Panama officially enters the Global Entry Program

Panama´s entry to this program was official this Monday, November 18th, in an act held at the Presidency´s Amphitheater, where President Ricardo Martinelli became the first Panamanian to accede the Global Entry Program.  There he mentioned this program would benefit tourism and the relation between both countries, since “Panama and the United States are strategic partners and it is a great satisfaction to now have this program in our country”.

“I feel honored Panama is one of the countries benefited with this program that reinforces the relationship between both countries.”  Likewise, he mentioned that Panama would continue to cooperate in important areas, such as the fight against drug trafficking and money laundering.

This program allows Panamanians to enter the United States through automated migratory means, while United States citizens will have the opportunity to do the same in Panama with the program “Panama Global Pass” starting in 2014, explained President Martinelli.

On his part, the Secretary of Security, José Raúl Mulino, mentioned Panama´s entry into this program recognizes the good cooperation relations existing between Panama and the United States.  He added that with this program, Panamanians will have access to more than 26 airports in the United States.

On the other hand, the Ambassador of the United States in Panama, Jonathan Farrar said Panama and the United States have a very important economic relation and for this relation to keep growing, mechanisms must be found, and thus, this program will make Panamanian entrance into the United States faster.

North American citizens interested in entering must have US citizenship; meanwhile, Panamanians must have Panamanian citizenship and have a valid US visa.  The traveller entering the program will have the ease of registering their entry to the country in electronic kiosks strategically located for affiliates and no longer have to go to the usual control posts.