SmartGates Are Now Open to More Travellers
Arriving in Australia no longer means you have to queue for a border officer. SmartGates are now open to anyone arriving on a valid passport (you no longer need an ePassport to use them). That means a much wider group of international travellers will be able to fast track their arrival.
Height and Age Requirements
To use a SmartGate, you need to be at least 1.1 metres tall and seven years or older. If you are travelling with kids, those over seven can use the gates too as long as they are travelling with a parent or guardian.
How Families Should Use SmartGates
For families, the order matters. Process parent one first, then the child, then the second adult (if applicable). Sticking to this sequence keeps the group moving through smoothly and means a child is never separated from an adult at the gate.
Common Things That Catch People Out
Unaccompanied kids under 16 cannot use SmartGates, so a young traveller arriving alone will need to go through a manual counter. If you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country, you will need your vaccination certificate ready to show a border official after the gate. Having it handy saves you from digging through your bag at the last minute.
Accessibility at the Gates
Accessible kiosks and all SmartGates accommodate self-propelled wheelchairs. If you need someone to push you, head to the assisted processing desk instead. This keeps the process safe and makes sure you get the right level of help.
Skip the Queue If You Can
SmartGates are one of the easiest ways to speed up your arrival into Australia. If you meet the requirements, they are worth using, especially after a long flight when queues at the manual counters can be slow. Check you are eligible before you land so you know which lane to head for.
Have you used a SmartGate when arriving in Australia? Let us know in the comments and follow 5 Star Trip for more travel tips like this.