Costa Rica, June 2025 – On Wednesday, Costa Rica vaulted into the fast lane of U.S. immigration when Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and President Rodrigo Chaves inked the long-awaited Global Entry agreement at Casa Presidencial. This landmark moment promises to turbocharge tourism—one of Costa Rica’s economic lifelines—by granting pre-approved, low-risk travelers access to expedited entry at more than 80 U.S. airports. Here’s the full breakdown of what this means, how it works, and why your next American adventure just got a whole lot smoother.
Historic Milestone: Costa Rica Joins Global Entry
Costa Rica is now one of only 16 countries whose citizens can apply for Global Entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program designed to slash wait times at immigration checkpoints. Though the agreement was formally signed on June 25, 2025, travelers should note that authorization takes four to six months—meaning the real benefits will kick in by late fall or early winter.
“A few minutes ago, we signed the Global Entry agreement,” Secretary Noem declared. “Your economy depends heavily on tourism. Many Americans come here to relax and enjoy themselves. Global Entry will allow travelers an expedited approach.”
By placing Costa Rica on the Global Entry map, the U.S. acknowledges both the country’s robust security protocols and its vital role as a premier travel destination.
What Is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program that offers:
- Automated kiosks at U.S. airports, bypassing regular immigration lines
- Reduced wait times, often cutting entry procedures from 30–60 minutes to under 10
- Inclusion of TSA PreCheck® (where available), speeding up domestic security screening
Importantly, Global Entry does not replace visa requirements. Approved applicants still need the appropriate visa or ESTA authorization. Global Entry simply streamlines the border-crossing experience for low-risk travelers who undergo background checks and interviews.
The Road to Inclusion: From 2020 to 2025
Costa Rica began its quest for Global Entry inclusion in 2020, submitting extensive security data, fingerprint records, and pilot-program proposals. Over five years, CBP worked closely with Costa Rican authorities to:
- Align vetting standards: Ensuring background checks meet U.S. criteria.
- Train local officers: Preparing Costa Rican CBP-equivalent staff to conduct Global Entry interviews.
- Integrate IT systems: Linking Costa Rican databases with CBP’s secure network.
This rigorous collaboration underscores Costa Rica’s expertise in cross-border security and cements its authority as a trusted partner.
How Global Entry Works: Four to Six Months to Fast-Track
Although the agreement is signed, Costa Ricans must wait four to six months before the program goes live. Here’s what to expect:
- Online Application: Applicants complete a detailed form on the CBP website and pay a non-refundable fee of US$100.
- Background Check: CBP and Costa Rican authorities conduct thorough criminal and immigration history reviews.
- In-Person Interview: At designated Costa Rican offices, applicants meet CBP officers for document verification and fingerprinting.
- Conditional Approval: Successful candidates receive notification to enroll.
- Full Enrollment: Upon a final CBP review, members gain access to Global Entry kiosks at U.S. points of entry.
Application Process and Cost
- Cost: US$100 (valid for five years)
- Where to Apply: CBP’s Global Entry portal
- Processing Time: 4–6 months from application to final enrollment
- Renewal: Also US$100, with eligibility reviews every five years
While US$100 may sound steep for a five-year privilege, frequent cross-border travelers will recoup the cost in saved time—and fewer missed connections.
Eligibility Criteria and Low-Risk Designation
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be Costa Rican citizens with valid passports.
- Demonstrate a clean criminal record and no history of immigration violations.
- Be willing to provide biometric data (fingerprints, photo).
- Complete an interview and provide proof of identity.
CBP emphasizes that Global Entry is reserved for low-risk travelers. Any disqualifying factors—like DUI convictions or previous visa overstays—can derail an application.
Tourism Turbocharged: Economic Impact for Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s economy leans heavily on tourism, which accounted for approximately 6.1% of GDP in 2023. By facilitating faster entry for Americans—who comprise Costa Rica’s largest tourist demographic—Global Entry stands to:
- Boost visitor numbers during off-peak seasons.
- Increase average stay durations, as travelers feel more comfortable scheduling multi-leg itineraries.
- Encourage repeat visits, thanks to frictionless border crossings.
Industry analysts predict a 5–10% uptick in U.S. arrivals over the next two years once the program is fully operational—translating to tens of thousands of additional passengers and millions of dollars in tourist spending.
Anticipated Boost in American Arrivals
Between January and May 2025, over 147,000 Canadian tourists traveled to Costa Rica. With Global Entry in place, CBP data suggests:
- 20–30% more U.S. visitors between November 2025 and March 2026 (North America’s winter).
- Reduced queue bottlenecks at Juan Santamaría International Airport, improving overall passenger experience.
- Higher hotel occupancy rates in Guanacaste and the Central Valley during shoulder seasons.
In an era when travelers prize convenience, Costa Rica’s new status as a Global Entry country could be the deciding factor for time-pressed vacationers.
Global Entry’s Reach: 80+ U.S. Airports and Beyond
Global Entry kiosks grace more than 80 airports and land border crossings across the United States, including major hubs like:
- Miami International (MIA)
- Los Angeles International (LAX)
- John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
Members also gain access to NEXUS lanes at land borders with Canada and SENTRI lanes on the U.S.–Mexico border, enhancing flexibility for multi-country road trips.
President Chaves: Costa Rica’s First Global Entry Pioneer
In a symbolic gesture, President Rodrigo Chaves will be the first Costa Rican awarded Global Entry privileges. Noem quipped that “the president will be the new person from Costa Rica to receive Global Entry,” underscoring the high-level commitment on both sides. While practical benefits for Head of State travel are minimal, the gesture spotlights Costa Rica’s pride in this achievement and serves as a public testament to the program’s significance.
Secretary Noem’s Visit: Beyond the Signature
Kristi Noem’s June 25 visit wasn’t just about paperwork. Her itinerary included:
- Strategic talks on border security and drug-trafficking cooperation.
- Meetings with the Judiciary to discuss expedited processing of extradition requests.
- A tour of local conservation projects, reinforcing the connection between security, environment, and tourism.
And in a light-hearted finale, Noem revealed her personal plans: “This is my first time in Costa Rica, but I plan to return with my family to vacation.” Her endorsement doubles as a celebrity testimonial—an informal but potent marketing boost for Costa Rica’s sun-soaked beaches and cloud-forest retreats.
Looking Ahead: What Costa Rican Travelers Need to Know
Tips for a Smooth Global Entry Application
- Prepare documents in advance: Valid passport, proof of residency (if dual citizen).
- Monitor appointment availability: Interview slots may fill quickly once the program goes live.
- Double-check biometric requirements: Ensure minimal delays by following CBP’s photo and fingerprint guidelines.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Application errors: Typos in passport number or name can derail processing—proofread carefully.
- Incomplete background disclosures: Always declare prior arrests or immigration issues, even minor ones.
- Missing deadlines: If you fail to schedule your interview within the designated timeframe, you may need to reapply and pay again.
Staying organized and informed is key to securing your spot in the expedited entry lane.
Conclusion: Speed, Security, Pura Vida
Costa Rica’s entry into the Global Entry program marks a watershed moment in bilateral tourism cooperation. By coupling expedited entry with robust security protocols, the country reaffirms its status as both a visitor magnet and a trusted international partner. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway to Orlando or a multi-leg eco-tour of the Osa Peninsula, Global Entry promises fewer lines, fewer headaches—and more time to savor that second ronda of guaro sour at Manuel Antonio.
