United States Customs and Border Protection, USCBP, announced today, December 2, that Australia has expanded its trusted traveler program “SmartGate” to U.S. Citizens with ePassports. Previously the country had limited access to SmartGates to Global Entry card holders.

Similar to Global Entry, SmartGate allows eligible travelers to Australia to self-process at passport control when arriving to the country from abroad. The system utilizes facial recognition technology and information in electronic passports.

However, Global Entry registration is no longer required and no additional registration with the Australian government is needed. The Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection advises this “may” be a faster way of clearing border control for eligible individuals.

Basic eligibility requirements include:

• ePassport

• Age 16+

• Some accompanied 10-15 year old children may also be eligible if they are traveling with at least two adults. See the website for more details.

Danielle Lifrieri is the author of this article.