Starting in 2025, Australians will finally be able to take advantage of the Global Entry program, a Trusted Traveler initiative that allows expedited entry into the United States. For frequent travelers to the US, this means shorter wait times at immigration and customs, making your airport experience smoother and more efficient.
Currently, Australians are not eligible for Global Entry. However, a pilot program will begin in early 2025 for a limited number of frequent travelers, with the program opening up to all eligible Australians later in the year.
Here's how you can prepare for faster airport clearance when the program becomes available:
Australian Global Entry Eligibility Requirements
- You must have visited the US five times in the past 12 months: This one is a curve-ball for most, and is only in place for the initial rollout (“Phase One”). This will be expanded in later 2025 to remove this requirement.
- Be a citizen of Australia: You must hold a valid Australian passport.
- Have a clean criminal record: You cannot have any criminal convictions or customs violations.
- Meet other security criteria: You must pass a background check and be deemed low-risk by US authorities (see below for a list of possible denial reasons).
Application Process
- Apply online: Once the program opens to Australians, you will be able to apply online through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. We'll be sure to update this page when it opens!
- Pay the fee: There is a non-refundable application fee of $100 USD.
- Attend an interview: If your application is conditionally approved, you will be required to attend an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. This can also be done when you arrive in the country—while waiting in the customs line you can join a different line at most major airport hubs.
Benefits of Global Entry
- Expedited entry: When you arrive internationally, there is a specific line for Global Entry (instead of lining up for your visa, tourist, or green card line.) Once you get to the end of the line you can use dedicated kiosks which process your photo and then you can walk straight through (past an officer.) In most cases, there's no interview, and really no interaction with a person—you're in and out without even realizing it.
- TSA PreCheck: Another great perk from the US side is that you are automatically eligible for TSA PreCheck, which offers expedited security screening at US airports. You would have seen the green Pre-Check check mark in airports, and this will open the door for you to keep your shoes on and much more to get through the lines faster.
- Reduced wait times: I can't emphasize enough just how much faster it is coming through the airport through Global Entry.
Can you be denied for Global Entry?
Yes, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) advises that applicants can be denied for the following (non-exhaustive) list of reasons:
- List incomplete or incorrect details on their application.
- Have any pending criminal charges or warrants against them, or have been convicted of any criminal offence. US CBP specifically notes that this includes ‘driving under the influence’.
- Have an adverse travel history in any country, such as by violating agriculture, immigration or customs regulations.
- Are the subject of an ongoing investigation by any local, state or federal law enforcement agency.
- Attempted to purchase a firearm and were denied.
- Are ineligible to enter the United States under normal, legislated circumstances. An approved waiver or parole document does not override this requirement, even though it may allow the traveler to enter under less typical circumstances.
- Are not able to satisfy CBP that they would be a low-risk traveler.
Additional Tips for Global Entry
- Check for updates: Stay informed about the Global Entry program's rollout for Australians by visiting the official CBP website or subscribing to relevant travel news sources.
- Prepare for the interview: Be ready to answer questions about your travel history, employment, and background during the interview.
- Renew every five years: Global Entry membership is valid for five years and must be renewed to continue enjoying its benefits.
- Children are not automatically included: Unlike some other security protocols and memberships, children do not gain automatic access to Global Entry, and cannot come through the Global Entry gates without their own membership—and yes, they even have to do the interview!
