Cross-Border Travel Program Expands to Airports in Calgary and Winnipeg

U.S. and Canadian officials announced this week that Nexus automated self-serve kiosks and enrollment centers are now operational at Calgary and Winnipeg International Airports. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency process more than 900,000 travelers annually in Calgary and more than 175,000 in Winnipeg. More than 422 million travelers were processed into the U.S. last year at 329 ports of entry, including 87 million by air, and 75 million at northern land border crossings.

"We are pleased to be joining our Canadian partners to continue expanding this program," said U.S. Consul General Thomas Huffaker, who represented U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Monday's event in Calgary. "The expansion of Nexus, as well as the recent launch of a new online application, make Nexus an excellent option for eligible travelers. The bi-national commitment also underscores the strong desire by both countries to encourage cross-border travel." ( NEXUS Program )

"Canada's New Government is proud to announce that Calgary International Airport and Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport are now accepting Nexus members," said Minister of Public Safety, Stockwell Day. "The Nexus card not only serves as a secure alternative to a passport under the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative for travel by air, but allows Nexus members to move quickly through the Canadian and U.S. border clearance processes."

Airports in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax already offer Nexus. The program is currently up and running in Edmonton, Alberta with a formal announcement to follow in the coming weeks. There are currently more than 133,000 Nexus members who can cross the border using any of the three modes-air, land or marine-at participating locations.

NEXUS is designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, approved travelers into Canada and the United States. In the air mode, Nexus uses non-invasive iris recognition technology to identify the traveler and verify his or her membership in the program. On the land border, Nexus leverages Radio Frequency Identification-or RFID-technology.

Nexus in the air mode also meets the requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) air rule that went into effect on January 23, 2007. WHTI requires all travelers, including U.S. citizens and Canadians, to carry a valid passport or other approved secure document when traveling to, or through, the United States. It is also proposed as an acceptable document for entering the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry when the requirement is extended, as early as summer of 2008. Full implementation of the new travel document requirements will be preceded by ample notice and a public information campaign.