The United States government has brought back its Global Entry programme after a three-week suspension intended to “preserve limited funds and personnel” during the partial federal shutdown, offering little explanation for the U-turn.
The programme allows speedy processing for pre-approved travellers deemed to be low-risk visitors to the US. Once registered on the system, they benefit from being able to use “Global Entry Kiosks” when they enter the country, rather than having to undergo face-to-face security screening with customs and immigration officials.
Update regarding Global Entry at MCO: pic.twitter.com/zv8KloU6Od
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) March 11, 2026
With the Department for Homeland Security (DHS) on shutdown for the second time in months due to Congress’s failure to reach a budget consensus, staffing is under pressure, as employees such as Transportation Security Administration officers are expected to continue without wages. Many households cannot withstand the financial strain, causing staff to walk out.
The situation has led to over 300 sudden vacancies so far, and staffing shortages of up to 53% in some airports, with long queues of travellers snaking around terminal buildings and causing some flyers to miss departures. If Global Entry were still in operation, some of those passengers could pass through security in less than a minute.
The Democrats’ DHS shutdown has forced TSA employees to work without pay three times in nearly six months, and now agents are leaving the force—with more than 300 agents quitting since the start of the shutdown.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) March 12, 2026
It’s time for Democrats to end these political games, pay our TSA… pic.twitter.com/gBjqhW9Yob
At the start of the shutdown on 22 February, the then US homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, said “shutdowns have serious real-world consequences” and explained the suspension of Pre-Checks and Global Entry, saying that TSA and customs officials needed to prioritise “the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry”, meaning that “courtesy and special privilege escorts” were being suspended.
At the time, Chris Sununu, chief executive for trade body Airlines for America, said he was “deeply concerned” by the way the suspension treats the travelling public “as a political football amid another government shutdown.” Democrats agreed and said the DHS is “kneecapping the programs that make travel smoother and secure” and “ruining your travel on purpose.”
The DHS shutdown falls squarely on the shoulders of Democrats.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) March 10, 2026
Their recklessness has caused hundreds of thousands of hardworking DHS employees to go without a paycheck. Now, Americans are facing hours-long security lines at airports.
Enough is enough. pic.twitter.com/hUkFdXgsQf
Democrats and Republicans have since continued to exchange insults over the shutdown and its impact on the travel sector. Responding to the staffing crisis and delays, the DHS has now reversed its position on Global Entry, reinstating it from 5:00 am ET on 11 March 2026. “We are working hard to alleviate the disruptions to travelers caused by the Democrats’ shutdown,” the department said.
But Senator Mark Warner has pointed out that over 18 million arrivals used Global Entry last year, economising 300,000 officer hours at 79 different points of entry to the US. A Democrat, he accused the DHS of “inflicting pain for American travelers as a political stunt.”
