Entry to the US gets easier (for some)

Entry to the United States is about to get easier – but only for a select group of Australians. Global Entry is part of the “US Trusted Traveller Program”, a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) scheme that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers arriving in the country.

At selected airports, Global Entry members can enter a dedicated booth, where their passport is scanned and the traveller can proceed to a CBP officer for verification, slashing immigration processing times.

US Border Control officers in Washington, DC.Credit: AP

While Australian citizens will be able to apply for membership of the Global Entry program this month, eligibility is tight. Only those who have visited the US at least five times in the previous 12 months can apply.

An adverse travel history that might include a breach of customs protocols in any country or a violation of agriculture importation regulations, or a past or pending criminal offence – including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – are grounds for disqualification.

In the initial phase of the trial, only 1000 Australians will be eligible to take part. The application fee is $US100 ($163) and the process requires an interview, which also incurs a fee. Depending on the success of the phase one trial, it is expected that membership will become more widely available for Australian travellers, with less stringent requirements.

Admission to the Global Entry program has another valuable perk, namely automatic access to TSA PreCheck, which provides faster processing through security screening at US domestic as well as international airports, without the irksome burden of removing shoes, laptops, belts, light jackets or liquids with less than 100 millilitres from carry-on bags.

One far less restrictive route to faster US immigration processing already available to many Australians is Mobile Passport Control (MPC), a free app that allows incoming travellers to complete a submission form for themselves and accompanying family members. At the US entry point, submit the digital form on the app and have passports and phone ready to show a CBP officer.

Available at 35 US International airports, including key entry points for Australians, MPC aims to streamline the entry process by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time. It’s available to all returning Visa Waiver Program applicants and unlike Global Entry, MPC is free.

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