Australia is set to join the U.S. Global Entry programme, with the first wave of applications expected in January 2025. This initiative will make it easier for Australian travellers to enter the United States, providing significant benefits for frequent flyers and enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries.
The U.S. Global Entry programme allows low-risk, pre-approved passengers from selected countries to use automated kiosks, speeding up processing times at American airports. In addition to expedited entry, participants will also enjoy faster screening for domestic flights through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck lines.
Currently, American passengers visiting Australia can utilise ‘SmartGates’ at Australian airports. However, a plan to reciprocate access for Australian travellers in 2018 fell through. The forthcoming participation in the Global Entry programme marks a significant step forward.
“It’s good for Australian businesses, and it’s good for our friendship,” said Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who announced the agreement in Washington, D.C. “This programme and our participation in it is a sign of our closeness and our trust.”
The application process for the U.S. Global Entry scheme will occur in two stages. In the first stage, a thousand frequent flyers who have traveled to the U.S. at least five times in the last twelve months will be able to apply starting January 2025. This initial requirement will be lifted in the second phase, which will open the programme to an unlimited number of Australian applicants. However, the second phase will be implemented much later, pending the passage of accompanying legislation by the Australian parliament.
Approved Australian passengers will be able to bypass traditional entry lines and proceed directly to automated kiosks upon arrival at U.S. airports. To qualify, applicants must undergo a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check conducted by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. Additionally, both current members of the Australian Defence Force and veterans will be screened for any prior military convictions.
“This programme will deepen these links and make it easier to foster greater commercial ties,” Wong stated.
With the U.S. serving as Australia’s largest economic partner, facilitating easier travel between the two nations is expected to bolster economic activities. In 2023, about $118 billion worth of goods and services were traded between the U.S. and Australia. Airlines have also been increasing direct routes, further emphasising the importance of streamlined travel.
Currently, Global Entry membership is available to citizens of 15 countries outside of the U.S., including Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Bahrain, the Dominican Republic, India, Colombia, the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Australia’s addition to this list highlights the strengthening of U.S.-Australia relations and underscores the mutual benefits of increased connectivity.
