Australia is joining the U.S. Global Entry program next year, enabling Australian citizens to access expedited immigration and customs clearance when arriving in the United States.
The program initially will open in January to a select group of Australians who "travel most frequently to the U.S." according to an announcement by Australia Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong. The countries are working to expand eligibility to all Australians who want to apply later in 2025.
When accepted into Global Entry, participants automatically will be able to use expedited screening via Transportation Security Administration PreCheck lines as well.
"The foundation of the friendship between Australia and United States is the friendship between our people," Wong said in a statement. "This program will deepen these links and make it easier to foster greater commercial ties."
Charlene Leiss, Australia-based Flight Centre Travel Group's president for the Americas, in a statement said Australia's inclusion in Global Entry was "tremendous news," with the U.S. serving as Australia's largest economic partner and about $118 billion in goods and services traded between the two countries each year. She said airlines also have been opening up more direct routes between Australia and the U.S.
"With quicker and easier access to travel, corporate travelers in Australia will be able to leverage trips to the U.S. to continue to create stronger overseas business relationships, unlock new growth opportunities, and expand their international footprint," Leiss said in a statement.
Global Entry is currently open to membership to citizens of 15 countries outside of the U.S., according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. That includes Mexican nationals as well as citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Bahrain, the Dominican Republic, India, Colombia, the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan.