How can I use Global Entry lanes at Canadian airports if I don't have the physical Global Entry card?

How can I use Global Entry lanes at Canadian airports if I don't have the physical Global Entry card? - Man browsing smartphone and holding credit card on street

When you are approved for Global Entry, U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and Mexican nationals are posted a Global Entry card. Everyone else only has an electronic record of their Global Entry status.

Recently, a number of additional countries have become eligible to jump through all the hoops + pay to apply for Global Entry, the UK amongst them. This applies to myself.

Earlier I passed through the US pre-clearance facility at Vancouver YVR airport. That featured a separate security line that then fed into the Global Entry and Nexus machines, which was signposted as being for Global Entry holders, Nexus holders and diplomats.

Unfortunately, because I don't have a Global Entry card, they wouldn't let me use it. They seemed unable to comprehend of how someone could have Global Entry but no card, and kept saying "but you must show us the card you were issued or the sticker". I offered to show them the status online, but they wouldn't go for it, so I was forced to make the walk of shame back to the end of the normal security lane, then much later duck under a barrier to get over to the Global Entry machines.

Should I have done something different? Is there something I could've shown the Canadian staff manning the security checkpoint that would've let me use the Global Entry line as someone who genuinely has it and is entitled to use it? Printout from the DOES site perhaps? Calling the site up on my phone? Anything else?



Best Answer

As said in the comments, the person you were talking to was probably confused. Chances are that you would never have the same problem again, but this should help if you did;

  • Have a print off of the relevant documents
  • Try and explain the situation of how you gained the Global Entry
  • Ask to speak to someone in senior position - without trying to cause trouble

When the system settles and the Global entry is more commonly used by citizens of other countries, there should be no problems.




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How can I use Global Entry lanes at Canadian airports if I don't have the physical Global Entry card? - Focused male holding credit card while making payment with smartphone on street
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Do I need my Global Entry card for international travel?

Based on both CBP policies \u2013 which they reiterated to TPG \u2014 you shouldn't need your card to access Global Entry when you're flying.

Can I use Global Entry to enter Canada by car?

There are no vehicle registration requirements for a member to use the NEXUS lanes coming into the United States from Canada. However, Global Entry cards will not be valid for entry into Canada via the NEXUS lanes and kiosks.



Global Entry - The Quickest Way Through the Airport!




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Anete Lusina, Anete Lusina, Tim Douglas, Anete Lusina