SmartGate self-processing through passport control
SmartGate
SmartGate can be used by Australian and New Zealand e-Passport holders, aged 16 or over when arriving into, or departing from, Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington Airports.
On this page:
What is SmartGate?
Look out for the SmartGate logo when you are next at an international airport in New Zealand or Australia.
SmartGate gives some travellers the option to self-process through passport control. It uses the data in the e-Passport and face recognition technology to perform the customs and immigration checks that are usually conducted by a Customs officer.
An e-Passport has a microchip embedded in a hard plastic page and an international e-Passport symbol on the front cover. The microchip contains the same personal information that is on the photo page of the e-Passport, including an electronic copy of your photograph.
SmartGate is a simple, two-step process involving a kiosk and a gate.
Step 1: Kiosk
- Insert your e-Passport into the kiosk and follow the instructions on the screen.
- If you are eligible to use SmartGate, the kiosk will issue you a ticket, which you’ll need for step 2.
- If you’re not eligible to use SmartGate, you will be processed manually by a Customs officer.
Step 2: Gate
- Insert your ticket from the kiosk.
- Look straight ahead while your face is compared to your e-Passport photo.
- If you’re successful, retrieve your ticket and proceed through the gate.
- Collect your luggage and proceed to the Customs check-point.
- Hand in your ticket and passenger arrival card.
