US Global Entry Program for Australian citizens [from 2025]

[MG1]

I'm up to the interview stage myself (I have been for a while but was planning a Europe trip, so that's where my focus was at the time). I don't yet have a trip planned to the USA but might need to book one in the next couple of weeks for early next year. How does this work exactly? As long as we going through an airport which offers the interviews (my exact path is still to be determined) do we just go in the relevant line at the airport? I assume that this needs to be booked beforehand (and what happens if the flights delayed - do we missed our booked slot)?

Are some airports better/faster/higher success rate than others?

I'm also concerned about the horror stories I've read recently about visitors being detained, invasively searched, and sent to jail.

 

[Hilius]

Five months since phase 1 closed, another northern summer travel season almost over, and still no updates… *checks watch*

 

[desafinado74]

Five months since phase 1 closed, another northern summer travel season almost over, and still no updates… *checks watch*

It is pathetic really. Way too slow with the Phase 2 opening.

 

[Spacetravel]

I'm also concerned about the horror stories I've read recently about visitors being detained, invasively searched, and sent to jail.

Its media spin, enter the US legally on the correct visa for your purpose and there shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve travelled plenty to the US lately and if anything the process has been easier not worse.

FYI, watch Australian border security tv show for a few minutes and you will find our customs and border security has been doing the same thing for years (phone checks, detaining and deporting breaches in visa conditions).

 

[RadioBusinessTraveller]

I'm up to the interview stage myself (I have been for a while but was planning a Europe trip, so that's where my focus was at the time). I don't yet have a trip planned to the USA but might need to book one in the next couple of weeks for early next year. How does this work exactly? As long as we going through an airport which offers the interviews (my exact path is still to be determined) do we just go in the relevant line at the airport? I assume that this needs to be booked beforehand (and what happens if the flights delayed - do we missed our booked slot)?

Are some airports better/faster/higher success rate than others?

I'm also concerned about the horror stories I've read recently about visitors being detained, invasively searched, and sent to jail.

LAX is a breeze for the interview, especially if you're on one of the first flights in for the day. Go through CBP, they will probably alert you to the fact that you have been pre-approved for Global Entry and can do your interview downstairs.
Go downstairs and head straight to the interview desk which is well signposted (do this before you get your bags to avoid any queues). It's on the left as you head out of the baggage claim area.
I walked straight up to the counter, they took fingerprints and a photo. asked a couple of random questions and it was done before my bags came out. No booking is required.
Email arrived within the hour with final approval etc. Very efficient.