bonbon Gold, GHA Titanium, Hertz PC, NEXUS and GE
Posts: 5,840
Just to make it perfectly clear, it's obvious that one should carry their passport whenever possible, and I do. This is just an extraordinary circumstance where I will not have it with me for reasons stated in the OP.
I expect I will run into confused and misinformed hurdles during this journey, but as far as I can tell, It should be possible to do this within the rules.
I expect I will run into confused and misinformed hurdles during this journey, but as far as I can tell, It should be possible to do this within the rules.
- I can enter the US via YYZ using only a Nexus card. If the kiosks are down, I'm screwed, though.
- I can board an AC aircraft in either direction using only a Nexus card
- I can re-enter Canada using a Nexus card, but if the kiosks are down, I must use the standard lanes with a Canadian birth cert and a drivers license.
1) You can enter the US via YYZ using only a NEXUS card. You aren't screwed if the kiosks are down (which they have been twice in probably 20-25 times I've used YYZ pre-clearance with NEXUS). The person in the US crew lane, which is next to the kiosks, will actually scan your NEXUS card and you should be fine.
2) I've never had a problem boarding a UA/US/AC/CO aircraft at YYZ with just my NEXUS card. The check-in agent is where you may have a problem.
3) I've never seen the kiosks down on the Canadian side, but you are in big trouble if you are caught using NEXUS without carrying your passport. You will lose your NEXUS card unless the CBSA agent is feeling nice. This is one area the Canadians are more strict. They have been known to conduct random checks to see if NEXUS holders are carrying their NEXUS cards with them.
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 10,968
Actually, this is more like it:
1) You can enter the US via YYZ using only a NEXUS card. You aren't screwed if the kiosks are down (which they have been twice in probably 20-25 times I've used YYZ pre-clearance with NEXUS). The person in the US crew lane, which is next to the kiosks, will actually scan your NEXUS card and you should be fine.
2) I've never had a problem boarding a UA/US/AC/CO aircraft at YYZ with just my NEXUS card. The check-in agent is where you may have a problem.
1) You can enter the US via YYZ using only a NEXUS card. You aren't screwed if the kiosks are down (which they have been twice in probably 20-25 times I've used YYZ pre-clearance with NEXUS). The person in the US crew lane, which is next to the kiosks, will actually scan your NEXUS card and you should be fine.
2) I've never had a problem boarding a UA/US/AC/CO aircraft at YYZ with just my NEXUS card. The check-in agent is where you may have a problem.
3) I've never seen the kiosks down on the Canadian side, but you are in big trouble if you are caught using NEXUS without carrying your passport. You will lose your NEXUS card unless the CBSA agent is feeling nice.
#19
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Toronto, ON, CANADA
Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Bonvoy LTE
Posts: 1,881
Just to make it perfectly clear, it's obvious that one should carry their passport whenever possible, and I do. This is just an extraordinary circumstance where I will not have it with me for reasons stated in the OP.
I expect I will run into confused and misinformed hurdles during this journey, but as far as I can tell, It should be possible to do this within the rules.
I expect I will run into confused and misinformed hurdles during this journey, but as far as I can tell, It should be possible to do this within the rules.
- I can enter the US via YYZ using only a Nexus card. If the kiosks are down, I'm screwed, though.
- I can board an AC aircraft in either direction using only a Nexus card
- I can re-enter Canada using a Nexus card, but if the kiosks are down, I must use the standard lanes with a Canadian birth cert and a drivers license.
2. On all my return flights to Canada, the gate agent has insisted on seeing a passport book. Nexus cards are no good for boarding.
3. No. To use Nexus entering Canada, you must be a Nexus member in good standing, with your Nexus card AND passport book on your person. You may, however, use the standard lanes with a Canadian birth cert and driver's license.
In other words, when using Nexus, carry your passport book.
