Travelers across the United States are asking a critical question: is global entry shut down right now? The answer is tied to a major federal funding dispute that triggered a partial shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As a result, the Global Entry program — widely used by frequent international travelers — has been temporarily suspended while the shutdown continues, creating uncertainty for millions of passengers.
Global Entry normally allows pre-approved travelers to move quickly through U.S. customs kiosks when returning from international trips. With the program halted, many travelers may have to use regular passport control lines instead.
If you travel internationally or rely on expedited airport programs, keep reading to understand what the shutdown means for your next trip.
Why Global Entry Was Suspended
The disruption stems from a partial federal government shutdown that began after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on funding for the Department of Homeland Security. DHS oversees both airport security and border control operations, including programs such as Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.
Because the agency faced funding limitations and staffing challenges during the shutdown, officials decided to suspend certain expedited travel programs. Global Entry was among those services paused in order to redirect resources toward core security and border operations.
The move immediately affected travelers returning to the United States from international destinations. Without Global Entry kiosks operating, passengers must go through the standard customs inspection process.
This change can slow down arrival times at major airports, especially during busy travel periods.
What Global Entry Normally Does for Travelers
For years, Global Entry has been one of the most popular trusted traveler programs in the United States.
It is designed for pre-approved travelers considered low risk. Members complete an application process, pay a fee, and undergo a background check and in-person interview. Once approved, they can use automated kiosks or biometric systems at U.S. airports to clear customs much faster.
Instead of waiting in a long immigration line, Global Entry members typically scan their passport, verify their identity, and proceed through customs within minutes.
Many travelers value the program because it dramatically reduces wait times when returning to the country after international flights.
Membership in Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck benefits, which allow faster security screening when departing from U.S. airports.
TSA PreCheck Remains Active
When the shutdown disruptions began, DHS initially announced that both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck could be suspended.
However, officials later reversed that decision for TSA PreCheck. The airport security program continues operating for domestic departures.
This means travelers flying out of the United States can still use dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes in many airports.
Passengers with PreCheck typically do not need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets and can leave laptops and liquids inside carry-on bags during screening.
While TSA PreCheck remains available, Global Entry — which applies mainly to international arrivals — has been halted while the funding dispute continues.
How Travelers Are Being Affected
Millions of travelers rely on trusted traveler programs every year, so the suspension has raised concerns among airlines, travel groups, and frequent flyers.
The immediate impact is most noticeable at customs checkpoints when passengers return to the United States from overseas.
Without Global Entry kiosks operating, travelers must join standard immigration lines. At major international hubs, those lines can sometimes stretch for long periods during peak arrival hours.
Airports may also need to assign more officers to handle the increased workload at traditional inspection counters.
For frequent international travelers who rely on the program for speed and convenience, the disruption can add extra time to the arrival process.
Why the Program Matters to the Travel System
Global Entry does more than simply help travelers skip long lines. The program is designed to improve efficiency at ports of entry across the country.
Automated kiosks and biometric verification allow officers to process travelers more quickly while maintaining security standards.
Over the years, the system has helped save thousands of officer hours that would otherwise be spent processing travelers manually.
By temporarily shutting down Global Entry, border officers must rely more heavily on traditional inspection procedures.
That shift can place additional pressure on staffing during busy travel seasons.
What Happens Next
The future of Global Entry depends largely on how quickly lawmakers resolve the funding situation affecting the Department of Homeland Security.
Once funding is restored and staffing concerns ease, the program is expected to resume operations.
Travelers who already have Global Entry memberships do not lose their status. Instead, they simply cannot use the expedited entry system while the program remains paused.
Members will be able to return to using Global Entry kiosks once the service is restored.
What Travelers Should Do Right Now
If you have international travel planned soon, it’s important to prepare for longer wait times when arriving in the United States.
Travel experts recommend allowing extra time at customs checkpoints and monitoring airport updates before traveling.
Some airports may offer alternative processing options, but the primary change travelers should expect is using the standard immigration line.
As discussions continue in Washington, many travelers are still asking the same question: is global entry shut down — and when will it return?
For now, the program remains suspended while the funding dispute affecting DHS continues.
Have you recently traveled internationally or experienced longer airport lines? Share your experience or check back for the latest updates as the situation develops.