Costa Rica Joins Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, UK, Australia, Germany, South Korea, Switzerland, Singapore and More in Global Entry Program, Making Travel to US Easy: New Updates You Need to Know

Costa Rica has officially joined the U.S. Global Entry Program alongside Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, South Korea, Switzerland, Singapore, Colombia, Panama, Taiwan, India, the Netherlands, and Bahrain, making travel to the United States easier by giving pre-approved citizens access to expedited immigration lanes at more than 50 U.S. airports. This strategic move, signed in San José by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and President Rodrigo Chaves, links Costa Rica’s border systems with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, enabling low-risk Costa Rican travelers to bypass long lines and use Global Entry kiosks. With tourism accounting for 6.3% of Costa Rica’s GDP and over 2.75 million visitors recorded in 2023, the agreement strengthens both economic ties and mobility, while also assuring American tourists of a smooth re-entry experience — a win for both nations.

The agreement was sealed in June 2025 during a high-level visit by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to San José, where she met with President Rodrigo Chaves at Costa Rica’s Presidential House. This development grants Costa Rican citizens the ability to apply for Global Entry membership, dramatically cutting wait times at U.S. airports.

What Is the Global Entry Program?

The U.S. Global Entry Program — part of the broader Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — is designed to make border crossings seamless for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers. It allows them to skip long immigration lines and instead use automated kiosks upon arrival at over 53 major U.S. airports, as well as select pre-clearance locations abroad.

Once enrolled, Global Entry members enjoy expedited clearance, and they also automatically receive access to TSA PreCheck, which simplifies domestic airport security within the U.S. Membership is valid for five years and is renewable.

Full List of Global Entry Program Countries (as of June 2025)

Costa Rica becomes the latest to join a growing coalition of globally trusted travel partners. Here’s the full roster:

• Argentina
• Australia
• Brazil
• Bahrain
• Canada (via NEXUS)
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Germany
• India
• Mexico
• Netherlands
• Panama
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom

Each country operates its own vetting process before forwarding eligible citizens to CBP for final approval. Once accepted, members can bypass manual processing at U.S. ports of entry.

Why It’s Big for Costa Rica

Costa Rica relies heavily on tourism — a sector that contributed 6.3% of the nation’s GDP in 2023. That same year, the country welcomed 2.75 million tourists, nearly half of its entire population, with Americans forming the largest share of visitors.

By joining the Global Entry Program, Costa Rica not only makes travel easier for its own citizens visiting the U.S., but also boosts its appeal as a destination by ensuring that American travelers know they can return home with less hassle.

What Costa Ricans Can Expect

Costa Rican citizens will soon be eligible to:

1. Create a Trusted Traveler account via the U.S. CBP website.
2. Submit an online application and pay the $100 non-refundable fee.
3. Pass a background check and attend an in-person interview at a designated enrollment center.
4. Receive Global Entry membership, valid for 5 years, which enables fast-track processing at U.S. airports.

The process will also include full integration of Costa Rica’s immigration systems with the U.S. CBP’s vetting tools — a step that’s already nearing completion.

What’s the Status of Implementation?

Costa Rica’s Immigration Director and Vice Minister of the Interior, Omer Badilla, confirmed that the final technical integration phase is underway. He stated, “We are currently in the implementation phase, fine-tuning the technology. Within two or three weeks, the system will be fully operational.”

The integration process involves syncing Costa Rica’s internal databases with the CBP’s identity verification and travel history systems. According to Foreign Minister Arnoldo André, the bulk of this technical work had already been completed as early as February 2025.

This coordination ensures that data flows securely between both nations, maintaining border integrity while fast-tracking travel.

Who’s Celebrating the Move?

The announcement has received an overwhelmingly positive response from both public and private sectors:

• The Costa Rican-North American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) praised the decision, calling it a major step for improving trade and business mobility.
• The National Tourism Chamber noted that the agreement would not only improve outbound travel for Costa Ricans but also stimulate inbound tourism by assuring Americans of a smoother return trip.
• Airport authorities and airline operators in Costa Rica also welcomed the move, expecting it to reduce congestion at U.S. entry points and improve traveler satisfaction.

Which Airports Will Be Most Impacted?

Costa Rican travelers entering the U.S. will especially benefit at busy international hubs such as:

• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)
• Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
• Los Angeles International (LAX)
• George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
• Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

All of these have Global Entry kiosks already in place and serve as major entry points for Latin American and Caribbean traffic.

Bottom Line

Costa Rica’s inclusion in the Global Entry Program marks a milestone in U.S.-Costa Rica travel relations, adding speed, trust, and convenience to an already thriving flow of tourists and business travelers. It aligns the country with a select group of trusted global partners and delivers clear economic and practical benefits.

With the final systems integration wrapping up and membership applications expected to open within weeks, both Costa Ricans and Americans have reason to celebrate — because easier travel means stronger connections.

