UAE sign agreement with US to initiate inclusion in Global Entry Programme

Imagine stepping off a long flight and breezing through customs without the usual hassle of lengthy lines and cumbersome paperwork.

In a significant move to enhance cross-border travel for Emirati citizens, the UAE Ministry of Interior and the US Department of Homeland Security have signed an agreement to include the UAE in the US Global Entry Programme by October 2024, according to WAM.

The deal took place during President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's official visit to the United States.

Once consultations between the UAE and U.S. are finalized, Emirati citizens who are approved for the Global Entry program will be able to utilise the system at 75 airports across the US and in other countries. This enhancement is expected to significantly speed up the arrival process while also bolstering security measures.

The Global Entry initiative is designed to expedite entry procedures at US ports of entry, allowing pre-approved travelers to bypass long lines and additional paperwork. UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba emphasized the importance of this arrangement, stating,

“This represents another step forward in our shared efforts to strengthen bilateral security and facilitate commerce and travel.”

As part of this cooperative endeavor, both governments will begin to develop and finalize the necessary criteria for the UAE's full participation in the Global Entry program.

Travelers in the program will still be required to possess a valid U.S. visa to enter the country, ensuring continued security protocols are upheld.