Interview | Tagged Posts
2017
20
January
Is a Nexus Card Worth It Beyond Just Saving Time at the Border?
20
January
Question:
Humans say...
Dmitriy
Entering US from other countries is much easier/faster as well.
Nexus could serve you as an extra piece of ID (sometimes you are required to present more then one).
Yan
Thank you! Do you recommend applying for it for occasional international travellers with a young family? (2-3 air travel trips per year and 3 cross border driving trips)
Dmitriy
We haven't applied (5-6 visits to US annually). Difficult to advise on the matter.
Yan
Dmitriy Some friends tell me that you tend to lose your privacy and that the Gov'ts. will be able to track your travels movements
Dmitriy
There are always some pros and cons.
Yan
Dmitriy Thanks again!
Amie
We have had our for 5 years. Family of 3. We use at most Canadian and US airports. Kind of like the express lane a grocery store. You bypass security line ups etc. We give verbal declarations as to purchase being brought back onto Canada etc ...they track travel anyways as adults need to provide passport when traveling to the states. They know exactly when going jn and coming out. They only charge adults kids are free. We love it
Shawn
It's a no brainer. When you drive past the first 2 hour line up and get thru in 10 mins, you will wonder why you waited so long to get it.
Yan
Amie Thanks! Some good points noted...kids are free...great!
Yan
Shawn Would you know?:
Is it cost prohibitive?
How long does it take (in most average application) to get approved?
Shawn
It's only $50 total per adult per 5 years. No brainer.
Time depends on the interview back log. I'd say 2 months tops on a very high estimate.
Yan
Shawn Thanks again!
Mar
Cones in handy when you have a tight connection to make.
Yan
Mar Great point. Thank you.
Anne
The fact that you can cross quicker was enough for us. $50USD very well spent.
Dmitriy
And $50CAD for Canadians.
Yan
Dmitriy Even better. Thanks!
Anne
Canadians pay $50USD
Yan
Anne Thanks for clarification on the fees. Still with it.
Michelle
Children 18 and under is free! Adults is $50 usd, but still well worth it, and cheaper than an enhanced BCDL.
Yan
Good point. Thanks!
Sarah
Best $50 bucks you'll ever spend! You can even use it at YVR for domestic flights. You get through security much quicker
Yan
Thanks!
Jason
Express security screening (departure) & customs (arrival) for all international flights, not just for the US
Yan
Jason Sounds good. Thanks!
Nancy
Best thing invented but know you'll be interviewed by Border Services of both countries, fingerprinted and iris scanned. Even travelling a few times a year is worth it. Remember to always declare everything or you lose your status and will be subject to additional screening for some time.
Yan
Thank you! Thanks for the reminder
Nancy
oh yes - never try to cross in a vehicle or boat using the Nexus lane unless everyone has the card
Yan
Nancy Oh! Thanks i
Corey
I never actually had my irises scanned... lucky me I guess.
Tina
Best $50 usd I've ever spent. Nexus lane at land crossings is so much shorter, the border agents are friendlier and don't ask as many stupid questions, you can bypass airport security lines so much faster. We just flew to LA from Vancouver and security lines to and from were both crazy but I didn't have to line up at all! It works out to only $10 a year. I don't care if govt tracks my travel, I have nothing to hide.
Yan
I agree with you. I will put in our applications. Thank you.
Francois
Almost every Canadian airport has a special line for Nexsus card holder for going through security, always shorter by far.
Lukasz
Even if you're not coming in frm USA. When I came back from Asia I was pleasantly surprised by this
Yan
Good point. Thanks!
Katie
I love ours!
Cam
It's not just Nexus, once you get it, you also get Global entry, which gives you similar security access to about 30 other countries.
Yan
Wow! I didn't know that. Thanks!
Michelle
Isn't Global Entry a different application?
Tricia
Wouldn't travel any other way. You will know the value when you arrive a bit late and you see that enormous snaking line at security. Your heart starts to race as you fear missing your flight, but wait! You have a Nexus card. Slip through the short line and even have time for a Starbucks before the flight! Priceless!
Yan
You are right about that feeling (sometimes) you have when you are at the airport.
Best to be prepared. Thanks!
A.I. says...
Pros and Cons of Applying for a Nexus Card
The Nexus Card is a joint program between the United States and Canada that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to cross the border more quickly and easily. In addition to expedited border crossings, there are a number of other benefits to applying for a Nexus Card.
Pros of Applying for a Nexus Card
- Expedited border crossings: Nexus Card holders can use dedicated lanes at land border crossings and airports, which can save time waiting in line.
- Reduced wait times at Global Entry kiosks: Nexus Card holders can use Global Entry kiosks to enter the United States, which can also save time waiting in line.
- Access to SENTRI lanes: Nexus Card holders can use SENTRI lanes at land border crossings between the United States and Mexico, which can further save time waiting in line.
- No annual fee: The Nexus Card does not have an annual fee, which makes it a good value for frequent travelers.
Cons of Applying for a Nexus Card
- Application process can be lengthy: The Nexus Card application process can take several months, and it requires you to provide a lot of personal information.
- Not all border crossings have Nexus lanes: Not all land border crossings and airports have Nexus lanes, so you may not always be able to use your Nexus Card to expedite your border crossing.
- Must be a low-risk traveler: To be eligible for a Nexus Card, you must be a low-risk traveler. This means that you must have a clean criminal record and no outstanding warrants.
Overall
The Nexus Card can be a great way to save time and hassle when crossing the border between the United States and Canada. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of applying for a Nexus Card before you decide if it is right for you.
Yan
Just wondering...
What are the Pros and Cons of applying for an Nexus Card, other than driving across the US/Canada borders quicker?