San José, June 25, 2025 — In a move destined to reshape travel, trade and security ties, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles joined forces Wednesday in San José to sign a groundbreaking Global Entry agreement. The accord not only promises to shave hours off immigration queues but also cements a joint commitment to combat illegal migration and transnational crime.
Landmark Global Entry Agreement: A Win for Low-Risk Travelers
At the heart of Wednesday’s ceremony—witnessed by Public Security Minister Mario Zamora-Cordero and Mike Flores, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Mission to Costa Rica—was the signature of the U.S.–Costa Rica Global Entry partnership. Under the new deal, eligible Costa Rican citizens will be able to apply for the U.S. Global Entry program, granting them expedited processing through U.S. customs and immigration checkpoints.
- What is Global Entry?
A flagship Trusted Traveler Program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Global Entry allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to bypass regular lines and complete customs declarations via self-service kiosks upon arrival . - Rigorous vetting:
Applicants undergo thorough background checks by both U.S. and Costa Rican authorities, plus an in-person interview with a CBP officer. Program compliance is mandatory—violations can lead to immediate revocation of membership privileges . - Travel benefits:
Members enjoy faster entry at major U.S. airports and select land border crossings, making visits for business, tourism or family reunions smoother than ever.
With this partnership, Costa Rica joins a select cohort of countries whose citizens can access Global Entry—underscoring the U.S. government’s confidence in Costa Rica’s security protocols.
Beyond the Kiosk: Tackling Illegal Migration and Transnational Crime
While the Global Entry signing stole the spotlight, Secretary Noem and President Chaves also delved into deeper security challenges facing both nations:
- Combating drug trafficking:
Central America remains a major conduit for narcotics heading north. Noem and Chaves pledged to enhance intelligence sharing, joint patrols and technology transfers to disrupt smuggling networks. - Managing migration flows:
As Honduras and Guatemala grapple with population displacement, Costa Rica has seen an uptick in southbound migration. Joint initiatives will streamline asylum processing while upholding human rights standards. - Strengthening border infrastructure:
Discussions covered funding for coastal radar systems, canine units and satellite surveillance to secure sensitive maritime and overland entry points.
“They explored opportunities to align policies and share resources to address shared challenges, such as strengthening border security while supporting lawful trade and travel,” according to a DHS press release .
CBP’s Joint Security Program: A Model for Binational Cooperation
Earlier in the day, Noem received an operational briefing from the local CBP Joint Security Program Team, which works hand-in-glove with Costa Rican officials. Highlights included:
- Advanced technology:
Deployment of biometric scanners and automated license-plate readers at key checkpoints. - Information exchange protocols:
Real-time data sharing on suspicious vessel movements and cross-border vehicle traffic. - Training and capacity-building:
Joint drills for rapid response to smuggling attempts, plus workshops on digital forensics.
By reinforcing these protocols, both countries aim to stay one step ahead of evolving smuggling tactics.
A Close-Up at CATECI: Inside Costa Rica’s Migrant Detention Hub
Noem’s itinerary culminated at the Centro de Aprehensión Temporal para Extranjeros en Condición Irregular (CATECI) in Heredia province. The facility, designed to house up to 300 individuals pending immigration adjudication, showcased:
- Modern infrastructure:
Improved sanitation, medical services and recreational areas aimed at humane treatment. - Security protocols:
Segregated wings for families, single adults and vulnerable populations to ensure safety and privacy. - Reintegration programs:
Language classes and legal orientation to prepare migrants for court hearings or voluntary return.
Costa Rica’s willingness to host 200 U.S.-deported migrants earlier this year speaks to its balanced approach—prioritizing both sovereignty and shared humanitarian responsibility.
Trade, Tourism and Cultural Exchange: The Ripple Effects
Analysts predict the Global Entry pact will boost bilateral tourism by up to 15 percent over the next two years, as faster entry encourages frequent visits among business travelers and vacationers alike. Trade corridors stand to benefit too:
- Perishable exports:
Costa Rican coffee, pineapples and seafood can reach U.S. markets more swiftly, minimizing spoilage. - Business partnerships:
Faster border crossings facilitate face-to-face meetings, accelerating investment in renewable energy and tech startups.
Cultural bridges will deepen, from academic exchanges to joint scientific research on marine biodiversity—a key asset given Costa Rica’s famed Cocos Island and expansive coastal ecosystems.
Central American Tour: From Panama to Guatemala
Costa Rica marked the second leg of Secretary Noem’s Central American tour. Her itinerary:
- Panama: Reinforcing support for the Darien Gap initiative to curtail human trafficking.
- Costa Rica: Sealing the Global Entry agreement and security pacts.
- Honduras: Assessing hurricane relief and border security protocols.
- Guatemala (June 26, 2025): Final stop focused on counter-narcotics cooperation.
This whirlwind tour underscores the DHS’s regional strategy: bolster resilient partnerships, foster lawful mobility and address root causes of irregular migration.
What’s Next? Implementation and Impact
With signatures now inked, both governments must begin trust-building tasks:
- Public awareness campaigns:
Informing Costa Rican applicants how to navigate the Global Entry application process, fees and interview schedules. - Capacity expansion:
Allocating staff and infrastructure at U.S. consulates in Costa Rica to handle the influx of Global Entry interviews. - Monitoring and evaluation:
Quarterly reviews to measure program enrollment, security incidents and processing times, ensuring transparency and accountability.
If successful, this model could serve as a blueprint for future Trusted Traveler agreements across Latin America—advancing both hemispheric security and prosperity.
In a world where airport lines often feel eternal, the Noem-Chaves alliance offers a rare dose of optimism: a faster path to the heart of the Americas, backed by joint vigilance against the perils that cross borders.
