Frequent travelers into and out of the United States, Canada and Mexico might soon find it easier and quicker to do so.
The Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) and the Canadian Airports Council (CAC) today announced that the United States, Canada and Mexico will develop a North America-wide trusted traveler program, similar to the joint U.S.-Canada Nexus program and other trusted traveler programs in North America and around the world.
Trusted traveler programs provide pre-registered and qualified passengers with an improved border experience while enhancing security. According to the joint statement, the North American program will be established in 2014 and start with mutual recognition of the three countries' NEXUS, Global Entry, SENTRI and Viajero Confiable programs.
The announcement was made during the North American Leaders' Summit in Toluca, Mexico, between President Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto.
"North America's airports commend President Obama, Prime Minister Harper and President Peña Nieto for this landmark agreement," ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke said in a release. "A North American trusted traveler program is an important next step in strengthening the commitment to free trade and cultural exchange among the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and streamlining entry for participating passengers will help position air travel as a competitive, attractive option for tourists in all three countries."
Trade discussions were at the top of the agenda, including talk on how to further the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which includes a dozen countries in the Americas, Asia and the Pacific Rim.
The summit coincidentally also comes during the 20-year anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) among the three countries.
"North America's airports have long supported the use of technology and innovative programs to improve both security and the passenger experience," said CAC President Daniel-Robert Gooch. "A North America-wide trusted traveler program can dramatically improve the flow of frequent travelers between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico by focusing border resources where they can be most effective."
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