U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced that Australia is now an official Global Entry partner country, marking a significant step in strengthening travel and security collaboration between the two nations, and making Australia one of 19 partner countries whose citizens can apply for Global Entry membership.
“With over 1 million travelers entering the United States each day, this agreement reflects our shared commitment to safe and efficient travel for both of our countries,” said Pete Flores, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner. “This partnership with Australia will enhance the speed and accuracy of the arrival process, while protecting national security at the same time.”
Global Entry partnerships enhance security and promote bilateral trade, tourism, and cultural exchange by allowing pre-vetted, low-risk Australian citizens expedited customs and immigration processing upon arrival to the United States. Australian Global Entry applicants will undergo rigorous and recurring vetting by both the U.S. and Australian authorities, including an in-person interview before initial enrollment. To maintain low-risk traveler status, Global Entry members must not violate any of the program’s terms and conditions. Doing so will result in appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.
Australia is processing Global Entry applications in a two phased approach, with a limited number of applications for Phase One. Phase Two will allow all Australian citizens to apply for Global Entry. Applications for Phase One is now open, and an Australian Department of Home Affairs Global Entry program webpage has more information on the program.
The original announcement can be found here.