UAE citizens holding a valid US visa will soon benefit from expedited entry into the United States, thanks to a new agreement signed between the UAE and the US. The agreement, part of the 'Global Entry Programme,' will simplify cross-border travel for Emiratis and is set to be implemented starting October 2024.
Global Entry is a US initiative designed to streamline entry procedures at US ports of entry. The program will speed up the arrival process for eligible travellers while enhancing security measures. Participants in the programme, who are pre-screened, will be able to check in immediately at a Global Entry kiosk located either at a US Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility or upon arrival at any other US port of entry. This process allows travellers to bypass long lines and avoid additional paperwork.
However, participation in the programme does not eliminate the need for a valid US visa, as all Global Entry participants must still possess one to enter the country.
The UAE and US governments are now collaborating to finalise the criteria for the UAE's full participation in the Global Entry programme. The initiative follows the signing of a bilateral agreement between the UAE Ministry of Interior and the US Department of Homeland Security. The signing took place on the sidelines of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed's official visit to the US.
"This arrangement represents another step forward in our shared efforts to strengthen bilateral security and facilitate commerce and travel," said UAE Ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba.
"Once the UAE and US finalise consultations, Emirati citizens who apply and are approved for the Global Entry program will be able to enter the US using the Global Entry system at 75 airports in the US and other countries," he added.
The Global Entry Programme, already available to citizens of several countries, is expected to improve travel efficiency for UAE nationals and enhance overall bilateral cooperation between the two nations. This development is seen as a significant milestone in furthering the UAE-US relationship, especially in the realm of security and travel.