Australian travelers will have an easier trip to the US at the end of January after new rules come into force.
As part of the ‘Phase 1’ trial of the Global Entry programme, which Australia recently joined, 1,000 low-risk travelers will be quickly passed through US immigration and customs.
The program will give pre-approved people the ability to avoid long lines of processing and paperwork when they want to go to the US and this process will be replaced by a Self-service passport kiosk.
Before the new rules come into effect Australians are expected to apply for a travel authorization to the United States, which carries a $34 fee, but will soon be replaced.
After Phase 1 begins, anyone who wants to go to the US will have to shell out the money. about $195 for a five-year exemption from long customs lines.
Australia is processing applications in a two-phase 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 United States, according to Brett Mitchell, CEO of Intrepid Travel for Australia and New Zealand.
Big changes ahead for Australians looking to travel to the US at the end of January
Phase 1 of the Global Entry program will allow Australians to avoid long processing lines upon arrival in the US.
Mitchell said he has already seen increased interest in traveling to the United States.
“At Intrepid Travel, we have previously seen an increase in bookings to destinations where entry is easier for travelers,” Mitchell said. he told news.com.au.
‘It’s something we saw after changes to entry in Mongolia and China, so we anticipate that the introduction of the US Global Entry program will result in a similar increase in bookings.
“These changes not only encourage ease of entry, but can ultimately make travelers feel more welcome to a destination.”
Anyone participating in the new system can expect more agile trips thanks to the expedited customs and immigration clearance.
The Global Entry Program is designed for people who travel between the two countries regularly.
However, processing time for applications for the program will exceed 90 days.
A full background check will need to be completed to ensure each applicant qualifies for the program, the Department of Homeland Security says.
Once the program begins, low-risk frequent travelers will be able to pay a fee to reduce their wait times at U.S. airports.
Details of the new agreement were discussed during a meeting between Outgoing US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in 2023.
The idea was first mooted years earlier in 2018, but experienced delays as a result of COVID.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said last year the new rules will be good for bilateral relations between the two countries and Australian businesses.
“The relationship between the United States and Australia is unprecedented in scale, scope and importance, but is underpinned above all by the bonds 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 Center Travel Group is also looking forward to the new rules.
Corporate operations director Melissa Elf said they will help both tourists and exporters.
‘The air bridge between Australia and the United States is critical for business travel, imports and exports: the countries conduct two-way trade worth $120 billion and the investment relationship is valued at $2.6 trillion. Australian dollars, making the United States “Australia’s largest economic partner,” Ms Elf previously stated.
The US Global Entry program will also include an accelerated program pre-check program for screening on domestic flights that previously cost tourists $130.
Travelers from Australia must have traveled to the US at least five times in the previous 12 months to qualify for the program.
However, when Phase 2 arrives at a future date, that requirement will no longer exist and the program will be extended to an unlimited number of Australians.
The second stage will not begin until new legislation is approved. through the Australian parliament, which is expected to begin later in 2025.