US Global Entry program opens door for growing cohort of corporate travellers
In a landmark move set to revolutionise travel for the growing cohort of corporate travellers frequenting the USA, a new Global Entry program will promise streamlined travel for eligible Australians arriving and departing from major U.S. airports.
Australia has been welcomed to the U.S. Global Entry program this year, with significant implications for the booming trade relations between Australia and the United States.
Now open for application to 1,000 travellers who entered the U.S. at least five times in the last 12 months, those approved will experience no processing lines, reduced paperwork, faster entry at all major U.S. airports, reduced wait times and eligibility for Transport Security Administration (TSA) Pre-Check.
Flight Centre Corporate Global COO Melissa Elf said the program was a pivotal move for facilitating international business and trade, in response to the increasing levels of bookings into the USA.
"Our corporate travel data shows close to a 10 per cent increase in bookings between Australia and the U.S. in the second half of 2024 compared to the same time in the previous year,"
"Travel between the two countries is critical to economic success, and this program marks an important milestone for our ongoing relationship with the USA. With more than AUD120 billion in goods and services traded annually, the U.S. serves as Australia's largest economic partner[1].
"Australian business travellers have been buoyed by the number of new, direct routes now open between the two countries, yet we still lag behind 2019 capacity levels, at roughly 90 per cent of the available airline seats. More choice and competition in the future will see travel grow even more.
“The commencement of the Global Entry program comes at an important time for Australia’s relationship with the USA, as the States welcomes the new Trump administration. This is positive step towards strengthening ties, solidifying economic bonds and cementing our longstanding trade relationship with the USA.”
"The education sector has shown the most remarkable growth, up nearly 50 per cent in the second half of 2024 compared to the second half of 2023, followed by government and not-for-profit organisations, with a 36 per cent rise over the same period,” Ms Elf said.
“Key routes that corporates are travelling are from Sydney to Los Angeles and New York, as well as Melbourne to Los Angeles. Chicago and the Silicon Valley hub of Boston also top the list of destinations for Aussie corporates.”
Around 1.3 million Australians visit the U.S. every year, and over 12,000 Australian companies export to the U.S. annually[2].
The U.S. government charges a non-refundable fee of US$120 per Global Entry application, which, if approved, is valid for five years.
[1] Australian Embassy and Consulates – Trade and Investment, based on USD conversion as at 21/03/25.
