What Global Entry Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting The US In Early 2026

If you're a member of the Global Entry program who is used to breezing through immigration whenever you land in the United States, you should be prepared for things to look a bit different during your upcoming travel. On Saturday, February 21, 2026 the United States Department of Homeland Security announced that it planned to suspend both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs amidst the ongoing partial government shutdown. The programs were scheduled to be suspended on Sunday, February 22. And although the DHS quickly canceled the TSA Pre-Check closure, Global Entry is still currently suspended as of the time of writing.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website, Global Entry is "a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler Program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States." Global Entry travelers pay a $120 fee to apply, and membership lasts for five years. For frequent international travelers, Global Entry is well worth the price, and membership includes TSA PreCheck which helps you get through airport security faster.

The Global Entry suspension will continue until the partial government shutdown ends, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The partial government shutdown has been in effect since February 14, 2026. The Trump administration and congressional Democrats continue to disagree on legislation intended to fund the Department of Homeland Security. After two United States citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, were fatally shot by federal ICE agents in January, Democratic lawmakers are calling for reforms in immigration operations. Until an agreement is reached, Global Entry travelers should expect to enter the United States through the standard customs and immigration cues, and wait times will likely be longer than they are used to when using Global Entry.

In a statement posted online, the Department of Homeland Security explained that it "must take emergency measures to preserve limited funds and personnel to mitigate the national security and public safety damage at the hands of Congressional Democrats."

The current administration places the blame on Democratic lawmakers who they say "put politics over public safety." However, others argue that blame game is itself a political move. "It feels like Washington is using travelers as a pawn to try to, I guess, persuade the other side to do what they want," a traveler named Blair Perkins told the Associated Press. Perkins also said that she can usually clear U.S. customs in less than five minutes, but when she arrived at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on Sunday after a trip to Cancun, it took about a half hour due to the Global Entry suspension. 

Airlines for America (A4A) released a statement on Sunday echoing the opinions of many travelers: "A4A is deeply concerned that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs are being suspended and that the traveling public will be, once again, used as a political football amid another government shutdown." Until politicians reach an agreement, travelers should prepare themselves for longer wait times when entering the United States. In the meantime, here are some of our top tips on how to navigate busy airports without losing your mind.