Beginning in January 2025, eligible Australians can sign up to the US Global Entry program that allows travelers access to the streamlined immigration and customs clearance channels – putting the vast majority of these visitors through in under 10 minutes.

The first phase of the program will allow 1,000 Australians deemed “frequent travelers” to access the program for free beginning in January 2025. They will be also be eligible for the Transportation Security Administration Pre-Check program, which allows fast-tracked screening processes for domestic flights.

Charlene Leiss, president of the Americas for Flight Centre Travel Group, said, “It’s tremendous news that Australian corporate travelers will soon have the opportunity to join the US Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs, an important milestone that will provide business travelers in Australia with access to expedited customs and security clearances at airports across the United States.”

Travel between the two countries is critical to economic success, as over 12,000 Australian companies export to the US, according to Leiss. With nearly $118 billion in goods and services traded each year, the US serves as Australia’s largest economic partner. This landmark decision, she said, “will now help to make travel more convenient for Australians and further strengthen business ties between the US and Australia.”

“With quicker and easier access to travel,” said Leiss, “corporate travelers in Australia will be able to leverage trips to the US to continue to create stronger overseas business relationships, unlock new growth opportunities and expand their international footprint.”