UK citizens to benefit from SmartGate facilities permanently

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Created on Wednesday, 11 December 2013 16:09

Written by Editorial staff

UK citizens travelling Down Under on immigration visas will now be able to benefit from SmartGate indefinitely.

SmartGate offers eligible visitors the option of self-service processing when entering Australia, making passport control more convenient.

Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash announced that a trial of the cutting-edge technology, conducted by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS), had proved successful.

This encouraged the government to make SmartGate a permanent tool for eligible visitors from the UK, as well as conduct further trials over the next 12 months involving citizens of the US, Switzerland, Malaysia, Sweden and the Netherlands.

"As the number of travellers arriving at Australian airports continues to increase, it's important that Customs and Border Protection has access to the best tools and technology to provide a smooth and trouble-free experience for travellers," said Minister Cash in a December 5 statement.

UK citizens will now be able to bypass the queue for speaking with a Customs and Border Protection Officer when they arrive in the country - saving themselves a lot of time, particularly at this stage of the year when airports are exceedingly busy.

Sydney's airport has just received seven extra SmartGate facilities, bringing its total to 22. Before long, the ACBPS plans to install more in Melbourne's and Perth's airports.

"Eligible travellers arriving at Australian airports now have even more access to SmartGate facilities to self-process after arriving on an international flight," said Minister Cash.

"This means that tourists will be able to see the sights sooner and returning Australians will spend less time at the airport and arrive home faster."

It's not only travellers who are expected to benefit from the technology, either. Minister Cash explained that it should relieve some of the pressure on airport staff as the holiday season gets into full swing.