DALLAS — The Australian government has announced plans to join the US Global Entry program, which will offer faster airport processing for eligible Australian citizens traveling to the United States. 

Set to launch in early 2025, the program will initially allow 1,000 frequent travelers to apply, with plans to expand eligibility later that year. Participants will enjoy streamlined customs procedures upon arrival in the US and access to expedited security screening for domestic flights.

To qualify in the first phase, applicants must have visited the US at least five times in the previous year. The pre-entry won’t be necessary in the program's second stage, which requires new legislation to pass through the Australian Parliament.

Prospective participants will undergo thorough background checks, including criminal history screenings. While Australian authorities will conduct preliminary assessments, final approval rests with US officials. The program carries a non-refundable US$100 application fee, with membership valid for five years upon acceptance.

Australians Traveling to the US

Australians typically enter the US via several major airports, primarily through direct flights offered by various airlines. The most common entry points include:

• Los Angeles (LAX): This is the primary gateway for many Australian travelers, with frequent flights operated by major airlines such as Qantas (QF), United Airlines (UA), and Delta Air Lines (DL).
• San Francisco (SFO): Another popular entry point, with direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne, primarily served by QF and UA.
• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): Qantas offers direct flights from Australia to this hub, which provides connections to various destinations across the US.
• Vancouver (YVR): Some Australians choose to fly to the U.S. via Canada, with airlines like Air Canada offering routes from cities like Sydney and Brisbane to Vancouver.

The move reciprocates existing arrangements that allow US citizens to use automated SmartGates at Australian airports. Although discussions about Australia's participation began in 2018, progress was delayed, partly due to the global pandemic.

This development aligns Australia with over a dozen other nations already participating in the Global Entry scheme. Foreign Minister Penny Wong revealed the initiative during a visit to Washington DC, highlighting its potential to strengthen business ties and bilateral relations.