Earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security announced that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry would be suspended during this current government shutdown. Almost immediately, the government reversed its decision on TSA PreCheck, and those lanes are now open at most airports. However, Global Entry is still closed. This is the first time that Global Entry has ever been suspended.
This closure makes no sense to me. Global Entry actually helps people get through immigration faster, thus shortening the lines and workload for the “regular” lines.
Also, we had to pay for Global Entry. Shouldn’t our fees pay for the 1-2 agents who are working the Global Entry line?
Spring Break is almost upon us. My family is traveling out of the country, and I had counted on using Global Entry to make our return less of a headache. I suppose we can still try the Mobile Passport Control app and line, although the last time I used that it didn’t really save us much time (see this post).
I realize this Global Entry shutdown is a first world problem. But, it still sucks. Make it make sense.
Are you affected by this current Global Entry shutdown?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I flew from Tokyo to LA yesterday and was concerned about Global Entry being down. I had read it was down per policy but also operational at some airports so hoping LA would be OK. As a back up I set up Mobile Passport. Well I worried for nothing.
I arrived and found out Global Entry was not available. I asked about Mobile Passport and agent said don’t worry normal processing was actually quicker. Turns out LA (not sure about other airports) had fully implemented facial recognition of US citizens returning to the country. I walked up to a kiosk, had my photo taken and the agent said you are good to go. No delay, no question and didn’t even have to show passport. Frankly this was quicker than Global Entry! Hopefully it is implemented at all US entry points soon.
We flew from CUN to MDW late Saturday night, Feb 21, 2026. Our flight was delayed one hour. We arrived at MDW at close to 10pm and we were allowed to use our Global entry. Not sure about now, but it was not shut down yet for us. After hearing the news we were glad we flew home on the 21st before the cartel unrest! Totally agree, we paid $ and went thru excessive screening for Global Entry so it does not make sense to block it, other than to make people angry and riled up – political tactics.