The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States (US) have signed an agreement to formally begin the process of including the UAE in the Global Entry Programme by October 2024. The agreement was signed between the UAE Ministry of Interior and the US Department of Homeland Security during President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official visit to the US.
The Global Entry Programme is designed to expedite entry into the US for pre-approved, low-risk travelers, enhancing security and easing the arrival process at US ports of entry. Once finalized, Emirati citizens who apply and are approved for the program will have access to Global Entry kiosks at 75 airports in the US and other countries, significantly reducing wait times.
According to UAE Ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba, the agreement is a significant step in strengthening bilateral security, trade, and travel cooperation between the two nations. Global Entry participants will still be required to hold a valid US visa.
The UAE and US governments will now work on finalizing the criteria for full participation, marking a new milestone in UAE-US relations and facilitating smoother cross-border travel for Emiratis.
