Manama, 16 July 2022 (TDI): The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) department of the US has announced the full membership of Bahrain in the Global Entry.
The membership of Bahrain was announced in a joint statement released by the Customs and Border department on Friday. Bahrain has now joined the list of 14 Global Entry partner countries with the US with full arrangements.
Global Entry is a US Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers in the US. Members enter the US through automatic kiosks at selected airports.
Additionally, Global Entry aims to speed the travelers’ process as it requires no processing lines and no paperwork.
The current 14 Global Entry partner countries include Argentina, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office. In addition, Brazil and the United Kingdom are also Global Entry partners.
Executive Director of Admissibility and Passenger Programs, Matthew Davies, said, “We are excited to have partnered with Bahrain.”
“After years of dedication, conversation and collaborative efforts, CBP welcomes Bahrain and its citizens to full membership in Global Entry,” the director added.
US-Bahrain partnership
The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1971. Bahrain plays a key role in the region’s security architecture and is a vital US partner in defense initiatives.
Bahrain also participates in US-led military initiatives, including the global coalition to defeat ISIS. Furthermore, the Bahraini forces have supported the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
In 2010, the US Customs and Border Protection signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA).
In January 2020, Bahrain expressed interest in adding Global Entry to the agreement. Subsequently, in October 2021, the Foreign Minister of Bahrain also met the US Congress delegates to discuss bilateral trade and relations between the two countries.
On 7 March 2022, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on the border, cargo security, and the Global Entry program.
On 28 June 2022, the Minister of Interior of Bahrain became the first Bahraini member of the program. However, full membership to Bahrain was granted on 15 July 2022.
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