Australia joins Global Entry program: Here’s what it means for travelers

I travel to 20+ countries a year sharing my firsthand knowledge of reward travel, travel credit card deals, travel tips and more.

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page.

My family and I just returned from an amazing trip to Australia and returning home couldn’t have been any quicker, thanks to Global Entry.

And now, our Aussie friends can become Global Entry members, too. Today, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that Australia is now an official Global Entry partner country. This makes Australia one of 19 countries whose citizens can apply for expedited entry to the U.S. via the Global Entry program.

Pete Flores, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the CBP Commissioner, shared the importance of this new partnership: “With over 1 million travelers entering the United States each day, this agreement reflects our shared commitment to safe and efficient travel for both of our countries. This partnership with Australia will enhance the speed and accuracy of the arrival process, while also protecting national security.”

What this means for Australian travelers

Global Entry provides pre-vetted Australian travelers with expedited customs and immigration processing upon arrival in the U.S. Not only does this streamline the entry process, but it also promotes safer, more efficient travel by vetting individuals considered low-risk by both U.S. and Australian authorities. Applicants will undergo a thorough review, including an in-person interview, before they’re granted access to the program.

Cost

USCBP charges a non-refundable US$120 fee for all Global Entry applications. You must pay this fee to the USCBP at the time of completing your application on the United States Trusted Traveler Programs application page.

Phased application process

Australia is rolling out its Global Entry program in two phases. Phase One allows a limited number of applicants to apply, while Phase Two will open the program to all Australian citizens. The first phase is now open, and the Australian Department of Home Affairs has a dedicated page with all the information you need.

More than just faster U.S. Entry

In addition to making arrivals quicker, Global Entry offers travelers access to TSA PreCheck for streamlined security screening at participating U.S. airports. This makes it even easier for Australians to travel domestically and internationally without the usual airport hassle.

Global Entry partners and benefits

Australia joins a growing list of Global Entry partner countries, including Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, the U.K., and more. Approved members can use the Global Entry Mobile App for a quicker, digital check-in process when arriving in the U.S.

So, if you’re an Australian traveler planning a trip to the U.S., don’t miss out on the opportunity to apply for Global Entry. It’s the ultimate way to skip the lines and breeze through customs on your next visit.

KEEP READING:
–How to get TSA PreCheck and Global Entry access for free
–How to make sure the TSA Precheck checkmark is on your boarding pass
–Did you know your electronic devices should always be charged when going through security?
–10 airport security hacks every traveler needs to know
–How to get a full bottle of water through airport security