USA: Australians to get Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs

At last! Well, not quite yet. It won’t happen in time for my USA trip later this year. But in 2025, Australians will finally have access to US Globe Entry – which will speed your entry for overseas to the USA, and TSA PreCheck will simplify the process of domestic flying within the USA.

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Who can use these programs?

In early 2025 the Department of Foreign Affiars and trace will conduct a trial for 1,000 Australians, but you will need to have visited the USA a minimum of five times in the last 12 months to qualify.

You will also get access to TSA PreCheck for domestic USA airport travel.

Once the trial is complete, expect enrollment to be open for other Australian travellers before the end of 2025, subject to the passing of enabling Australian legislation.

an airplane on the runway — American Airlines 787 at Sydney Airport in 2020 [Schuetz/2PAXfly]

Promises, promises

The roll out of this more efficient system, especially desired by frequent travellers and those conducting business in the USA has been promised before. So, alhough this announcement from Foreign Minister Penny Wong, is welcomed, lets just say I will beleive it when it is actually implemented.

“The foundation of the friendship between Australia and United States is the friendship between our people. This program will deepen these links and make it easier to foster greater commercial ties.”
Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs

The announcement was made jointly with Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Bourke:

“Today’s signing is an important step and we’re working hard to ensure that from January 2025, the first group of eligible Australians will experience expedited immigration and customs clearance channels when they arrive in the US.”
Tony Bourke, Minister for Home Affairs

people sitting in a room with a large round fireplace — Qantas First Lounge at LAX [Qantas]

Applying for US Global Entry

Now expect your privacy to be invaded. Still, you have already given your fingerprints if you have entered the USA before, so, is there much more privacy to invade?

Yep, there is. You will be subject to a criminal history check by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. The Department of Home Affairs will make a preliminary assessment but the final decision will rest with US authorities.

If you have a blemish on you’re record, don’t expect easy approval. Something as seemingly small as a customs law violation may disqualify you. If you have a criminial conviction – then prepare to be disqualified.

If successful pay US$100 (AU$155) plus a still unknown Australian processing fee. And you will be subject to an interview. The first 1,000 in the trial won’t be subject to the fee.

Even after all of that, you will stilll need to show your passport and scan your fingerprints to gain USA entry.

a man standing at a podium with a crowd of people in the background — Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong signs the Global Entry Agreement. Australian Embassy in Washington D.C., USA. 5 August, 2024. (Australian Government)

2PAXfly Takeout

If you are a regular traveller to the USA with Australian citizenship, then this will be a boon. Otherwise, you are stuck with ESTA and Mobile Passport Control (MPC).

The main issues with entering the USA for Australians are the queues at a variety of entry points. The most notorious is LAX (Los Angeles). Many of us will do almost anything to avoid arriving in the USA through that port.