El Salvador has officially joined the U.S. Global Entry Program, a move finalized during President Nayib Bukele’s recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The agreement, signed by Salvadoran Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, allows pre-approved Salvadoran travelers to expedite their entry into the United States through automated kiosks at select airports.
El Salvador’s inclusion in this program does not exempt Salvadorans from needing a U.S. visa; that requirement remains unchanged. The only difference is that Salvadoran citizens traveling to the United States can now access the Global Entry program.
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What is Global Entry?
Administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program designed to streamline entry for low-risk, pre-vetted travelers. Members avoid long immigration lines by using self-service kiosks, which verify their identity via photo and fingerprint scans.
Benefits for Salvadoran Travelers
- Faster Entry: Bypass traditional customs lines at major U.S. airports.
- TSA PreCheck Eligibility: Access expedited security screening for domestic U.S. flights.
- 5-Year Validity: Membership lasts five years, with renewal options.
How to Apply
- Submit an Application:
- Apply via the CBP Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website.
- Pay a non-refundable $100 fee.
- Conditional Approval:
- If preliminarily approved, schedule an interview at a U.S. enrollment center or complete the process via Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) when entering the U.S.
- Interview & Documentation:
- Bring a valid Salvadoran passport, U.S. visa, and proof of residence.
- CBP officers collect biometrics (fingerprints, photo) and confirm eligibility.
- Final Approval:
- Once cleared, benefits activate immediately.
Context: A Step in Bilateral Relations
El Salvador’s inclusion in Global Entry reflects its improved security landscape and cooperation with U.S. immigration goals.
Under Bukele, the country has reduced illegal migration to the U.S. by over 90% since 2019 and now boasts the highest security rates in the Western Hemisphere, surpassing even Canada.
While the program offers practical benefits for travelers, it is not a standalone milestone. Its inclusion stems primarily from El Salvador’s measurable improvements in security and migration control in recent years, alongside its current alignment with U.S. priorities.
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For now, the program offers convenience for travelers while symbolizing a pragmatic, if incremental, step in bilateral relations. 🇸🇻🇺🇸
Note: For details, visit CBP’s Global Entry page for El Salvador.
