NEXUS Applications Plunge as Canadians Shun U.S. Travel
The number of Canadian applications for the NEXUS trusted-traveller program has fallen sharply since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office. New data from the Canada Border Services Agency shows applications were nearly half in 2025 compared to 2024.
In 2025, under 350,000 Canadians applied for NEXUS, down from about 700,000 the year before. The drop comes as many Canadians rethink travel and border crossings to the United States amid political tensions and economic concerns.
What NEXUS Is and Why It Matters
The NEXUS program allows pre-approved travellers to speed through border crossings and airport security between Canada and the U.S. It is administered jointly by Canadian and U.S. authorities and includes strict background checks.
Most NEXUS members are Canadian. The sharp decrease marks a significant shift in cross-border travel interest.
Signs Canadians Are Avoiding the U.S.
The drop in NEXUS applications adds to broader evidence that Canadians are avoiding the U.S. Travel data shows cross-border visits fell sharply in 2025. Statistics Canada reported a 30.9 per cent drop in Canadian vehicles crossing into the U.S. in 2025 versus 2024.
Polls also show many Canadians plan to avoid travel south for at least the next year. Political tensions, tariffs, and heated rhetoric appear to have shaped these decisions.
Political and Social Factors at Play
Observers link the trend to strained Canada–U.S. relations since Trump’s return to the presidency. Some Canadians have expressed discomfort with U.S. policy changes, border practices, and broader political shifts in Washington.
Critics have also noted changes such as the U.S. no longer accepting the “X” gender marker on NEXUS applications, forcing applicants to choose “M” or “F.” This may have discouraged some travellers.
Impact on Travel and Tourism
The decline in NEXUS interest highlights how travel habits have shifted. Many Canadians now choose alternative destinations for vacations.
Airlines and travel agencies have reported fewer bookings to U.S. cities. The drop in travel may also affect tourism revenue on both sides of the border.
As tensions continue, Canadian travel patterns could further change, with long-term effects on cross-border ties and economic activity.
