More Australians will soon be able to fast-track their entry into the United States under an expanded Global Entry program.
The Global Entry program enables eligible citizens from certain countries to apply to fast track entry on arrival to the United States using border technology.
Once pre-approved, Australians would be able to access no processing lines, faster entry, and shorter wait times at major U.S. airports.
Global Entry applications are also been expanded to citizens of other nations including Israel, Columbia, India, Canada, Japan, Germany, Mexico, Panama, Netherlands, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates.
Applying for global entry requires undergoing background checks by both U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Australian authorities.
The first phase of the program, which was only available to a limited number of Australians who frequently travelled to the United States, has now stopped.
Global Entry Application Costs US$120
Once eligible, Australians will be able to apply for Global Entry via the Trusted Traveler Programs website.The website reveals the cost is US$120 (A$190).
“Membership in the Global Entry program is valid for five years. To ensure continuity of Global Entry benefits after the initial five-year validity period has lapsed, you must submit a renewal application via the Trusted Traveler Programs website prior to your membership expiration date,” it states.
While a limited number of Aussies who travel to the United States frequently were already able to apply for Global Entry, the government has struck a deal to broaden this scheme for more people.
“This is a mark of the closeness of the relationship and trust between Australia and the United States and will be welcomed by Australian tourists, business leaders and corporate travellers who will be able to join faster entry lanes when they arrive in the United States,” the government said on March 27.
“This program is voluntary, and only available for pre-approved, low-risk travellers who meet the strict eligibility criteria as set out by the United States. Both Australia and the United States will conduct background checks on Australian applicants.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the expansion of the Global Entry program was a “testament to the closeness and friendship” between “our people.”
“I pay tribute to Ambassador Rudd who has been the driving force behind Australia’s entry into this program, six years after it was first announced by the former government.”
The government noted that Global Entry Program membership would also open up eligibility for Australians for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) pre-check program, which makes interstate travel within the United States quicker.
‘We Want Australians to Have a Better Experience’: Andrew Hastie
In parliament, Shadow Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie said the Coalition supported the policy intent of the bill.Hastie recognised the important work of the staff at the Department of Home Affairs, who he said had been working on this reform for many years.
“Very simply, we want Australians to have a better experience at the other end of their journey to the United States with expedited entry through customs in the United States. Streamlined travel arrangements will benefit frequent travellers to the United States and promote better business linkages and people-to-people links,” he said.
Australia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Kevin Rudd also celebrated the potential for shorter lines and less worries for frequent visitors to the United States.
