NEXUS speeds up crossings into both the US and Canada and is run jointly by CBP and the Canada Border Services Agency, while Global Entry speeds up arrival into the US from anywhere. As of October 2026, both carry a 120 dollar non-refundable application fee and last 5 years, and NEXUS members can use Global Entry kiosks too. If you live near the border or fly between the US and Canada often, NEXUS covers more for the same fee.
Both are trusted traveller programmes, both run through the same US application system and both put you in a faster line. The difference is which border they're built for and who's allowed to apply. I read CBP's NEXUS, Global Entry and eligibility pages and the Canada Border Services Agency's NEXUS page side by side.
NEXUS and Global Entry side by side
| NEXUS | Global Entry | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | CBP and the Canada Border Services Agency together | CBP |
| What it speeds up | Entering the US and Canada by air, land and boat | Arriving in the US |
| Fee | 120 dollars, non-refundable | 120 dollars, non-refundable |
| Membership | 5 years | 5 years |
| Children | Under 18 free, but each needs their own card | Minors free with a parent already in or applying |
| Who can apply | US and Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and Mexican members of Viajero Confiable | Low-risk travellers who pass CBP's background check |
| Approval | Both the US and Canada must approve | CBP background check, then an interview |
| Kiosks | NEXUS kiosks when flying into Canada, Global Entry kiosks into the US | Global Entry kiosks and lines at major US airports |
The fee and the family rule
As of October 2026, the Canada Border Services Agency lists a 120 dollar non-refundable NEXUS application processing fee for a 5 year membership, and CBP lists the same 120 dollar fee for 5 years of Global Entry. The family rules differ. For NEXUS, children under 18 are free, but everyone needs their own card, and anyone under 18 needs a parent or legal guardian's consent. For Global Entry, CBP says minors are free with a parent who's already a member or applying at the same time.
The approval catch with NEXUS
Because it's a two-country programme, two countries vet you. CBP's eligibility page says both the US and Canada must approve your application, and a denial by either one keeps you out. It also lists reasons you may not qualify, including any criminal conviction or pending charges, customs or immigration violations in any country, and being unable to satisfy CBP or the CBSA that you're low risk.
There's a fresh deadline to know too. The CBSA says that from April 1, 2027, if you're conditionally approved, you'll have 2 years from your approval date to schedule your enrolment interview, as the temporary 5 year extension ends. If you were conditionally approved before then, it's 5 years from approval or April 1, 2029, whichever comes first.
Where Global Entry is the easier choice
Global Entry doesn't need Canada's approval, works at major US airports and land borders, and includes TSA PreCheck access. CBP says most applications are reviewed within 2 weeks, while some take up to 12 months or longer, and first-time applicants need an in-person interview. You can often finish that interview without an appointment through Enrollment on Arrival or Enrollment on Departure, as part of a trip you've already booked.
Which one to choose
- You're a US or Canadian citizen or permanent resident who crosses the US-Canada border often: NEXUS, because it covers both directions for the same fee.
- You fly into the US from Europe, Asia or Latin America and rarely visit Canada: Global Entry.
- You have anything on your record that Canada might view differently from the US: Global Entry, since NEXUS needs both countries to say yes.
- You travel with children: either works, but every child needs their own application and card.
- You were conditionally approved for NEXUS and haven't booked your interview: check your deadline now.
For the rest of the trip, this business trip packing list saves time at the airport, and this piece on slow travel for founders is worth a read if you're on the road a lot.
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My advice on NEXUS or Global Entry
If you're eligible and you cross into Canada more than once or twice a year, apply for NEXUS: same fee, same 5 years, and you still get Global Entry kiosks into the US. If Canada isn't part of your travel, or a past issue might worry Canadian officials, apply for Global Entry and keep it simple. Either way, book the interview as soon as you're conditionally approved.
Frequently asked questions
Is NEXUS better than Global Entry?
For frequent US-Canada travel, NEXUS covers both countries for the same 120 dollar fee and 5 year term as of October 2026, and members can use Global Entry kiosks. Global Entry doesn't need Canada's approval and suits trips into the US from anywhere.
Does NEXUS include Global Entry?
NEXUS members can use Global Entry kiosks when entering the US, including through Canadian preclearance airports, according to CBP.
Who can apply for NEXUS?
US citizens and lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens and lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals who are members of Viajero Confiable, according to CBP.
Do kids need their own NEXUS card?
Yes. The CBSA says everyone needs their own card, and children under 18 don't pay the application fee.
