Australians Now Eligible for Global Entry: What It Means and How to Apply

It’s official! Australians can now apply for Global Entry, the U.S. program that fast-tracks you through passport control when arriving at American airports. After years of negotiations and anticipation, the announcement came as part of the AUSMIN 2025 Joint Statement released on December 9, confirming Australia’s inclusion in the Global Entry program under deepening U.S.–Australia travel and security cooperation.

Whether you’re living in the U.S. on an E-3 visa, making regular trips for work, or just want to skip the long immigration lines, this is very good news starting December 15, 2025.

What Is Global Entry?

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It allows low-risk, pre-approved travelers to use automated kiosks instead of waiting in long immigration queues when arriving in the U.S.

It also includes TSA PreCheck, which means:

• Shorter lines at security
• No need to remove shoes, laptops, belts, or jackets
• Easier domestic U.S. travel

Global Entry is valid for five years and costs $120USD plus Australian background checks.

Official Confirmation: What the U.S. and Australia Said

Joint Fact Sheets have been released and we've seen websites also be updated with the latest information:

From AUSMIN 2025:

In the Joint Fact Sheet released on December 9, 2025, the U.S. and Australian governments confirmed:

“Global Entry will be available to all Australian citizens on December 15, 2025, streamlining secure entry to the United States and strengthening our robust people-to-people links.”

— Joint AUSMIN Fact Sheet, December 2025

From CBP:

CBP has also updated its Global Entry website to list Australia as an eligible country, noting:

Citizens of Australia can apply for Global Entry through CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. Australian applicants must also undergo background checks by CBP and Australian governmental authorities.

That means the program is now live, and you can begin your application process as of December 15, 2025.

Who Is Eligible for Global Entry as an Australian?

To apply for Global Entry as an Australian citizen, you must:

• Hold a valid Australian passport
• Have no serious criminal or immigration history
• Get clearance from the Australian Government
• Be willing to attend an in-person interview

Importantly, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen, green card holder, or permanent resident as you did before — making this one of the most powerful benefits now available to Australian visa holders (like those on the E-3, O-1, or L-1 visas).

You may be found ineligible for participation in the Global Entry program if you:

• provide false or incomplete information on the application
• have been convicted of any criminal offence or have pending criminal charges or outstanding warrants (including driving under the influence)
• have been found in violation of any customs, immigration or agriculture regulations or laws in any country
• are the subject of an ongoing investigation by any federal, state or local law enforcement agency
• have been denied for the purchase of a firearm
• are inadmissible to the United States under immigration regulation, including applicants with approved waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation
• cannot satisfy USCBP of your eligibility.

How to Apply as an Australian

Here’s the process for applying for Global Entry as an Australian Citizen from December 15, 2025:

1. Apply Through the U.S. Trusted Traveler Portal

Visit the Trusted Traveler Programs site (ttp.dhs.gov)

• Select “Apply Now” under “Global Entry”
• Select “Continue with your Global Entry Application”
• Create an account with Login.gov
• Submit your Global Entry application for a non-refundable fee (USD$120)

2. Pre-Approval via the Australian Government

After completing your application with TTP, you will receive an invitation from the Australian Department of Home Affairs to complete an application for, and consent to, an Australian background check for Global Entry.

• Log into your ImmiAccount
• Complete the Global Entry application process
• Pay a fee (AUD$263.50 for 10+ year olds and $123.50 for under 10 year olds)
• Receive a “clearance letter” after background checks

3. Conditional Approval

Your Global Entry application status will be viewable in your TTP dashboard (pending risk assessment, conditionally approved, or denied).

Conditional approval can take anywhere between 24 hours and many weeks and months depending on your background and travel history.

If you're conditionally approved, you should follow the instructions to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center or use the Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) option which allows you to do the interview next time you arrive internationally at some US airports (no appointment is required for the EoA process, and additional information can be found on the Enrollment on Arrival website)

4. Interview (Enrollment Center or EoA)

You must bring your passport and a photo ID that shows your current residence address with you to your interview. During the interview a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will ask you questions and collect your biometric information (fingerprints, if applicable, and photo).

In general these interviews are incredibly short and simply go to confirm the information you submitted about recent entries, residence confirmation, and confirming your identification documents. There are no real ‘gotcha' questions, and it's more just a process that needs to be checked off.

5. Approval

After your interview, CBP will send an email/notification to your TTP dashboard regarding your final eligibility determination. If approved, your Global Entry benefits will begin immediately (including access to TSA PreCheck by adding your Global Entry number to your KTN number on current and future flights).

For me this took only 48 hours but the final approval process can take a few days or weeks depending on backlogs.

Why Global Entry Matters for Aussies in the U.S.

This is a huge quality-of-life improvement for thousands of Australians who:

• Travel frequently between Australia and the U.S.
• Live in the U.S. on temporary visas
• Want the benefits of TSA PreCheck and expedited re-entry from international flights

No more hour-long lines at JFK, LAX, or SFO after a 15-hour flight and instead you join the Global Entry line, do a quick scan at GA kiosk, fingerprint verification, and you're immediately through immigration without an interview.

Most US travelers do not take advantage of this, and therefore you are unlikely to even have to line up at all.

“Finally!” some of you are saying

After years of negotiation, Australia’s entry into the Global Entry program is a major milestone for Aussie expats, frequent travelers, and anyone looking to streamline their U.S. arrivals. This process was started pre-COVID and had made great progress until being completely shutdown.

With endorsement from both governments and official systems now live, there’s no reason not to apply if you’re eligible as soon as you possibly can. Wait-times will increase, so do not delay.

Take-home messages for Australians living in the US

• Australians are now officially eligible for Global Entry with applications opening on December 15, 2025
• You apply via both Australia’s Home Affairs and U.S. CBP
• It’s valid for 5 years, includes TSA PreCheck
• This is a major win for E-3 visa holders and expats who travel regularly

Thanks to Friend of America Josh, Pat B., for flagging this excellent development!