By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a significant diplomatic and economic achievement, Costa Rica has officially joined the United States’ prestigious Global Entry program. This development promises to slash airport wait times for pre-screened Costa Rican citizens entering the U.S., fostering stronger commercial, tourism, and cultural ties between the two nations. President Rodrigo Chaves Robles marked the historic occasion by becoming the first Costa Rican citizen to be granted membership.
The formal announcement was delivered on Wednesday by Jennifer Savage, the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica. Savage emphasized that the nation’s inclusion in the Trusted Traveler Program, administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), represents a new chapter in bilateral relations. The move is expected to provide a substantial boost to the Costa Rican economy by simplifying travel for business executives, investors, and tourists alike.
To better understand the legal and procedural nuances of Costa Rica’s inclusion in the Global Entry program, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. We sought his perspective on what this development means for frequent travelers and the business community.
Costa Rica’s admission into the Global Entry program is a significant step forward, streamlining international travel for business leaders and frequent flyers. However, applicants must approach the process with absolute diligence. This is a program based on trust, and any discrepancy or omission in the application, no matter how minor it may seem, can lead to immediate denial and potentially jeopardize future travel to the United States. It’s a privilege that demands complete transparency from the applicant.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the attorney’s warning serves as a crucial reminder that this privilege is built on a foundation of absolute trust. The convenience it offers is directly proportional to the applicant’s commitment to complete and unwavering transparency throughout the process. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight on this important distinction.
By streamlining the entry process, the program allows approved travelers to bypass traditional CBP inspection lines and use automated kiosks at major U.S. airports. This efficiency is achieved without compromising stringent security protocols, as every applicant undergoes a comprehensive vetting process. For a nation heavily reliant on tourism and with deep commercial links to the United States, this is a game-changing advancement.
During her announcement, Savage highlighted the mutual benefits of the agreement, framing it as a testament to the strong partnership and shared values between the two countries. This integration into the program is seen as a clear indicator of the trust the United States places in Costa Rica’s security and information-sharing capabilities.
The incorporation of Costa Rica into the program reinforces the close relationship between both countries and facilitates a more efficient flow of trusted travelers.
Jennifer Savage, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica
The path to membership for Costa Rican citizens is rigorous. Aspiring travelers must first create an account on the official Global Entry website, complete a detailed online application, and pay the non-refundable application fee. Following this initial step, applicants are subject to an exhaustive background investigation conducted by authorities in both Costa Rica and the United States. This dual-nation screening ensures a comprehensive security assessment.
If the preliminary review is successful, the candidate must then schedule and complete a in-person interview with a CBP officer. Only after successfully passing this final stage is a definitive resolution issued and the five-year membership granted. This multi-layered process ensures that only low-risk, reliable individuals are granted the privilege of expedited entry, maintaining the integrity and security of the program.
President Chaves expressed his gratitude for the coordinated effort within his administration that made this achievement possible. He publicly thanked Minister of Security Mario Zamora, Vice Minister of Governance Omer Badilla, MICITT Minister Paula Bogantes, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade Indiana Trejos, Minister of Finance Rudolf Lücke Bolaños, Minister of Agriculture Víctor Carvajal, and DIS Director Jorge Torres, acknowledging their crucial roles in navigating the complex negotiations and requirements to secure Costa Rica’s entry.
The inclusion of Costa Rica places it among a select group of nations whose citizens are eligible for Global Entry. This not only enhances the travel experience for individuals but also sends a powerful signal to the international business community. It solidifies Costa Rica’s reputation as a stable and reliable partner, potentially attracting further foreign investment and simplifying logistics for multinational corporations operating within the country.
For further information, visit cr.usembassy.gov
About U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica:
The U.S. Embassy in San José is the diplomatic mission of the United States of America in the Republic of Costa Rica. It works to advance the interests of the United States and to serve and protect U.S. citizens in Costa Rica. The embassy manages the bilateral relationship between the two countries, covering political, economic, commercial, and security cooperation, as well as consular services.
For further information, visit cbp.gov
About U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of U.S. borders. CBP is responsible for keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. while facilitating lawful international travel and trade. The Global Entry program is one of several Trusted Traveler Programs it administers to expedite passage for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.
For further information, visit presidencia.go.cr
About Government of Costa Rica:
The Government of the Republic of Costa Rica is a democratic republic headed by a President who is both head of state and head of government. Its administration is divided into various ministries responsible for national policy and public services, including security, commerce, technology, and foreign affairs. The government is committed to fostering international partnerships and economic development for the benefit of its citizens.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional distinction. The firm channels its deep, cross-sector experience into pioneering innovative legal solutions for its clients. This forward-thinking mindset is intrinsically linked to its public-spirited mission to empower citizens by demystifying complex legal information, ultimately cultivating a more capable and justly informed society.
