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Australians will soon be able to clear border control more quickly at American airports.
A program allowing expedited clearance upon arrival in the United States will be expanded to include Australian passengers, after laws passed federal parliament.
The US at airports with less paperwork and shorter queues.
While a small number of Australians were able to access the scheme from January, all eligible travellers will be able to apply when the expansion takes place in the second half of 2025.
Travellers can only gain access to the program if they meet background checks from Australian and US authorities, such as not being convicted of a criminal offence.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the deal showed the relationship between the two countries was strong.
“Expansion of the Global Entry Program is a testament to the closeness and friendship between our people,” she said.
“This will make travel easier for eligible Australians and will continue to grow the strong commercial ties between Australia and the United States.”
The move to expand the travel program comes amid trade tensions after .
Further tariffs are set to be announced in early April, with Australian officials still lobbying for an exemption to any future imposts.
, two of the largest Australian exports to the US.
Trump announced a further economic measure on Thursday AEDT, putting a 25 per cent tariff on all cars entering the US market.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the expansion of the Global Entry Program was a boost for Australians entering the US for work purposes.
“This means shorter queues for Australian business travellers so they can spend their time working and building business links rather than waiting in line.”
