mark213

Just got my new Aussie passport and there is a flyer for SmartGate

Anyone used it - how was it for you?

canadaeh

I used it 3 years ago in the “trial” stage. It was crap.

Have used it a few times since (on an even newer passport as my first chip one got damaged) and it’s just as annoying, it always goes red on me a few times before it finally lets me through.

I now always use the normal line, I had my passport over, guy smiles and stamps it and I leave... I find the normal way much quicker than the people waiting for that smartgate.

Some people get through pretty quick, myself, friends and family it doesn’t seem to like. lol

quoll

Worked ok for me last trip - once I remembered to take my specs off. Mind you it would have been just as quick to go through the manual route as there werent too many people queuing.

bcworld

They directed me to SmartGate last time...it took bloomin ages looking up the database.

My OH who doesn't have an ePassport and went the traditional route was waiting for me on the other side!

comet555

Can kids go through it?

We'll be travelling with our two kids, ages 5 and 3.... I've heard you can't bring kids through there. I'm guessing we'll have to stick to the normal line.

bcworld

I think you have to be 18 or over to use it.

Dorothy

I wouldn't be able to find the queue without my specs on!

mark213

Does it stamp your passport?

Assume on the way out you get a stamp, but none on arrival???!

canadaeh

No it doesn’t stamp your passport.

Haven’t seen the smartgate on the way out, only on the way in.

spalen

I used it with a brand new passport last week -it works fine. Its very quick. I believe it is only on the way into australia.

There were (and always have been when ive gone through) empty fastgates and queues at the normal slow-human counters.

Its cool technology

Eastend Girl

I'm always a bit dubious with anything tagged 'smart'

Budawang

I used it this morning. Bloody fantastic. Wizzed straight through after an attractive immigration officer showed me what to do. Then I got to the baggage carousel and I waited and waited and waited....

Kooky.

Yes, we've got access cards for Singapore and we do the same, even at Changi where luggage comes through quickly.

Centurion

I've used it three times now - its cool and easy.

Scan your passport in the kiosk thing and take a ticket.

Take the ticket to the gate, put it in the slot and stand where indicated. Lights flash up and down you then the gate opens and thats it - on your way.

Easy - fast - and highly recommended if you have a biometric Australian passport.

Loch Lomond

Aussie passports don't get stamped on exit or entry from Australia anymore. In line with most other countries own passports.