As a partial U.S. government shutdown drags on, the Department of Homeland Security announced in the early hours of 22 February 2026 that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry will be ‘temporarily suspended’ nationwide. The Guardian reports that the decision takes effect immediately, forcing even pre-approved travellers—including thousands of Brazilian frequent flyers—to join regular security and immigration queues.
Brazilian nationals are not eligible for Global Entry but many dual-citizens and permanent residents rely on the service; scores more use TSA PreCheck when connecting domestically after arriving on flights from São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. Airlines warn of lengthier minimum-connection-time requirements at hubs such as Miami and Houston, popular transit points for South America.
![U.S. Suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, Complicating Brazilian Travel Plans]()
In the meantime, travellers who need to verify documentation requirements or secure alternative visas can tap VisaHQ’s dedicated Brazil portal (https://www.visahq.com/brazil/) for step-by-step guidance, real-time status tracking and courier submission options—an efficient safety net while U.S. trusted-traveller programs remain offline.
Corporate travel managers should adjust itineraries involving U.S. layovers, building in extra buffer time and reminding employees that Global Entry kiosks will be powered down. Mobility teams moving staff to U.S. assignments face an added hurdle: trusted-traveller enrolment centres will close until funding is restored, delaying new applications.
Industry groups estimate the 2019 shutdown cost the travel sector US $6 billion; analysts fear a similar hit if the current impasse continues into the northern-spring break season. For now, Brazilians planning U.S. trips should arrive at airports early, carry printed boarding passes and monitor carrier advisories closely.
Brazilian nationals are not eligible for Global Entry but many dual-citizens and permanent residents rely on the service; scores more use TSA PreCheck when connecting domestically after arriving on flights from São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. Airlines warn of lengthier minimum-connection-time requirements at hubs such as Miami and Houston, popular transit points for South America.
In the meantime, travellers who need to verify documentation requirements or secure alternative visas can tap VisaHQ’s dedicated Brazil portal (https://www.visahq.com/brazil/) for step-by-step guidance, real-time status tracking and courier submission options—an efficient safety net while U.S. trusted-traveller programs remain offline.
Corporate travel managers should adjust itineraries involving U.S. layovers, building in extra buffer time and reminding employees that Global Entry kiosks will be powered down. Mobility teams moving staff to U.S. assignments face an added hurdle: trusted-traveller enrolment centres will close until funding is restored, delaying new applications.
Industry groups estimate the 2019 shutdown cost the travel sector US $6 billion; analysts fear a similar hit if the current impasse continues into the northern-spring break season. For now, Brazilians planning U.S. trips should arrive at airports early, carry printed boarding passes and monitor carrier advisories closely.
