Global Entry Program Shut Down Amid Government Shutdown

Travelers face longer customs lines as DHS suspends trusted traveler program

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security has shut down the Global Entry program for travelers as the partial government shutdown continues. This impacts more than 20 million Americans who have TSA PreCheck and Global Entry memberships, forcing them to go through standard customs processing lines when returning to the U.S. The closure of Global Entry has led to longer wait times at airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, though the TSA PreCheck and Clear lines are still operating normally.

Why it matters

Global Entry is a popular trusted traveler program that allows pre-approved low-risk travelers to quickly clear customs when returning to the U.S. Its suspension during the government shutdown is causing significant inconvenience and delays for millions of frequent international flyers.

The details

The Department of Homeland Security announced that both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck would be suspended due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, though they later reversed the PreCheck closure. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the normal Global Entry line is roped off and travelers are being redirected to the standard customs processing lines, leading to longer wait times. Some travelers, like airline pilot Kevin Hansen, rely heavily on Global Entry for their frequent international travel and are frustrated by the program's closure.

  • On February 23, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security announced the shutdown of the Global Entry program.
  • On February 24, 2026, the DHS canceled the closure of the TSA PreCheck program, but the Global Entry program remains suspended.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The U.S. government agency responsible for the Global Entry trusted traveler program, which has been shut down due to the partial government shutdown.

Kevin Hansen

An airline pilot who frequently travels internationally and relies on the Global Entry program to expedite his customs processing.

Jennifer Hansen

Kevin Hansen's wife, who was also impacted by the Global Entry program shutdown when returning from a trip to South Korea.

Barney Berry

A traveler returning to Atlanta from Belize who used the free Mobile Passport Control app to quickly clear customs in the absence of Global Entry.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The major international airport in Atlanta, Georgia, where the Global Entry program shutdown has led to longer customs processing times for travelers.

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What they’re saying

“I'm an airline pilot, and I travel internationally quite a bit, and I depend on Global Entry for my commute to and from work.”

— Kevin Hansen (wsbtv.com)

“I was concerned that we would have to wait in the regular line, that we paid for the service, and we should be able to use it.”

— Jennifer Hansen (wsbtv.com)

“It should be funded through people who sign up for it, so I don't understand why it was the first to close.”

— Kevin Hansen (wsbtv.com)

“We all downloaded the app for MPC, Mobile Passport, and that's how I was able to get back in the country swiftly.”

— Barney Berry (wsbtv.com)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has not provided a timeline for when the Global Entry program will be restored, stating it will remain closed as long as the partial government shutdown continues.

The takeaway

The shutdown of the Global Entry program during the ongoing government impasse is causing significant inconvenience and delays for millions of frequent international travelers, highlighting the need for more robust and reliable trusted traveler programs that can withstand political disruptions.