Benefits

The introduction of SmartGate will bring many benefits.

Option for travellers to self-process

SmartGate offers eligible travellers an option to self-process. It provides a secure, efficient way to clear through passport control.

Ability to process increasing numbers of passengers

The number of people arriving and departing from Australia’s international airports is steadily increasing. The number of people arriving and departing from Australia’s international airports is steadily increasing. Current forecasts by Tourism Research Australia show that between 2012 and 2020 international traveller numbers are expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.6 per cent to nearly 8 million. SmartGate will allow Customs and Border Protection to streamline the passenger clearance process and securely process more travellers, while maintaining the existing standards of border protection.

Enhanced border security

SmartGate will enable Customs and Border Protection to focus on more high-risk travellers and enhance the security of our border.

Deter the use of forged or stolen passports

The introduction of SmartGate and ePassports gives the Australian Government the opportunity to improve identity verification at the Australian border. This is a major deterrent to the use of forged or stolen passports and helps to combat identity fraud, which is rapidly increasing around the world.