Aussie travellers to benefit from slashed airport wait times through US Global Entry Program

Eligible Aussie travellers will benefit from fast-tracked travel through US airports via a new government program.

Aussies will be eligible for streamlined travel through United States airports under new legislation passed by the Labor government.

The US Global Entry Program, which came into effect for Australians on Thursday, allows pre-approved travellers faster immigration and customs clearance upon arrival.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Department of Home Affairs said Australia’s acceptance into the program was a mark of the “closeness” of the nation’s “relationship and trust” with the US.

Eligible Aussies will be fast-tracked through US airports under new legislation. Photo: iStock

The voluntary program is only available for pre-approved, “low-risk” travellers who pass background checks, and comes amid growing tariff and trade tensions with the US.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said Australia’s Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd was the “driving force” behind Australia’s acceptance. 

“Expansion of the Global Entry Program is a testament to the closeness and friendship between our people,” she said.

“This will make travel easier for eligible Australians and will continue to grow the strong commercial ties between Australia and the United States.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the expansion of the Global Entry Program was a “testament” to Australia’s friendship with the US. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Aussies will also be eligible for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) pre-checks, which the department said would make travel within the US a much “simpler” process.

A limited number of Australian citizens were able to apply for the program from January under phase one, which is now closed. 

Aussie travellers will also be eligible for Transportation Security Administration pre-checks Picture: NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

“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,” a department statement read.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the program would be welcomed by tourists and corporate travellers.

“This means shorter queues for Australian business travellers so they can spend their time working and building business links rather than waiting in line,” he said.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Aussie business and corporate travellers would greatly benefit from the program. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Program memberships are valid for five years and are subject to passing annual Australian background checks.

Other Global Entry Program partners include Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Croatia, Germany, Japan, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.