On February 22, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) announced that it was suspending the Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) Global Entry program, which is used by millions of air travelers for expedited airport screening at customs upon arrival in the United States. The suspension, they claim, is a consequence of the partial government shutdown that began on February 14, 2026, stemming from the ongoing dispute in Congress over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”). Global Entry is a trusted traveler program, that allows vetted, pre-approved travelers who have paid for the service, expedited clearance when entering the United States and has been referred to by CBP as the “perfect program for frequent international or business travelers.”

Travel industry experts estimate that Global Entry reduces customs processing times from the typical thirty to ninety minutes in standard lines to approximately five to ten minutes for travelers using Global Entry. To avoid long delays, travelers may consider the Mobile Passport Control (“MPC”) app, if they are eligible and which may ease delays.

Although DHS also announced a temporary pause on Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) PreCheck lanes at security checkpoints around the nation’s airports, the agency has since revised that directive and kept TSA PreCheck lanes open for qualified travelers. For now, international travelers should prepare for longer wait times at US ports of entry and monitor updates as the situation evolves, particularly if the shutdown continues.