US Global Entry trial for Australian citizens to start in 2019
By Brandon Loo, June 11 2019
Australian citizens could be a step closer to fast-track entry into the USA with plans for a local trial of the Global Entry program in the second half of this year.
The Global Entry program facilitates speedier clearance and entrance into the United States for pre-approved travellers, and also includes TSA PreCheck for expedited security processing on US domestic flights.
A spokesperson from Australia's Department of Home Affairs has confirmed the trial to Executive Traveller.
"The Department is engaged with the United States Customs and Border Protection Agency to develop a mutual understanding of how Global Entry membership will work for Australian travellers with a view to conducting a trial in the second half of 2019."
Both the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck schemes are based on 'low-risk' passport holders from almost a dozen countries, which includes background checks and an in-person interview.
The current cost for enrollment into Global Entry is US$100 for five years, which is exceptional value compared to the time you'd otherwise spend standing in line at US international and domestic airports.
Travellers approved for Global Entry head straight to a bank of dedicated kiosks, insert their smartchipped passport, run a quick fingerprint verification and tap on the screen to complete a customs declaration (inbound international passengers also no longer need to complete an incoming passenger form).
Global Entry enrolment centres are located throughout the USA at US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offices, with on-arrival enrolment also possible at most major US airports where travellers can have primary processing and their pending Global Entry application authorised at the same time.
It's not yet known whether an enrolment centre will be established in Australia, or any other Global Entry requirements will be modified as part of the trial process.
Ironically the process of getting Global Entry for Australians has been more stop-start than fast-track. The trial has been promised several times in the past without fruition, much to the frustration of frequent visitors to the US.
Also read: Fast-track at passport control in these eight countries
Based in Perth, Brandon enjoys tucking into local delicacies, discovering new cocktails, and making aeroplane food look good on camera.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
08 Jul 2014
Total posts 60
The positive impact this will have on flying to and within the USA cannot be underestimated - here's hoping it finally comes to fruition this time. TSA PreCheck would make a world of difference to the frequently painful domestic departure experience.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Dec 2015
Total posts 31
Yes! About *+#&ing time.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 Sep 2011
Total posts 81
We (rightly) offer use of our ePassport gates to all and sundry without first extracting mutual privileges from other countries IMHO
13 Feb 2017
Total posts 21
As I have written on other threads, I already have it via my UK passport and can safely say:
04 May 2015
Total posts 270
Why would Qantas, Virgin or NZ spend money on it when their own citizens (Australia or NZ) are ineligible to use it: essentially funding the US government to offer services to its own US citizens? If the US actually bothers to complete the trial and roll this out, then the airlines will probably scramble to get on board.
13 Feb 2017
Total posts 21
To get Global Entry costs US$100, plus the cost of a police check, plus you have to book 8-10 weeks in advance for an interview at LAX or HNL or SFO or DFW.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Oct 2013
Total posts 705
Um... might want to get your facts right.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Nov 2016
Total posts 24
This is great news. Cleared immigration recently at JFK and it took 2 hours, the line was just not moving. In the end, even the custom officials thought it was too much and redirected half of the queue to the US citizen line, which was a bit faster than the ESTA one.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
30 Oct 2015
Total posts 62
Here's hoping this goes ahead. Was in the USA last week and just made a 2hr connection upon arriving into the USA - I was the first person off and was speed walking with passport in hand. To have a quick entry would make life easier!
QF
04 Apr 2014
Total posts 208
Bring it on!
11 Mar 2012
Total posts 312
With a US trip coming up later this year I'm very keen to drop the $$ required for this. Very keen to know when it goes live for we Aussies!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Jun 2019
Total posts 4
While this will be good news once it goes ahead, an APEC card https://www.apec.org/Groups/Committee-on-Trade-and-Investment/Business-Mobility-Group/ABTC
already provides the same benefit when entering the US.
I used my APEC card in February when travelling through SFO and you go through the Global Entry route. The only delay was the new Border Protection agent had not seen one before so had to ask their colleague for assistance!
22 Jan 2018
Total posts 3
Yes, I've had the same issue. Whilst the APEC Card supposedly gives access to a priority lane of some description, Border Protection Agents aren't often familiar with it in my experience..... Interested in others experiences who perhaps travel more frequently with an APEC Card to the US. :-)
Etihad - Etihad Guest
12 Jun 2019
Total posts 1
I entered the US recently with my Apec card in hand. As I stood under the sign that said "APEC" the US immigration guy looked puzzled and asked "what is that", yep a bright bunch.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Mar 2018
Total posts 22
I'm confused. When I travelled to the US last year I used my Aussie e-passport at the e-passport terminals at LAX and entry was approved at the machine. (I had travelled First and was being escorted by a Qantas staff member but we still used the terminal.)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Mar 2018
Total posts 22
<wakes up> I was probably at an ESTA kiosk with no queue!
