It’s an age-old question…or at least it has been haunting me for a long time. I guess it was just one of those things where it seemed like a gray line so I always avoided it. NEXUS is after all a program between Canada and the USA to allow the easy crossing of borders (or so I thought). Thing is, I’ve tried to search this online and could never find a clear answer.
The question has always been this: “If I’m flying back from somewhere that isn’t the United States, can I bypass the Canadian customs officers and use my NEXUS card?” The benefit of being able to do this is that I then don’t need to fill out one of those Canadian customs forms nor do I need to stand in the often long lines.
Read more of our travel tips
So on a recent flight back from Shanghai, I summed up the courage to ask one of the helpers at the custom hall at Pearson International Airport in Toronto. It was music to my ears when they said “Yes you can.”
No alarms blared, nor did I get sent to secondary for violating the program as I thought this could’ve been.
That’s all I wanted to do. I’m setting the record straight. You can pretty much use your NEXUS card every time you come back to Canada no matter from where.
If I look back at the official verbiage from the CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency) it does kind of make sense because “NEXUS is designed to speed up border crossings for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States (U.S.)”. So I suppose it doesn’t matter where you’re coming from, it’s about where you’re entering. As a NEXUS card holder, since we’ve already been pre-approved and pre-screened, we can totally use it.
And if you’re Canadian and don’t have a NEXUS card, shame on you and read my post on why you need to sign up for one.
What you should read next
Travel Resources For Your Next Trip
If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.
Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.
Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.
Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.
Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.
Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.
eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.
- AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
- Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
- KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
- AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
- Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
- Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.
Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.
Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).
Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.
Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.
- HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 5% discount!
- RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
- SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
- Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
- InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.
If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.
Good info, so I assume that means you didnt fill cbsa info on arrive can app?
BUT, if you.are traveling with (especially children without nexus) you cant use nexus lanes, so all travellers (even those with nexus) use arrive can app to prefil cbsa form.
Am I correct?
Yes, unfortunately that is the case. Use ArriveCan to handle as you would without Nexus in this scenario.
I appreciate your reporting on this. Going to Mexico later this month, with family of 5 (3 kids under 16) this will really help to speed up the process. Music to my ears, the less whining the better
Glad to help! All about the small wins right?
Hi Will, but can you use Nexus to leave a Canadian airport to travel overseas? Thanks
You don’t cross customs flying international from Canadian airports but you can certainly use your Nexus card to take the expedited line when going through security.
Dude this is awesome info. I was looking all over the internet to get this question answered because I go to HK a lot and love to travel the asia countries, as Canadian Citizen, you’ve put my mind at ease. Thanks a lot!
You’re welcome! Happy travels :)
Some have said that you can use the Nexus Card to fast track the line even if you are not flying to the U.S. ie. Flight to Asia departing from Canada.
Can someone confirm this?
Hey Ken, yes I do this all the time! You’re definitely free to do it. Just present your Nexus card to the guy that checks at the beginning of the line and you’re good to go.
Here is a link to the specific part of the NEXUS website that says you can use the NEXUS lane regardless of which country you are returning from.
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/air-aerien-eng.html
Amazing! Thanks for finding the specific link on their page that describes it – they sure don’t make it easy to find…or maybe I was just too lazy to read haha!
There is a but: NEXUS cards can also be used for passport-free travel by air between Canada and the US, BUT entering the US or Canada from elsewhere requires a passport.
That’s a good point! Another reader also mentioned on Twitter that they were able to travel between Canada and the US with the NEXUS card exclusively even though their passport was expired. Sweet!