Traveling with NEXUS without a Passport
Mar 23, 2024, 1:13 pm
#466
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Detroit Rock City
Posts: 43
Where were you flying from and to? For domestic flights, I suspect they'd be fine with it; the page says "Canadian government-issued identification" and they could argue that it's issued by the US CBP, but it also says "Passengers who do not have a Canadian-issued identification can present any of the travel documents used to enter Canada (such as passport, NEXUS card, United States Permanent Resident card or Enhanced Driver's License, etc.)" so they probably wouldn't complain.
For transborder flights, their website's "Identification Requirements" page says "Canadian and US citizens travelling between US and Canada must still carry a valid passport even when travelling with a Nexus card, except when traveling from Canadian airports with CBP preclearance. For Porter passengers, this applies to those departing Canada to the US from Toronto-Pearson and Ottawa International Airport."
Because YTZ does not currently have US preclearance, you cannot enter the US using only a NEXUS card on flights from YTZ to the US.
For transborder flights, their website's "Identification Requirements" page says "Canadian and US citizens travelling between US and Canada must still carry a valid passport even when travelling with a Nexus card, except when traveling from Canadian airports with CBP preclearance. For Porter passengers, this applies to those departing Canada to the US from Toronto-Pearson and Ottawa International Airport."
Because YTZ does not currently have US preclearance, you cannot enter the US using only a NEXUS card on flights from YTZ to the US.
It’s possible you’d get a different answer from a different agent, but given there are agents that have this view, I would never fly with only a nexus card - you always need a passport with you. Regardless of the airport.
It would be nice if there was consistency or a way to better understand the rules (I tried and she thought I was arguing with her).
Just wanted to share for others. The agent ultimately seems to make the decision regardless of what is posted on website/info other agents provide.
Mar 24, 2024, 5:37 pm
#467
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,640
I was told by an agent at US customs preclearance at YYZ that you cannot fly on passport alone. She said nexus card did not prove citizenship, only a passport does that. I think this is contrary to information posted on CBP website, but they make the rules.
It’s possible you’d get a different answer from a different agent, but given there are agents that have this view, I would never fly with only a nexus card - you always need a passport with you. Regardless of the airport.
It would be nice if there was consistency or a way to better understand the rules (I tried and she thought I was arguing with her).
Just wanted to share for others. The agent ultimately seems to make the decision regardless of what is posted on website/info other agents provide.
It’s possible you’d get a different answer from a different agent, but given there are agents that have this view, I would never fly with only a nexus card - you always need a passport with you. Regardless of the airport.
It would be nice if there was consistency or a way to better understand the rules (I tried and she thought I was arguing with her).
Just wanted to share for others. The agent ultimately seems to make the decision regardless of what is posted on website/info other agents provide.
As far as CBP is concern, a NEXUS card is sufficient on its own in lieu of a US/Canadian passport as per US regulations. 8 CFR 212.1(a)(1) and 22 CFR 53.2(b)(4)
If NEXUS member is not a USA/CAN national, then there is no passport exemption.
Mar 30, 2024, 8:53 pm
#468
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Detroit Rock City
Posts: 43
Context (in this case nationality) matters.
As far as CBP is concern, a NEXUS card is sufficient on its own in lieu of a US/Canadian passport as per US regulations. 8 CFR 212.1(a)(1) and 22 CFR 53.2(b)(4)
If NEXUS member is not a USA/CAN national, then there is no passport exemption.
As far as CBP is concern, a NEXUS card is sufficient on its own in lieu of a US/Canadian passport as per US regulations. 8 CFR 212.1(a)(1) and 22 CFR 53.2(b)(4)
If NEXUS member is not a USA/CAN national, then there is no passport exemption.
i believed this to be the case as well, but the agent is the one you deal with. Whatever they believe is the “law” for all intents and purposes when crossing. I’m not looking to “win” the argument in court. She seemed itching to exert her authority when she asked for passports after I handed her nexus cards.
Apr 1, 2024, 1:05 pm
#469
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: MSN
Programs: DL-GM/MM, DL-SC (lifetime), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 93
Me Too
I was told by an agent at US customs preclearance at YYZ that you cannot fly on passport alone. She said nexus card did not prove citizenship, only a passport does that. I think this is contrary to information posted on CBP website, but they make the rules.
It’s possible you’d get a different answer from a different agent, but given there are agents that have this view, I would never fly with only a nexus card - you always need a passport with you. Regardless of the airport.
It would be nice if there was consistency or a way to better understand the rules (I tried and she thought I was arguing with her).
Just wanted to share for others. The agent ultimately seems to make the decision regardless of what is posted on website/info other agents provide.
It’s possible you’d get a different answer from a different agent, but given there are agents that have this view, I would never fly with only a nexus card - you always need a passport with you. Regardless of the airport.
It would be nice if there was consistency or a way to better understand the rules (I tried and she thought I was arguing with her).
Just wanted to share for others. The agent ultimately seems to make the decision regardless of what is posted on website/info other agents provide.
Last edited by WI Guy; Apr 9, 2024 at 8:59 am
Apr 9, 2024, 8:08 pm
#470
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: GTHA
Programs: Aeroplan, NEXUS
Posts: 171
I received a little insight into why the NEXUS might not be accepted by Air Canada at least. On a recent trip from Toronto to Tampa I booked using NEXUS and it was accepted for the outbound flight but not on the return. The AC agent on the desk in Tampa said they could not swipe the Nexus card on their machines which is why they required a passport.
Last edited by Heyden; Apr 9, 2024 at 8:25 pm
Apr 10, 2024, 12:17 pm
#471
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SEA, SFO, HKG
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 100K; Cathay Diamond; Asiana Club Diamond; SkyMiles Diamond Medallion
Posts: 198
I received a little insight into why the NEXUS might not be accepted by Air Canada at least. On a recent trip from Toronto to Tampa I booked using NEXUS and it was accepted for the outbound flight but not on the return. The AC agent on the desk in Tampa said they could not swipe the Nexus card on their machines which is why they required a passport.