Ultimate USA City Guide for Travelers

Whether you’re chasing skylines, sunshine, culture, or coastlines, the United States offers one of the most diverse urban travel experiences in the world. Here’s your essential guide to the top cities across America, what to do in each, and how to make the most of your time.

New York City, New York

Vibe: Fast-paced, global, electric

What to Do:

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island – Symbol of American freedom
• Central Park – A peaceful escape in the middle of Manhattan
• Times Square – The heart of neon, entertainment, and crowds
• Broadway Shows – World-class theatre you shouldn’t miss
• Museums: The MET, MoMA, and the American Museum of Natural History

Travel Tip:

Get a MetroCard for subway travel and skip yellow cabs — walking and trains are often faster.

San Francisco, California

Vibe: Quirky, techie, scenic

What to Do:

• Golden Gate Bridge – Walk, cycle, or drive across this icon
• Alcatraz Island – Explore the infamous former prison
• Fisherman’s Wharf – Sample fresh seafood and see sea lions
• Cable Cars – Ride the hills in a moving time capsule

Travel Tip:

Dress in layers — fog and sun trade places throughout the day.

Chicago, Illinois

Vibe: Bold, artistic, modern-meets-classic

What to Do:

• Millennium Park & The Bean – Snap a selfie with Chicago’s mirror icon
• Architectural River Cruise – Learn about the city’s legendary skyline
• Deep-Dish Pizza – Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s?
• Navy Pier & Art Institute of Chicago

Travel Tip:

Visit in spring or early fall — winters are icy and intense.

Los Angeles, California

Vibe: Laid-back luxury meets celebrity dreams

What to Do:

• Hollywood Sign & Walk of Fame – Classic photo ops
• Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach – Coastal California vibes
• Universal Studios & Warner Bros. Tour – Movie magic in real time
• Griffith Observatory – Epic views of LA and the stars

Travel Tip:

Rent a car — public transport exists, but LA is built for driving.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Vibe: Soulful, festive, unapologetically unique

What to Do:

• French Quarter & Bourbon Street – Live music, beignets, and cocktails
• Mardi Gras (February/March) – Parades, floats, and masks galore
• Garden District – Beautiful, historic mansions
• Live Jazz Clubs – Preservation Hall and beyond

Travel Tip:

Avoid hurricane season (August–October) and pack earplugs for late-night fun.

Washington, D.C.

Vibe: Historical, intellectual, monument-filled

What to Do:

• The National Mall – Home to Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol
• Smithsonian Museums – All free and world-class
• Cherry Blossom Festival – Late March to early April
• Georgetown – Historic streets and upscale shopping

Travel Tip:

All Smithsonian museums are free, so plan to museum-hop all day.

Phoenix, Arizona

Vibe: Desert-modern, wellness-oriented, sun-drenched

What to Do:

• Desert Botanical Garden – See cacti in every shape imaginable
• Camelback Mountain – A hike with panoramic desert views
• Scottsdale Arts District – Native art, galleries, and spas

Travel Tip:

Avoid summer — temperatures regularly hit 110°F+ (43°C).

Denver, Colorado

Vibe: Outdoor-urban blend, sporty, beer-loving

What to Do:

• Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Catch a concert in natural rock acoustics
• Rocky Mountain National Park – Just a day trip away
• Craft Beer Scene – More breweries than you can count

Travel Tip:

Altitude affects hydration — drink water constantly your first day.

Miami, Florida

Vibe: Latin-influenced, tropical, high-energy

What to Do:

• South Beach – Glamour, white sand, and Art Deco
• Wynwood Walls – Street art paradise
• Little Havana – Cuban coffee, salsa beats, and cigars
• Everglades – Airboat tours and gator spotting

Travel Tip:

Skip summer if you hate humidity — winter is warm and beautiful.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Vibe: Flashy, loud, 24/7 playground

What to Do:

• The Strip – Casinos, themed hotels, and spectacular shows
• Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon – Epic day trips nearby
• Cirque du Soleil Shows – A Vegas must-see

Travel Tip:

Hotels are cheap midweek — weekends cost double.

Bonus: Other Great Cities Worth Exploring

• Boston, Massachusetts – Ivy League charm + Revolutionary War history
• Seattle, Washington – Coffee culture, the Space Needle, and lush green scenery
• Austin, Texas – Live music capital and foodie hotspot
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Liberty Bell and cheesesteaks
• Savannah, Georgia – Southern Gothic vibes and moss-draped oak trees

Final Travel Tips for the USA:

• Tipping is expected: 15–20% at restaurants, bars, and taxis
• Domestic flights can be long: Allow time for layovers or delays
• Each region feels like a different country: Embrace the diversity!
• Always carry ID: Especially when buying alcohol or entering bars