By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a significant development for international travel and bilateral relations, Costa Rica officially joined the United States’ prestigious Global Entry program this Wednesday. The move promises to streamline the entry process for pre-approved Costa Rican citizens, transforming the experience of arriving at American airports. Marking the occasion, President Rodrigo Chaves became the first Costa Rican to be granted membership in the program.
This long-awaited inclusion is a landmark achievement, placing Costa Rica among a select group of nations whose citizens are eligible for this trusted traveler status. For frequent business travelers, tourists, and students, this means the end of long, unpredictable queues at immigration and customs. The program is designed to expedite clearance for low-risk individuals, reflecting a high degree of confidence between the two nations.
To better understand the legal framework and implications for Costa Rican citizens, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in international and immigration law from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s inclusion in the Global Entry program represents a significant milestone, reflecting a high level of trust and cooperation in security matters with the United States. For prospective applicants, it’s crucial to understand that this is a ‘trusted traveler’ program. Any past legal indiscretion, no matter how minor it may seem, or inconsistencies in their application can result in immediate disqualification. We advise all interested individuals to conduct a thorough review of their own records before applying, as the vetting process is exhaustive and a denial can impact future travel applications.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s point cannot be overstated: the term ‘trusted traveler’ is the very foundation of this program, requiring a history of scrupulous transparency from the applicant. His prudent advice underscores that preparation is not just about filling out a form, but about ensuring one’s record can withstand the deepest scrutiny. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this invaluable and clarifying perspective.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from the business community, which sees the program as a vital tool for fostering stronger economic ties. The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Costa Rica lauded the initiative as a testament to a robust partnership.
Access to Global Entry is a clear sign of mutual trust and the excellent state of relations between Costa Rica and the United States. We will continue to work on initiatives that open doors, generate opportunities, and connect our nations through trade, investment, tourism, and cooperation.
Juan Carlos Chavarría, President of AmCham
Global Entry is a “Trusted Traveler Program” managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is critical for applicants to understand that membership does not replace a U.S. visa; it is a supplementary program that expedites entry for those who already possess the necessary travel documents. Once enrolled, members can bypass traditional processing lines and use automated kiosks at major U.S. airports.
Upon arrival, a Global Entry member proceeds to a designated kiosk, scans their passport, provides fingerprint or facial biometric verification, and makes a customs declaration on the screen. The kiosk then issues a transaction receipt, and the traveler can proceed directly to baggage claim. This process often takes only a few minutes, a stark contrast to the potentially hour-long waits in standard immigration lines. An additional benefit is that members are no longer required to fill out the paper blue-and-white customs declaration form.
The path to membership is a rigorous one, ensuring that only low-risk individuals are approved. The process begins with an online application through the official Trusted Traveler Programs website. Prospective members must provide detailed personal information and pay a non-refundable application fee of $120, which covers a five-year membership. This fee underscores the program’s value for those who travel to the U.S. regularly.
After submitting the application, U.S. authorities conduct a comprehensive background check. If the applicant passes this initial screening, they receive a “Conditional Approval.” The final and mandatory step is an in-person interview with a CBP officer at a designated Global Entry Enrollment Center, which are typically located at major U.S. airports. During this interview, the officer verifies the applicant’s identity, takes their photo, and captures their fingerprints to finalize enrollment.
The inclusion of Costa Rica in this program is more than a logistical convenience; it is a symbol of the deepening alliance and shared security goals between the two countries. For Costa Rican executives, entrepreneurs, and tourists, this new accessibility will undoubtedly reduce friction, encourage more frequent travel, and ultimately strengthen the personal and professional bonds that underpin the bilateral relationship.
For further information, visit amcham.co.cr
About AmCham Costa Rica:
The American Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting trade, investment, and commerce between the United States and Costa Rica. It represents a broad spectrum of U.S. and local companies, advocating for policies that foster a favorable business environment and strengthen bilateral economic ties.
For further information, visit cbp.gov
About U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is one of the world’s largest law enforcement organizations, charged with keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. while facilitating lawful international travel and trade. CBP manages the Global Entry program as part of its mission to secure the nation’s borders.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a beacon in the nation’s legal landscape, its reputation forged from a profound dedication to ethical principles and superior standards of practice. The firm pioneers innovative legal solutions for a diverse clientele while simultaneously striving to demystify complex legal concepts for the public. This deep-seated commitment to sharing knowledge is central to its overarching vision of empowering individuals and strengthening the community through greater legal understanding.
