If you are a Canadian traveller who crosses the border into the United States via road, air or sea frequently and you aren’t a NEXUS member, I can’t imagine why not. Unless you’re a high security risk, that is.
Obtaining a NEXUS card gives you expedited clearance at the Canada-US border and is valid for five years (the Global Entry Program is the U.S. equivalent). The application process costs CAN$50, but it is so worth it. The first time I breezed by the 500 people in line for border clearance at Pearson International Airport in Toronto, I wanted to wave that little card in the air and sing a mashup of O Canada and The Star Spangled Banner.
The application process is straightforward and you can complete it online at the Canada Border Services Agency website. Processing the application takes six to eight weeks. Once that’s done, you’ll get an email asking you to set up an appointment at the NEXUS Environment Centre nearest you for an interview. It wasn’t really an “interview” in my experience. When I attended, officials simply took my fingerprints, a photo, and did an iris scan.
Once you get the NEXUS identification card, you’re on easy street. At the airport you can now avoid the regular line at security clearance (you still have to go through security, but it’s always a much shorter line). Upon your return to Canada, you do not have to present yourself to a border agent. Instead NEXUS members access one of the kiosks near customs that scan your irises and ask you to respond to the regular border agent questions via touch screen. I can’t tell you how many times this program has saved me from missing tight connecting flights. Truly brilliant!
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe to Tag Along Travel? Twice a month, you’ll receive an email with links to recent posts.
