The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has temporarily suspended the Global Entry program as a partial government shutdown continues to affect agency funding and staffing. TSA PreCheck remains active. The change impacts expedited customs processing for millions of enrolled travellers arriving in the United States.
Global Entry Services Suspended Amid Funding Gap
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Global Entry services are paused during the ongoing partial government shutdown. Officials pointed to staffing issues and limited funding as reasons for the operational changes.
The funding lapse began on February 14 after Congress and the White House failed to reach an agreement on legislation to fund DHS operations. As a result, the department has reassigned personnel to prioritize core border security and traveller screening responsibilities.
Global Entry, managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, allows approved, low-risk travellers to use automated kiosks for quicker re-entry into the United States. The program runs at major international airports and some land border crossings, offering faster customs processing under normal conditions.
TSA PreCheck Remains Operational
Although DHS initially signalled that both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck could be affected, the department later confirmed that PreCheck lanes would continue operating.
The Transportation Security Administration stated that it will monitor staffing levels and adjust checkpoint operations as needed. As of midday Sunday, wait times at most major international airports remained under 15 minutes, according to information available in TSA’s mobile application.
Enrollment in PreCheck has expanded significantly in recent years. In 2024, DHS reported more than 20 million active PreCheck members, including many travellers who also participate in Global Entry, which automatically includes PreCheck eligibility.
Weather Disruptions Add to Travel Uncertainty
The operational changes coincide with a winter storm affecting the East Coast. Widespread cancellations were reported at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport, where most outbound flights scheduled for Monday were cancelled.
Under standard operations, Global Entry is estimated by industry analysts to reduce customs wait times from approximately 30 to 90 minutes in regular lines to roughly 5 to 10 minutes at dedicated kiosks. While overall airport security lines appeared manageable early Sunday, some returning international travellers experienced longer customs queues without access to Global Entry lanes.
Airline trade groups and members of Congress differ on the funding dispute and its impact on travel operations. The situation highlights how federal funding disruptions can impact airport services beyond basic security screening.
Look Ahead
The timeline for restoring Global Entry services will depend on congressional action to address the funding gap affecting DHS. Until appropriations are reinstated, the department may continue adjusting programs to concentrate available staff on essential functions.
Travelers are encouraged to monitor airport updates and agency announcements as conditions evolve. For continued neutral coverage of federal travel programs, immigration-related operations, and government funding developments, visit ImmigrationQuestion.com.
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