To speed up the process for its passengers, Australia has announced that it will join the United States’ airport security programs.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she wants the country to participate in the U.S. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs.
About 1,000 Australian citizens will be able to register by the end of the year, with plans to expand in 2025. The programs allow pre-approved passengers to more easily pass through security checks at American airports.
This will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will be for the first 1,000 applicants, who will have to prove they have travelled to the US at least five times in the last 12 months. In the second phase, these restrictions will be lifted and Australian citizens will not need to be frequent travellers to apply.
By being accepted into the program, some Australians can skip long security lines and go straight to a kiosk.
By being accepted into the Global Entry program, individuals can also participate in the TSA PreCheck program. The process obviously begins in Australia, but the final decision is made by the United States.
“It’s good for Australian businesses and good for our friendship,” Wong said. “This program and our participation in it is a sign of our closeness and trust.”
If approved, applicants are eligible to participate in the program for five years. Fees apply.
There are currently over 20 million TSA PreCheck members.
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