U.S. Global Entry [Why Not Australians yet?]

[sweens]

As a regular traveller to the US I get really frustrated with the delay at getting through immigration on arrival into most U.S. ports of entry but specifically at LAX.

For a while there I had an APEC card which helped somewhat by getting me access through the air crew lane but as my APEC card has now lapsed I recently looked into the U.S. Global Entry System.

The problem is AU passport holders are not able to apply, the GE website states that..."Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Dutch citizens, South Korean citizens and Mexican nationals. Canadian citizens and residents may enjoy Global Entry benefits through membership in the NEXUS program."

As we generously allow U.S. citizens (over 16 YO) access to our Smart Gate entry if they are travelling on a valid US ePassport Therefore it would seem fair that we had similar rights with access to GE along with the Dutch, South Korean's , Mexican's and Canadians.

Does anyone know if this is work in progress or why Australians are excluded?

 

[sweens]

Lots of views but no replies as yet...does anyone have feedback on this?

 

[drewbles]

The agreement was put in place by previous governments as a one-way system (them using ours) with a view at some time down the track, of having it both ways.

As a Dutch citizen, I can get it, but it's a *lot* of effort (I need to get Privium, which is only available in Schipol itself, and then pay for it, and apply for Global Entry, and pay for that). I'm considering it to make it easier, but it'll literally cost me thousands as I have to fly everywhere to get it.

I'm sure it's the USA being difficult though, and previous governments bending over for the LOTFAP.

 

[defurax]

I understand your frustration, but there is a big difference between using smartgate and Global Entry. Global entry requires an interview with the US CBP. You have to be considered a "trusted traveller", any prior breach of ANY customs rules (e.g. bringing too much duty free alcohol with you) makes you ineligible for 5 to 10 years. So my guess is that Australia needs to create an Australian Trusted Traveller scheme and get it recognised by the US.

 

[sweens]

I understand your frustration, but there is a big difference between using smartgate and Global Entry. Global entry requires an interview with the US CBP. You have to be considered a "trusted traveller", any prior breach of ANY customs rules (e.g. bringing too much duty free alcohol with you) makes you ineligible for 5 to 10 years. So my guess is that Australia needs to create an Australian Trusted Traveller scheme and get it recognised by the US.

I get your point...I suppose it is a matter of priorities but if the Dutch, South Korean's, Mexican's and Canadians can do it so can we.

It would be interesting to find out if this is being worked on.

 

[drewbles]

I get your point...I suppose it is a matter of priorities but if the Dutch, South Korean's, Mexican's and Canadians can do it so can we.

It would be interesting to find out if this is being worked on.

The difference here for the Netherlands being that Privium there is basically what our Smartgates are here (except a little more biometrics involved on Privium; it uses an iris scan).

The only way you can use expedited entry at AMS is with Privium, as opposed to any airport in AU with an AU chipped passport working on smart gate.

 

[elbarto]

Customs has budget issues. The more people they can get using smart gate the less people they need to process incoming pax. I wouldn't hold your breath on Australians getting Global Entry.