Posted: March 24, 2024

Global Entry, NEXUS, and CLEAR are all programs designed to expedite the process of traveling through airports, though they each serve slightly different purposes:

  1. Global Entry: This program, run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), primarily aims to expedite the entry process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States. Global Entry members can use automated kiosks at select airports when returning to the U.S., allowing for a quicker immigration and customs process. Additionally, Global Entry members receive TSA PreCheck benefits, which provide expedited security screening for domestic flights within the U.S.
  2. NEXUS: NEXUS is a joint program between the United States and Canada, administered by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is primarily designed to expedite border crossings between the two countries for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. NEXUS members can use dedicated lanes at land border crossings, as well as kiosks at participating airports for expedited customs and immigration processing. Like Global Entry, NEXUS members also receive TSA PreCheck benefits.
  3. CLEAR: Unlike Global Entry and NEXUS, CLEAR focuses specifically on expediting the airport security screening process. CLEAR uses biometric technology (such as fingerprint or iris scans) to verify a traveler’s identity at dedicated lanes in participating airports. After identity verification, travelers can move directly to the physical screening process, bypassing the standard document check lines. It’s important to note that CLEAR does not provide expedited immigration or customs processing like Global Entry or NEXUS.

In summary:

  • Global Entry and NEXUS primarily expedite immigration and customs processes for international travelers.
  • CLEAR primarily expedites the airport security screening process.

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