Skip the Line, Step into the Future: Costa Rica Joins U.S. Global Entry

Arcadia
Jun 27
2 min read

1. A Game-Changing Announcement

On June 26, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves signed the agreement officially making Costa Rica a Global Entry partner. That means Costa Rican citizens—and by extension, frequent U.S.-bound travelers—will soon be able to breeze through immigration at over 50 U.S. airports using self-service kiosks.

This is more than a convenience. With tourism representing 6.3% of Costa Rica’s GDP and 2.75 million visitors arriving in 2023, this upgrade positions the country as a trusted, globally integrated destination.

2. Why This Matters for Sellers, Buyers, and Expats

Faster turnaround for property visits – Whether you're signing documents, scouting renovations, or meeting a potential buyer, quick round-trips just got easier.
More buyer confidence – North American clients now have one less reason to hesitate: re-entry into the U.S. is smoother, faster, and less stressful.
Stronger international trust – This partnership with the U.S. reflects deeper bilateral security cooperation—something global investors take seriously.

3. How It Works (for Costa Rican Citizens)

Step	Description	Estimated Time*
Online pre-approval (TTP)	Fill form + $100 USD	10 minutes
Background check	U.S. CBP & Costa Rica Migration Police	4–6 months
Final interview	At U.S. airport or enrollment center	15 minutes

*Costa Rica’s Ministry of Security said system integration should take 2–3 weeks. However, final U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) approval may take longer depending on processing demand.

4. What to Expect This Year

July–August 2025 – System integration finalized in San José
Fall 2025 – First interviews available for Costa Rican applicants
Late 2025 – Global Entry fast lanes fully operational for CR–U.S. travelers

5. What You Can Do Now

Get your documents ready – Valid biometric passport, proof of residency, and clean travel history
Plan your real estate trips smart – Combine property tours and paperwork into one efficient U.S.–CR roundtrip
Time your listing well – Get your home on the market before the 2025–2026 high season. Global Entry will boost travel volume and buyer confidence.