The Albanese Labor Government has passed legislation that will allow eligible Australians to apply for easier passage through US airports.
The United States’ Global Entry Program provides an avenue for eligible citizens of trusted partner countries to access expedited clearance processes on arrival in the US.
This is a mark of the closeness of the relationship and trust between Australia and the US and will be welcomed by Australian tourists, business leaders and corporate travellers who will be able to join faster entry lanes when they arrive in the US.
This program is voluntary, and only available for pre-approved, low-risk travellers who meet the strict eligibility criteria as set out by the US. Both Australia and the US will conduct background checks on Australian applicants.
The Global Entry Program membership also opens up eligibility to TSA Pre-Check program, making travel within the US a much simpler process.
A limited number of Australian citizens have been able to apply for Global Entry Program from January this year under phase one, which is now closed. The passage of this Bill will pave the way for the expansion of the program to all eligible Australians with phase two expected to commence in the second half of the year.
Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke MP
“The Albanese Government has done the work to ensure Australia’s entry into the United States’ Global Entry Program. It was first promised when Peter Dutton was Home Affairs Minister but was never delivered by the former government.
“This means shorter queues for Australian business travellers so they can spend their time working and building business links rather than waiting in line.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong
“Expansion of the Global Entry Program is a testament to the closeness and friendship between our people.
“I pay tribute to Ambassador Rudd who has been the driving force behind Australia’s entry into this program, six years after it was first announced by the former Government.
“This will make travel easier for eligible Australians and will continue to grow the strong commercial ties between Australia and the United States.”