Major change on the way for Australians heading to the United States
Australian travelers will have an easier trip to the US at the end of January after new rules come into effect.
As part of the ‘Phase 1’ trial of the Global Entry program, which Australia recently joined, 1,000 low-risk travelers will be moved quickly through US Immigration and Customs.
The program will allow pre-approved people to bypass long processing lines and paperwork when wanting to enter the US. This process will be replaced by one instead self-service passport kiosk.
Before the new rules come into effect Australians are expected to apply for a US travel authorization, which carries a $34 fee, but this will soon be replaced.
After Phase 1 begins, anyone who wants to go to the US will have to leave about $195 for a five-year exemption from the 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 US Intrepid Travel managing director for Australia and New Zealand Brett Mitchell.
Big changes are in store for Aussies looking to travel to the US in late January

Phase 1 of the Global Entry Program will allow Aussies to skip long processing lines upon arrival in the US
Mr Mitchell said he has already seen increased interest in traveling to the US.
“At Intrepid Travel we have previously seen an increase in bookings to destinations where access is made easier for travellers,” Mr Mitchell said. told news.com.au.
‘It’s something we’ve seen following changes to entry in Mongolia and China, so we expect the introduction of the US Global Entry program will result in a similar increase in bookings.
“These changes not only promote ease of entry, but can ultimately make travelers feel more welcome at a destination.”
Everyone who participates in the new system can expect this streamlined travel due to the expedited customs and immigration clearance.
The Global Entry Program is intended for people who regularly travel between the two countries.
However, processing time for program applications will be longer than 90 days.
A full background check must be conducted to ensure each applicant qualifies for the program, the Department of Homeland Security said.

Once the program launches, low-risk frequent flyers will be able to pay a fee to reduce their wait times at U.S. airports
Details of the new arrangement were announced at 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 due to COVID.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said last year the new rules would be good for bilateral relations between the two countries and the Australian business community.
“The US-Australia relationship is unprecedented in size, scope and significance, but above all it is underpinned 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 Chief Operating Officer 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 – with the countries conducting $120 billion in two-way trade, while the investment relationship is valued at $2.6 billion, making the United States the largest economic partner of Australia,” Ms Elf said earlier.
The US Global Entry program also includes an accelerated one pre-Check program for screening on domestic flights that previously would have cost tourists $130.
Flyers from Australia will need this 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, this requirement will no longer exist and the program will be expanded to an unlimited number of Australians.
The second phase will not begin until further legislation is passed through the Australian Parliament, which is expected to begin later in 2025.