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Tico Times.


Costa Rica Joins U.S. Global Entry, Easing Travel for Tourists
Tico Times
By
Tico Times
June 26, 2025

Costa Rica took a big step forward, by officially joining the U.S. Global Entry program, a move set to make travel smoother for Costa Ricans and Americans alike. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sealed the deal during a visit to San José’s Presidential House, signing an agreement alongside Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves. The program, known since 2023 as the Trusted Traveler Program, lets pre-approved, low-risk travelers breeze through immigration at 53 U.S. airports and select international checkpoints

No date for starting it was in the article.

That’s great news!!

The way I read the article, it's not a benefit us Gringos can use when entering CR. It benefits Costs Ricans, when Global Entry approved, entering the USA. Unless there's a separate line at SJO Immigration for us with GE, it's useless when entering CR. Anyone else know otherwise?

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A DEMON-RAT who HATES AMERICA & was educated (NO EDUCATION) in a blue city/state This is a +++ for AMERICANS !!!

Yeah I agree, it doesn't seem to describe any benefit for US travelers trying to speed through customs and immigration in costa rica.

I agree that this is to help Costa Ricans visiting the United States, below is a quote from the article.
Costa Rican visitors who sign up for Global Entry will be able to pass through Global Entry when they visit the United States, just like Americans who have Global Entry do when they return to the US. I don't think that that Costa Rica is going to set up Global Entry for Americans to enter Costa Rica.

"Costa Ricans will soon skip long immigration lines at major U.S. hubs like Miami, Dallas, and New York, using Global Entry kiosks for a “fast lane” experience. The setup also encourages Americans to visit Costa Rica, knowing their return to the U.S. will be hassle-free."

That's what I was thinking. Unless Gringos with GE get a separate line coming into CR or leaving CR, nothing speeds up. Still have to go thru security rescreening after using GE in USA before making my connection in ATL. Unless GE bypasses that or speeds it up.

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That line along the right side wall that the pilots and handicapped use might work for GE if they accept it.
I use Mobile Passport coming back to the US and it is just as fast as GE. Very few people use it.

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It's a jungle out there. A pusseycat like you will get eaten alive!!!

One of the articles said the US and CR security systems will be synced up. Maybe that will allow for a fast immigration lane into CR for GE someday. I've had more than half my visits take well over an hour to get thru Immigration. 1 was a 2 hour wait!

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"The program, known since 2023 as the Trusted Traveler Program, lets pre-approved, low-risk travelers breeze through immigration at 53 U.S. airports and select international checkpoints"


I'm hoping it means a dedicated line. Scan your face , go to a CR Immigration Ofc, get your passport stamped for 90 days and keep on trucken. But It's Costa Rica,,, So ...

The quote you provided seems clear that it is for entry to the US, as in US immigration. It is not for entry to other countries. But when you are leaving CR and going back to the US it may help you go through US customs and immigration there, instead of when you land.

I've had GE for almost two years now, I travel exclusively to CR , FT Lauderdale, I scan my face and get called through , sometimes , they ask to see my passport, others times , .
"welcome home" , "Keep moving"
I'm hoping it will be the same in CR. the "53 U.S. airports and select international checkpoints"
I'm not sure , what the agreement says. What the ramifications will be.
I'm still checking into it it.
As a side note, I was told shortly after I got the GE I would have to use the Mobile App. I downloaded it but never had to use it.

From The Points Guy website

Bottom line
Global Entry is most widely available for U.S. citizens seeking expedited entry upon returning to the U.S. from abroad. However, Americans with Global Entry can also use it for expedited entry into select countries.

Looks like we can use GE in New Zealand and Australia. Also Mexico if also approved for their Viajero Confiable. Sure would be nice to use it at SJO....

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Global Entry for the most part will only provide expedited immigration when entering the USA. The United States has set up programs for select countries to allow their residents to join the program. That does not necessarily mean that they have set up reciprocal GE immigration procedures when you are entering their country. International airports that have expedited Global entry processing (from the pointsguy website) are:

Middle East
United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

Caribbean
Bahamas: Grand Bahamas International Airport (FPO), Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)
Aruba: Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)
Bermuda: L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA)

North Pacific
Guam: Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM)
Northern Mariana Islands: Saipan International Airport (SPN)

Canada
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)

Ireland
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Shannon Airport (SNN)

From what the website says, you will probably need your Global Entry card (that I never carry) to access the GE lanes at Canadian airports.