Why is TSA PreCheck and Global Entry paused?

What happened and the immediate effect

The Department of Homeland Security has moved to halt two widely used traveler programs as part of friction around a partial federal government shutdown. The pause affects both expedited-security processing lanes and a biometric-based entry program that many frequent flyers rely on to speed through U.S. airports and border crossings.

Airports and travelers feel the impact quickly. Expect longer security lines where PreCheck lanes previously sped people through, and more time at international arrival halls for travelers who normally use the biometric entry kiosks. The suspension is tied to federal funding and staffing disruptions; officials have not provided a firm timeline for when the programs will fully resume normal operations.

What travelers should do now

• Allow more time at the airport: plan to arrive earlier than you normally would.
• Prepare for full security screening: remove laptops, liquids, and shoes as required and keep travel documents handy.
• Check status updates: monitor official DHS, CBP, and TSA channels for notices about program reactivation or operational changes.
• Hold on enrollment actions: if you were planning to enroll or renew, confirm whether enrollment centers are open before traveling.

The pause is a reminder that policy and staffing shifts can change airport processes with little notice. For business travelers and those on tight connections, the practical result is predictability has fallen: buffer times and flexible plans matter more than usual. For now, airlines and airports are advising patience and giving travelers updated guidance through gate agents and customer-service channels. It’s still unclear how long the suspension will last; that will depend on developments in federal funding and whether DHS can restore program staffing and systems to normal service levels.