''Programa Viajero Confiable'' is a Mexican trusted traveler program which allows members to pass securely through customs and immigration controls in reduced time, using automated kiosks at participating airports.
''Programa Viajero Confiable'', a
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is the implementation of the requirement to show a passport or other acceptable document to enter the United States, for nationals of certain North American jurisdictions who were previously exempt ...
(WHTI) program, was introduced in three airports in 2014 and has since expanded to additional sites.
Description
Like the joint Canada/US NEXUS and the United States’ Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs, ''Programa Viajero Confiable'' members traveling via participating airports may use designated lanes which allow them to speedily and securely clear customs, because the Mexican government has already performed a background check on them, and they are considered a trusted traveler. At the participating airports, members may use automated kiosks to scan their passport and fingerprints, and complete an electronic immigration form.
Eligibility
The program is targeted at Mexican citizens, as well as U.S. or Canadian citizens who are members of the
Global Entry
Global Entry is a program of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection service that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to receive expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports and via the S ...
or
NEXUS
NEXUS is a joint Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection-operated Trusted Traveler and Border control#Expedited border controls, expedited border control program designed for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Members ...
program and are lawful permanent residents of Mexico, membership is valid for five years.
Applying for ''Programa Viajero Confiable'' comprises the following steps:
* For U.S. and Canadian citizens, be first an approved member of a U.S. TTP or Canadian Program (such as the two listed above)
* Apply online at the program website: https://www.gob.mx/inm/acciones-y-programas/viajero-confiable
* Submit the required payment (current MX$1372)
* After passing the background check and receiving provisional approval, choose a location for and schedule the required interview (the current locations include the airports and local offices at Cancun, Mexico City, and San Jose del Cabo)
* At the interview, have one's photograph, iris scan, fingerprints taken; verify submitted documentation; submit passport for inspection; and finalize the application for final review and approval.
NEXUS eligibility
Mexican nationals in the ''Programa Viajero Confiable'' members may apply for
NEXUS
NEXUS is a joint Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection-operated Trusted Traveler and Border control#Expedited border controls, expedited border control program designed for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Members ...
program membership. Similarly, NEXUS members from Canada and the USA may also apply to ''Programa Viajero Confiable'', as may U.S. Citizens who are members of Global Entry.
History
''Programa Viajero Confiable'' was first introduced in three airports -
Cancún International Airport
Cancun International Airport ( es, Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún) is located in Cancún, Quintana Roo, on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It is Latin America's third and Mexico's second busiest airport, after Mexico Ci ...
,
Mexico City International Airport, and
Cabo San Lucas International Airport
Cabo San Lucas International Airport ( es, Aeródromo Internacional de Cabo San Lucas) is a small international airfield (officially an "aerodrome") located northwest of Cabo San Lucas in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
The airport has air taxi s ...
- in early 2014 but has since expanded to additional sites.
See also
*
Port Passenger Accelerated Service System (PORTPASS)
*
Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection
The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) provides expedited U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing, at the U.S.-Mexico border, of pre-approved travelers considered low-risk. Voluntarily applicants must ...
(SENTRI)
References
Aviation security
Expedited border crossing schemes
Immigration to Mexico
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