Australia is set to join the U.S. Global Entry program in January of next year, allowing Australian citizens to benefit from expedited immigration and customs clearance when arriving in the United States. This move comes as part of efforts to strengthen the ties between the two countries and facilitate smoother travel for frequent visitors.
According to an announcement by Australia Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, the program will initially be open to a select group of Australians who travel most frequently to the U.S. The goal is to expand eligibility to all Australians who wish to apply later in 2025. This expansion will provide more Australian travelers with the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of expedited entry into the United States.
Once accepted into the Global Entry program, participants will have access to expedited screening through Transportation Security Administration PreCheck lines as well. This will not only save time for travelers but also enhance the overall travel experience, making it more convenient and efficient.
In a statement, Minister Wong emphasized the importance of the friendship between Australia and the United States, highlighting how programs like Global Entry can deepen these ties and facilitate greater commercial relationships. By streamlining the travel process, the program aims to make it easier for individuals from both countries to engage in business activities and foster economic growth.
Charlene Leiss, the president for the Americas at Australia-based Flight Centre Travel Group, expressed enthusiasm about Australia’s inclusion in the Global Entry program. She noted that the United States is Australia’s largest economic partner, with significant trade between the two countries each year. Additionally, the increasing number of direct flights between Australia and the U.S. underscores the growing importance of efficient travel arrangements.
With quicker and easier access to travel, corporate travelers in Australia will be able to leverage trips to the U.S. to strengthen overseas business relationships, unlock new growth opportunities, and expand their international footprint. This enhanced connectivity between the two countries is expected to benefit both individuals and businesses, facilitating smoother travel and fostering greater collaboration.
Global Entry is currently open to citizens of 15 countries outside of the U.S., including Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and others. The inclusion of Australia in this program represents a significant step towards enhancing travel efficiency and strengthening the bonds between the two nations. As the program expands to include more Australian citizens, it is poised to further facilitate travel and promote economic cooperation between Australia and the United States.
