USTA Pleased With More Inclusive Trusted Traveler Program

The U.S. Travel Association applauded news that qualified nationals from Mexico are now eligible to participate in the trusted traveler program known as "Global Entry," and that the pilot program using automated kiosks has expanded to enable members of two additional trusted traveler programs faster clearance when coming to the U.S. from Mexico and Canada

The two trusted traveler programs included in the Global Entry program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are NEXUS and the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI). NEXUS is a program jointly administered by the U.S. and Canada that allows certain pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited processing for travel between the United States and Canada. The SENTRI trusted traveler program allows certain pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited entry at specified land border ports along the U.S.-Mexico border.

“We applaud the expansion of Global Entry to include qualified travelers from Mexico and Canada in order to ease the travel process for frequent travelers coming to the United States,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Global Entry is exactly the kind of smart security program our country needs as we seek to maximize security while minimizing the burden on travelers.  The continued success of these trusted traveler programs further highlights the need to develop similar programs for domestic travelers.”

Prior to the inclusion of qualified Mexican nationals, Global Entry eligibility has been limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and certain eligible citizens of the Netherlands," according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Mexico and Canada have joined Germany and the Netherlands in signing reciprocal agreements with the U.S. that will also allow their nationals to use the Global Entry system.

U.S. Travel still wants the U.S. government to expand bilateral and multilateral trusted traveler agreements to other countries as it continues aggressive efforts to improve aviation security.

“A continued commitment to implementing world-class travel technology, efficiency and customer service will help the United States to attract millions of new visitors,” Dow said.