U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the launch of a full Global Entry arrangement with the Government of Brazil (GOB).
“We are excited to have partnered with Brazil. After years of dedication, conversation, and collaborative efforts, CBP welcomes Brazil and its citizens to full partnership and membership in Global Entry,” said Matthew Davies, Executive Director, CBP Admissibility and Passenger Programs.
“Today’s announcement symbolizes our countries’ efforts and commitment to foster a relationship that facilitates commerce and as importantly strengthens both of our countries’ security while providing a benefit to our citizens.
“The Office of the Chief of Staff of the Presidency of Brazil (Casa Civil) highlighted the partnership with the United States and with CBP in the Global Entry Program, which will offer Brazilian citizens greater ease in traveling to the United States for business or tourism. Global Entry further fosters the already strong relationship between both countries,” said Brazil’s Casa Civil.
Global Entry is one of four branches of the Trusted Traveler Program, which allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival at United States airports. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at numerous airports located within the U.S. and at Preclearance locations around the world. Brazil now joins a growing list of 13 Global Entry partner countries with full arrangements, including Argentina, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said, “The American travel community begins a new chapter with Brazil’s full admittance into the Global Entry program. This effective trusted traveler program will provide pre-approved travelers from Brazil with an expedited Customs process upon arrival in the United States.
“While this is welcome news, the Biden administration must also address the ongoing visa processing issues in Brazil and around the world. On average, visitor visa wait times in Brazil are 233 days. Pre-pandemic, Brazil was the fifth-largest overseas inbound market, and it is crucial that visa processing fully resumes so we can restore this critical source market.
“We commend both the U.S. and Brazil for advancing Brazil’s entry into this valuable security program and urge the Biden administration to fully resume visa processing operations worldwide.”
Despite the pandemic, Global Entry is approaching 10 million participants, and is on pace to receive over 3.5 million applications this fiscal year. That number will surpass a previous record of approximately 3 million applicants prior to the pandemic in 2019. In 2021, despite a reduction in travel, over 27 million arriving travelers were processed using Global Entry, representing over 70,000 arrivals per day.
