More international travellers will be able to use the automated SmartGate system on arrival at Sydney, following an upgrade to ‘Generation 3’ technology for the touch-and-go passport lanes.

Already underway, the overhaul is expected to be completed by the middle of 2024, an Australian Border Force spokesperson tells Executive Traveller.

“Enhanced biometric capability used in the Gen 3 SmartGates allows a greater number of international travellers to use the self-service process,” the spokesperson added.

The same refit is also taking place in Adelaide, where it’s on target to be completed by March; Brisbane, Gold Coast, Darwin, Perth, Melbourne and Cairns have already moved to the Gen 3 tech.

Australia’s SmartGate system actually encompasses two physically seperate but digitally-connected components – the automated passport gates themselves, and the kiosks which issue a gate ‘ticket’ to inbound travellers.

The SmartGate Gen 3 upgrade provides an improved experience for travellers entering Australia, says the ABF, including a shorter ‘cycle time’ for travellers at the the kiosk and gate to boost overall capacity, plus “a dedicated accessible self-service kiosk for wheelchair users and people of short stature.”

Throughout the upgrade, travellers “can continue to use the kiosks and SmartGates for self-processing, but at a reduced capacity.”

The ABF says additional officers have been rostered at Sydney and Adelaide international arrivals “to assist during this time to ensure any delays as a result of the rollout are minimised.”

As previously reported, Australian passports can also be used to skip the queues at Hong Kong Airport’s time-saving automated e-Channel lanes – at least it helps get better value from your Aussie passport, the cost of which will soar to almost $400 this year.