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
Actually, the CBSA's FAQ page about NEXUS says that you do need to have a passport with you, in addition to your NEXUS card:
NEXUS members who are permanent residents of Canada or the U.S. are still required to travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be requested to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/faq-eng.html
NEXUS members who are permanent residents of Canada or the U.S. are still required to travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be requested to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/faq-eng.html
Actually, this is more like it:
1) You can enter the US via YYZ using only a NEXUS card. You aren't screwed if the kiosks are down (which they have been twice in probably 20-25 times I've used YYZ pre-clearance with NEXUS). The person in the US crew lane, which is next to the kiosks, will actually scan your NEXUS card and you should be fine.
2) I've never had a problem boarding a UA/US/AC/CO aircraft at YYZ with just my NEXUS card. The check-in agent is where you may have a problem.
3) I've never seen the kiosks down on the Canadian side, but you are in big trouble if you are caught using NEXUS without carrying your passport. You will lose your NEXUS card unless the CBSA agent is feeling nice. This is one area the Canadians are more strict. They have been known to conduct random checks to see if NEXUS holders are carrying their NEXUS cards with them.
1) You can enter the US via YYZ using only a NEXUS card. You aren't screwed if the kiosks are down (which they have been twice in probably 20-25 times I've used YYZ pre-clearance with NEXUS). The person in the US crew lane, which is next to the kiosks, will actually scan your NEXUS card and you should be fine.
2) I've never had a problem boarding a UA/US/AC/CO aircraft at YYZ with just my NEXUS card. The check-in agent is where you may have a problem.
3) I've never seen the kiosks down on the Canadian side, but you are in big trouble if you are caught using NEXUS without carrying your passport. You will lose your NEXUS card unless the CBSA agent is feeling nice. This is one area the Canadians are more strict. They have been known to conduct random checks to see if NEXUS holders are carrying their NEXUS cards with them.
The CBSA officer who did my interview made clear that I had to have either a birth certificate or a passport with me when traveling to Canada with my NEXUS card and didn't say that only a passport was good for the NEXUS air mode. I can't find anything to that effect anywhere except in this thread.
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2010
Programs: AC*E50k, AvisFirst, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 136
Update 1: so far so good
As expected, the check-in agent said she couldn't check me in and insisted i had to do kiosk checkin. I knew that would fail, but I had to play by the script so as to be cooperative.
When i went back to the checkin counter, same agent referred me to a more senior agent who immediately said I could checkin with nexus only and proceeded to do so, apologising for the knowledge gap with the prior agent.
Next step, US preclearance. Kiosk down Other two kiosks down. On a desparate long shot, I walked around to the fourth terminal and it was up! . CBP agent did not request to see passport.
Presently sitting in transborder MLL enjoying a beverage. Should be easy from here, so long as the ATL agent doesn't give me grief on Thursday.
When i went back to the checkin counter, same agent referred me to a more senior agent who immediately said I could checkin with nexus only and proceeded to do so, apologising for the knowledge gap with the prior agent.
Next step, US preclearance. Kiosk down Other two kiosks down. On a desparate long shot, I walked around to the fourth terminal and it was up! . CBP agent did not request to see passport.
Presently sitting in transborder MLL enjoying a beverage. Should be easy from here, so long as the ATL agent doesn't give me grief on Thursday.
#22
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: YUL
Posts: 2,115
I'd consider this cheating, but it's your game. Do let us know what happens on the way back.....
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,609
Great thread, as I am going to be without my passport for 2-3 weeks in January while it sits in some Indian embassy/consulate awaiting visa processing. Have to go to YUL in the middle of the processing period. Any other NEXUS members experienced any more recent successes/problems when traveling without a passport? Figured I bring my birth certificate, copy of my passport and visa app just to be safe. Maybe an expired passport for the cursory gate photo check?
Last edited by SFO777; Jan 20, 2013 at 11:20 am
#26
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 90
I am a Nexus holder, but I have to travel on Tuesday and I do not have my Canada passport because I had to submit it for a visa application and will not get it back in time.
I know sometimes the US agent will ask to see my passport at YYZ preclearance, but would I be able to travel without it?
From http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/tr...er/nexus_prog/
And from http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/tr...prog/nexus.xml
and finally from https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det.../619/related/1
I know sometimes the US agent will ask to see my passport at YYZ preclearance, but would I be able to travel without it?
