The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has issued a new legislative instrument that adds Singapore ePassports to the list of passports eligible to use SmartGate as of 24 February 2014.
This makes Singapore the first country in Asia whose citizens are able to use the automated border processing system in place in Australia and New Zealand.
The SmartGate system, which uses advanced facial recognition technology allowing travellers to self-process, was initially launched in August 2007 for the holders of Australian and New Zealand ePassports. Through later amendments, USA passport holders have been able to use SmartGate since 12 October 2012, UK passport holders since 17 June 2013 and Swiss passport holders since 11 November 2013.
Holders of USA, UK, Swiss and Singapore passports need to hold an appropriate visa in order to be able to enter Australia. New Zealand passport holders are able to live and work indefinitely in Australia and are not required to obtain a visa in advance provided that they have no significant health or character issues.
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