If you’ve ever visited the US, you will be aware that getting through immigration and customs can be a little tricky.
The situation is so bleak, in fact, that Travel Weekly even published a piece looking at how Aussies can avoid LAX airport by travelling to Hawaii (as if we needed more reasons to go to Hawaii).
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
Well now things are finally set to become a little easier for wary Australian travelers. Albo’s government has this week confirmed that Australia will be joining the US’ Global Entry program from 2025.
This means that pre-approved, low-risk travellers from selected countries will be able to used the automated kiosk so they can get through immigration quicker. They will also get faster security screenings on domestic flights.
The program is open to citizens of more than a dozen countries including Singapore, the UK, Germany and Brazil.
Australia and the US first planned to work together on the goal in 2018, however things were delayed due to the pandemic.
“It’s good for Australian businesses, and it’s good for our friendship,” said foreign minister Penny Wong, who made the announcement in Washington DC.
“This program and our participation in it is a sign of our closeness and our trust.”
Melissa Elf, Flight Centre Travel Group global corporate COO, described the move as “very welcome”.
Melissa Elf, Managing Director Corporate ANZ, Flight Centre Travel Group
“It’s fantastic news for corporate travellers that Australians will soon have access to the USA’s Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs, which speed up customs and security clearances at American airports – this is a very welcome move.
“The airbridge between Australia and the United States is critical for business travel, imports, and exports – with the countries conducting in US$77 billion worth of two-way trade, with the investment relationship valued at US$1.6 trillion, making the United States Australia’s largest economic partner.
She said there has been a shift in recent years with New York becoming increasingly popular.
“Interestingly, despite Los Angeles staying as the number one destination for business travellers for our flagship FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller businesses, New York has stormed up the list into second place, followed by Las Vegas, San Francisco, and the Silicon Valley of Boston.
“Australian business travellers have been buoyed by the number of new, direct routes that have now opened up between our two countries, but we are still behind the curve when it comes to capacity versus 2019 – more choice and competition going forward will see travel grow even more.”
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Publish date : 2024-08-06 14:20:00
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