Arriving in the United States is changing. In 2026, Australians travelling to the USA will face new airport security processes, updated arrival technology, and stricter digital checks. None of this is dramatic on its own. Together, it changes how you prepare, what you need on your phone, and how long arrival can take. This guide explains what is different and what you should expect when landing in the USA.
Biometric screening is now standard on arrival
US airports are expanding biometric identity checks. Facial recognition is now widely used at immigration checkpoints.
When you arrive, your face is scanned and matched against your passport photo. In most cases, you do not need to remove glasses unless instructed. This applies to Australian passport holders entering under ESTA.
The goal is faster processing. In practice, it depends on airport volume and system reliability. When systems fail, queues slow quickly.
You should expect:
Your face to be scanned at immigration.
Less interaction with officers in routine cases.
Longer delays if the system flags your record.
This process is used across major entry airports including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Dallas.
ESTA checks are tighter and more automated
Australians still travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program using ESTA. In 2026, checks around ESTA are more automated and less forgiving.
Airlines now validate ESTA status earlier. Border systems cross check travel history, previous overstays, and recent destination patterns.
If there is a mismatch, you are more likely to be sent to secondary screening. This does not mean refusal. It does mean waiting.
You should ensure:
Your ESTA is valid for the entire trip.
Your passport details match exactly.
You have proof of onward travel.
ESTA approval does not guarantee entry. It only allows you to board the plane.
Secondary screening is more common
Secondary screening is being used more frequently for routine checks. Australians are not targeted. Automation flags more passengers overall.
Secondary screening may include:
Additional questions about your trip.
Confirmation of accommodation.
Inspection of devices in limited cases.
Most travellers clear within 15 to 45 minutes. During peak times, it can be longer.
You should remain calm and factual. Officers are checking consistency, not opinions.
Mobile phone access is no longer optional
Many arrival processes assume you have mobile access immediately.
You may need to:
Show digital proof of accommodation.
Access booking confirmations.
Retrieve ESTA emails.
Use airline apps for baggage updates.
Public WiFi at US airports is unreliable and often slow. Some airports restrict access or require US phone numbers for verification.
If you cannot access your email or bookings, delays compound fast.
This is one reason Australians increasingly buy a US SIM or eSIM before departure.
Carry on security screening is stricter at departure airports
Before you even reach the USA, outbound screening has changed.
Flights to the USA face additional checks at departure airports in Australia. This includes:
Extra questioning at the gate.
Random bag inspections.
Electronic device checks.
Liquids rules remain unchanged. Electronics are still subject to inspection.
You should pack so your laptop and phone are easy to access.
Arrival wait times vary more than before
Arrival times in the USA are less predictable.
You may clear immigration in 20 minutes. You may wait two hours. Volume, staffing, and system load matter more than before.
Factors that increase wait times:
Landing during peak international arrival windows.
System outages.
Higher numbers sent to secondary screening.
Do not book tight domestic connections. Allow at least three hours if transferring to another US flight.
Customs declarations are mostly digital
Paper customs forms are largely gone.
Most US airports now use digital declarations via kiosks or apps. You answer questions on screen, take a photo, and proceed.
If you declare food or restricted items, expect manual inspection. Australians often forget that fresh food, fruit, and some packaged items are not allowed.
Declare everything. Penalties for non declaration are high.
What this means for Australians travelling in 2026
US airport arrival is more digital, more automated, and less flexible.
You should prepare by:
Checking ESTA well before departure.
Keeping bookings and confirmations accessible.
Allowing extra arrival time.
Ensuring mobile data works on landing.
Most problems at the US border are logistical, not legal. Travellers fail because they cannot access information quickly.
Why mobile data matters at US airports
Arrival processes assume you are connected.
You may need to:
Access email confirmations.
Show QR codes.
Book transport.
Message accommodation.
Relying on airport WiFi is risky. Australian roaming plans often throttle speed or charge heavily.
A USA SIM or eSIM lets you connect the moment you land. That reduces stress at the point where delays are hardest to fix.