In a bid to ease cross-border travel for Emiratis, the UAE has taken a major step to enter the United States’ Global Entry Program. The UAE and U.S. governments recently signed an agreement between the UAE Ministry of Interior and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that will lead to the UAE’s inclusion into the program by October 2024.
“This arrangement represents another step forward in our shared efforts to strengthen bilateral security and facilitate commerce and travel,” said UAE Ambassador to the U.S. Yousef Al Otaiba.
Easier access to 75 airports in the U.S. and other countries
The signing took place on the sidelines of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official visit to the United States. Global Entry is an initiative that expedites entry procedures into U.S. ports of entry.
“Once the UAE and U.S. finalize consultations, Emirati citizens who apply and are approved for the Global Entry program will be able to enter the U.S. using the Global Entry system at 75 airports in the U.S. and other countries,” he added.
The program will expedite the arrival process for UAE travelers into the U.S. while enhancing security.
As a pre-screened Global Entry participant, UAE travelers can immediately check in at a Global Entry kiosk at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility or when they arrive at another U.S. port of entry, avoiding long lines and additional paperwork. Global Entry participants must still have a valid U.S. visa to enter the country.
To complete the program entry process, the UAE and U.S. government authorities will begin to develop and finalize criteria that will lead to the UAE’s full participation in the Global Entry Program.
What is the Global Entry Program?
Global Entry is a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports. Global Entry membership also entitles members to use the TSA pre lanes at airport security checks in the United States.
Read: Qatar becomes first Gulf country to join U.S. Visa Waiver Program
Who is eligible?
U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, citizens of Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom, Argentina, India, Colombia, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, and Mexican nationals are eligible for Global Entry membership.
The U.S. gives travelers a pre-approval for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a meticulous background check and in-person interview before enrolment.
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