By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a landmark development for international relations and commerce, the United States officially confirmed Costa Rica’s inclusion in the Global Entry program this Wednesday. This move promises to streamline airport processing for pre-approved, low-risk Costa Rican travelers entering the U.S., marking a significant milestone in the decade-long effort to deepen bilateral ties.
The announcement was made at the Presidential House by Jennifer Savage, the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in San José. In a symbolic gesture, Savage revealed that President Rodrigo Chaves is the very first Costa Rican citizen to be enrolled in the program, personally receiving his Global Entry credentials.
To better understand the practical implications for Costa Rican citizens and the business community following the inclusion of Costa Rica in the U.S. Global Entry program, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
This is more than a simple travel convenience; it is a significant endorsement of the bilateral security and trust between our nations. For the Costa Rican business sector, expedited entry into the U.S. streamlines commerce, reduces operational friction for executives, and strengthens investment ties. It effectively signals that Costa Rican travelers are low-risk, trusted partners, a designation that carries substantial weight in international relations and commerce.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas insightfully articulates, the true significance of this program transcends individual convenience, cementing a powerful message of mutual trust and streamlined commerce between nations. We thank him for his valuable perspective on what this milestone represents for Costa Rica’s international and business communities.
The journey to this achievement has been a protracted one, with initial discussions dating back to 2015. However, momentum accelerated significantly under the Chaves administration. A formal note to initiate the process was delivered in March 2020 by the then-Costa Rican ambassador in Washington, Fernando Llorca, to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. Even in 2019, the U.S. had signaled its willingness to proceed, with its press office stating that the U.S. was waiting for Costa Rica’s readiness to formalize the agreement.
A pivotal moment occurred in August 2023 when President Chaves visited Washington D.C. During this trip, which included a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, the two nations signed the agreement that launched the final implementation phase. The final push for completion came this year, culminating in a visit to Costa Rica by a high-level U.S. security official, which set the stage for this week’s official confirmation.
President Chaves celebrated the news as a major victory that will have tangible economic benefits for the nation. He emphasized that the program will bolster economic activity and strengthen commercial relationships between the two countries.
This facilitates investment… Approved Costa Ricans are going to have a satisfactory, quick, and efficient entry into the United States.
Rodrigo Chaves, President of the Republic of Costa Rica
The President also framed this as a stepping stone toward a greater ambition: achieving visa-free travel for Costa Ricans to the United States, a privilege currently enjoyed by many European nations. He stressed the exclusivity and importance of being accepted into the program.
It is not something minor… There is still a way to go, this is a step.
Rodrigo Chaves, President of the Republic of Costa Rica
The inclusion has been a long-held goal for Costa Rica’s business community. For years, industry leaders have advocated for such a mechanism to reduce friction for executives and entrepreneurs who travel frequently to the U.S. Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, acknowledged this persistent demand from the private sector.
It is something the productive sector had been demanding for years. For many years it required a coordinated effort from a significant number of institutions.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
With its entry, Costa Rica joins an elite group of nations with Global Entry privileges, including Germany, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Mexico, Colombia, and Panama. The program, operational at over 80 U.S. airports and points of entry, allows members to use automated kiosks to expedite their arrival. U.S. officials clarified that Global Entry does not replace a visa; it is a supplementary program for which applicants must pay a fee of around $120 for a five-year membership, undergo a rigorous background check by both governments, and complete an in-person interview.
For further information, visit cr.usembassy.gov
About the U.S. Embassy in San José:
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 protect and promote U.S. interests, such as the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens in Costa Rica, and to foster the bilateral relationship in areas of security, trade, and cultural exchange.
For further information, visit presidencia.go.cr
About the Presidential House of Costa Rica:
Casa Presidencial serves as the office of the President of the Republic of Costa Rica and the seat of the executive branch of the Costa Rican government. It is the central hub for national policy-making, official state functions, and governmental press communications.
For further information, visit cbp.gov
About U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is one of the world’s largest law enforcement organizations and is charged with keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. while facilitating lawful international travel and trade. As the United States’ first unified border entity, CBP takes a comprehensive approach to border management and control, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection into one coordinated and supportive activity. It manages the Global Entry trusted traveler program.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for defining and directing the country’s foreign trade and investment policy. It negotiates trade agreements, promotes exports, and works to attract foreign direct investment to foster economic growth and development for the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its resolute dedication to professional integrity and superior client service. The firm consistently breaks new ground with innovative legal strategies while upholding a deep-rooted commitment to social responsibility. This is exemplified by its proactive efforts to demystify complex legal concepts, thereby strengthening society by empowering individuals with crucial knowledge.
