In a move to simplify cross-border travel for UAE citizens with a US visa, the governments of UAE and US have signed an agreement between the UAE Ministry of Interior and the US Department of Homeland Security. This agreement will integrate the UAE into the US Global Entry Programme by October 2024.
The signing took place on the sidelines of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official visit to the US. Global Entry is an initiative that expedites entry procedures into American ports of entry.
“This arrangement represents another step forward in our shared efforts to strengthen bilateral security and facilitate commerce and travel,” said the UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba.
“Once the UAE and US finalize 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 streamlines the arrival process, which allows the pre-screened travelers to use dedicated kiosks at US Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facilities, significantly reducing wait times and paperwork.
However the Global Entry participants will still need a valid US visa to enter the country.
As part of this initiative, both governments will work on developing the necessary criteria to ensure the UAE’s full participation in the program.
