Global Entry Isn’t Just for Americans—Citizens of These Nations Can Apply Too

Australian travelers will soon enjoy faster U.S. customs processing than some of their international counterparts.

Starting in 2025, Australians will be eligible for Global Entry, a program designed for low-risk travelers to receive expedited customs and security clearances when entering the U.S. from abroad. Those who are approved will also gain access to TSA PreCheck, which provides trusted travelers with a dedicated security lane that is generally quicker and easier than regular lines at over 200 U.S. airports.

“Becoming part of the Global Entry Program symbolizes the closeness and strength of the ties between our nations,” stated Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister, in a statement regarding the announcement.

For Australians looking to join Global Entry, they must apply ahead of time, pay a nonrefundable application fee of $100, and undergo an interview with a Customs and Border Protection officer. Unlike their American counterparts, they will also undergo a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, which will conduct a preliminary assessment before forwarding the application to U.S. authorities for final approval. Approved individuals will have access to the program for five years, after which they must reapply.

Initially, Australia’s participation will be limited. In January 2025, 1,000 frequent travelers (defined as those who have visited the United States at least five times in the last year) will have priority for applications during a trial phase. A broader phase, open to all applicants, will follow once the necessary legislation is approved by Australia’s parliament later that year. No specific date has been announced for this.

Countries Outside the USA Eligible for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

Australia is not the first nation to establish Global Entry agreements. Here is the list of countries whose citizens can apply for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck:

• Argentina
• Australia (2025)
• Bahrain
• Brazil
• Canada
• Colombia
• Croatia
• Dominican Republic
• Germany
• India
• Japan
• Mexico
• Netherlands
• Panama
• Republic of Korea
• Singapore
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom

If you are a citizen of any of the countries listed above and want to learn how to apply for Global Entry, you can explore the specific international agreements the U.S. has with each nation on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.

Australia and the United States began discussions to include Australia in Global Entry back in 2018; however, the agreement faced delays due to the pandemic. U.S. citizens can already utilize the SmartGate program when entering Australia, allowing them to bypass border officers via a facial recognition kiosk, similar to Global Entry. There’s no need for pre-registration—Americans just need a valid U.S. passport and to be at least 16 years old.

Meanwhile, Australians (along with nationals from 40 other countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program) have access to Mobile Passport Control (or Mobile Passport), a free mobile app that enables travelers to use a dedicated, often shorter, customs line once they are airside at U.S. airports. The app prompts users to fill out a form in advance, upload a selfie, and complete a digital customs declaration. After submitting the information, the app generates a QR code to present to border agents, who may ask a few questions before allowing travelers to proceed. Mobile Passport Control is available at over 30 airports across the nation.