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2509
waratahbay: That's an Automated Passport Control (APC) machine, which is only available to passengers travelling on particular passports for certain reasons, and is different to Global Entry. Not every Australian traveller can use APC, including those travelling on the vast majority of visa types.
(Speaking as somebody with one of those visas - a US media visa - I can't say I enjoy waiting for 1-2 hours in line every time I fly into LAX for manual processing as the visa requires. Having Global Entry would turn that into more of a 1-2 minute wait instead.)
13 Feb 2017
Total posts 21
Apologies for my earlier error: QF/VA/NZ elect not to participate in TSA-Pre, which is the Global Entry benefit which allows simplified departure security.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2509
Just for the information of other readers who may be planning trips to the US, the APC kiosks at US passport control aren't "for anyone who has previously used their passport to enter the USA": that is indeed a requirement, but they're further restricted to those who are also travelling on an ESTA or on a small list of specific visas on that particular trip, whereas those travelling on the vast majority of US visa types have to line up for manual processing each and every time, and can't use the kiosks. :)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
03 Aug 2015
Total posts 5
So, if I travel with Ozzie passport with ESTA but have not entered into the US before on the same passport, I can’t use APC? Right?
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2509
Correct, you'd need to line up for manual processing and complete a blue US arrivals card before you reach the desk.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1018
That's what they say, but I was able to go right to the APC with the first ESTA on my second passport and first use of that passport.
11 Mar 2012
Total posts 312
When you say ESTA, you mean the US$14 clearance that is compulsory for we tourists? If so, can children (13yo) use the APC's as well? We'll be using our Passports to enter the USA a 2nd time having travelled there approx 3 years ago.
AA
14 Aug 2013
Total posts 28
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
24 Aug 2018
Total posts 103
Fabulous and about time. With family in Memphis and a twice yearly visit, the entry queues in LA or SF are the pits. I reckon we always land after an A380 or B747 from Peking/ Taipan/ elsewhere resulting in 600+ bewildered tourists clogging up the poorly managed system.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Jul 2017
Total posts 9
I agree this would be nice but flying into LAX on QF93 last week (in economy) I was through immigration and at the baggage carousel before people in the global entry line were. I totally accept there are still the 2 hour stories described above, but, in my experience, US immigration processing is definitely improving.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1018
In the last 2 years, I've entered the US at LAX (x3), YVR and BOS. I've had everything from 5 minutes to 2 hours to get through to baggage
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
24 Aug 2018
Total posts 103
Just an after thought. Taking luggage through LA customs, the ‘officers’ noted my luggage lock with its TSA key port. They did not know what it meant, nor what they could potentially do. Are luggage makers taking us for a ride if the TSA personnel in LA and SF haven’t a clue?
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1018
21 Jan 2012
Total posts 1
This is great news indeed. Does has there been any comment about NZ passport holders that you know of?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jul 2018
Total posts 20
Just an aside re the USA "wait time" issue. I travel through LAX about 3-5 times a year and have experienced the 2 hour crawl to immigration passport control. April 16 this year landed and sped through like a domestic arrival. Even had to wait for baggage to come through. It's all a matter of timing and a bit of luck, but Global Entry would be a welcome advantage.
QF
04 Apr 2014
Total posts 208
It sure is. I’m in the same boat, as in traveling through LAX often and on a visa like Chris. Most times I’m in the Asia morning rush and 80% of the time now I’m through and on the street in less than 45mins.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
20 Jun 2019
Total posts 1
I just came through LAX after a very delayed QF11 (and some incredible QF mismanagement - subject for another day). At any rate had a First host take me through immigration and used my APEC card. The (unusually) friendly immigration officer told me that Aussies can now sign up for GEP. Was pleasantly surprised and thanked him.
25 Jun 2012
Total posts 57
It's getting late into 2019 and haven't heard much about this. Does anyone know any further information?
Can not wait for this day as an Aussie living and working in the USA.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
20 Jun 2019
Total posts 7
Australia seems to be on the list now... can anyone confirm or deny?
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