From http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/tr...er/nexus_prog/
And from http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/tr...prog/nexus.xml
and finally from https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det.../619/related/1
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,609
Great thread, as I am going to be without my passport for 2-3 weeks in January while it sits in some Indian embassy/consulate awaiting visa processing. Have to go to YUL in the middle of the processing period. Any other NEXUS members experienced any more recent successes/problems when traveling without a passport? Figured I bring my birth certificate, copy of my passport and visa app just to be safe. Maybe an expired passport for the cursory gate photo check?
Update. Had no problem with just my NEXUS card and no passport. The only issue was at DEN check-in where my UA 1K/PP agent couldn't see how to enter the NEXUS info. She had to call over another agent to help.
#28
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: NEXUS/GE
Posts: 8
Flying into Victoria BC (YWH) Airport From Seattle (LKE)
Response from both CBSA & CBP Customs
"We do NOT Accept NEXUS cards for Flights .. where is your passport? Your required to have it with you - when you Fly with a Nexus Card.
(No Passport with you? we seize your NEXUS Card & send you home)
Ok this is a Seaplane from small airports ... but you get the idea.
Nexus + Passport - when flying... Nexus only - driving or Sea.
you might get away with NEXUS only at YVR YYJ YYZ but I'm not going to Risk losing my card over this
Response from both CBSA & CBP Customs
"We do NOT Accept NEXUS cards for Flights .. where is your passport? Your required to have it with you - when you Fly with a Nexus Card.
(No Passport with you? we seize your NEXUS Card & send you home)
Ok this is a Seaplane from small airports ... but you get the idea.
Nexus + Passport - when flying... Nexus only - driving or Sea.
you might get away with NEXUS only at YVR YYJ YYZ but I'm not going to Risk losing my card over this
#29
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: SEA, or BOS, or MUC, or other places (probably connecting). "Detroit, Michigan is in the Eastern time zone."
Programs: DL PM/1MM, AS 100K, NEXUS/GE, CLEAR, Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,201
NEXUS is not accepted at YWH because YWH is not a NEXUS facility.
As many posters to this thread have noted, it is much better to have your passport with you when making transborder flights -- even if you are 100% right about NEXUS being sufficient for your itinerary, you can still miss your flight while you're arguing about it.
(In the case of a trip on Porter between YTZ and the US, you'll definitely need a passport at the US end since YTZ is not a preclearance airport. Going from the US to YTZ you might be able to get away with just NEXUS, but good luck convincing the PD gate agent of that....)
Where is it offered?
NEXUS is offered at the following airports:
Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport
Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Toronto Pearson International Airport
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
Calgary International Airport
Edmonton International Airport
Vancouver International Airport
In addition, please note that a trusted traveller kiosk is also available at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, for incoming flights only for use by members of NEXUS and CANPASS Air.
NEXUS is offered at the following airports:
Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport
Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Toronto Pearson International Airport
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
Calgary International Airport
Edmonton International Airport
Vancouver International Airport
In addition, please note that a trusted traveller kiosk is also available at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, for incoming flights only for use by members of NEXUS and CANPASS Air.
(In the case of a trip on Porter between YTZ and the US, you'll definitely need a passport at the US end since YTZ is not a preclearance airport. Going from the US to YTZ you might be able to get away with just NEXUS, but good luck convincing the PD gate agent of that....)
#30
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan SE AND 1MM, HHonors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum , L'Accor Platinum
Posts: 9,580
I am a Nexus holder, but I have to travel on Tuesday and I do not have my Canada passport because I had to submit it for a visa application and will not get it back in time.
I know sometimes the US agent will ask to see my passport at YYZ preclearance, but would I be able to travel without it?
From http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/tr...er/nexus_prog/
And from http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/tr...prog/nexus.xml
and finally from https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det.../619/related/1
I know sometimes the US agent will ask to see my passport at YYZ preclearance, but would I be able to travel without it?
From http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/tr...er/nexus_prog/
And from http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/tr...prog/nexus.xml
and finally from https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det.../619/related/1