Aussie travellers are going to have an easier trip to the US by the end of January after new rules kick in.
As part of the ‘Phase 1’ trial of the Global Entry program, which Australia has recently joined, 1,000 low-risk travellers are going to be fast-tracked through US immigration and customs.
The program will grant the ability for pre-approved people to bypass lengthy processing lines and paperwork when they want to go to the US and this process will instead be replaced by a self-service passport kiosk.
Before the new rules kick in Australians are expected to apply for US travel authorisation which comes with a fee of $34 but soon this will be replaced.
After Phase 1 begins anyone wanting to go to the US will have to fork out around $195 for a five-year exemption to the lengthy customs lines.
Australia is processing applications in a two phased approach, with a limited number of applications for phase one, while phase two will allow all Australian citizens to apply for Global Entry.
The new plan is expected to boost tourism from Australia to the US, according to Intrepid Travel managing director for Australia and NZ Brett Mitchell.
Big changes are coming for Aussies looking to travel to the US at the end of January
Phase 1 of the Global Entry program will allow Aussies to skip lengthy processing lines upon their arrival into the US
Mr Mitchell said he has already seen an increased interest in travel to the US.
‘At Intrepid Travel, we’ve previously seen an increase in bookings to destinations where entry is made easier for travellers,’ Mr Mitchell told news.com.au.
‘It’s something we saw following changes to entry across Mongolia and China, so we anticipate the introduction of the US Global Entry program will result in a similar uplift in bookings.
‘Not only do these changes encourage ease of entry, but they can ultimately make travellers feel more welcomed to a destination.’
Anyone partaking in the new system can expect streamlined travel as a result of the expedited customs and immigration clearance.
The Global Entry Program is designed for people who travel between the two countries regularly.
The processing time for applications into the program will exceed 90 days however.
A full background check will need to be completed to assure each applicant qualifies for the program, the Department of Homeland Security states.
Once the program begins low-risk frequent flyers will be able to pay a fee to cut their wait times in US airports
Details of the new arrangement were hashed out over a meeting between outgoing US president Joe Biden and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in 2023.
The idea was first floated years before in 2018 but experienced delays as a result of COVID.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said last year the new rules will be good for bilateral relations between the two countries and Australian business.
‘The US-Australia relationship is unprecedented in scale, scope and significance but underpinned above all else by the links and bonds between our people,’ Ms Wong said.
‘And this program and our participation in it is a sign of our closeness and our trust.’
Flight Centre Travel Group is also looking forward to the new rules.
Corporate chief operating officer Melissa Elf said they will help both tourists and exporters alike.
‘The air bridge between Australia and the United States is critical for business travel, imports, and exports – with the countries conducting in $120b worth of two-way trade, with the investment relationship valued at $A2.6t, making the United States Australia’s largest economic partner,’ Ms Elf previously said.
The US Global Entry program will also include an expedited pre-Check program for screening on domestic flights that had previously costed tourists $130.
Flyers from Australia will need to have travelled to the US at least five times in the previous 12 months to qualify for the program.
When Phase 2 arrives at a future date that requirement will no longer exist however, and the program will be extended to an unlimited amount of Australians.
The second stage will not begin until further legislation is passed through the Australian parliament which is expected to begin later in 2025.