Singapore passports can now be used at the automated SmartGate scanners at all Australian international airports under a trial program launched today.
Singaporeans with the appropriate smartchipped electronic passports will be able to use any of the inbound SmartGate lanes during the trial period.
Over 385,000 Singaporeans visited Australia in 2013 – an increase of 12.1% compared to 2012 – and Singapore will be the first Asian country approved for the SmartGate system.
New Zealand and UK citizens already enjoy SmartGate access on a permanent basis, while US and Swiss electronic passports are currently being accepted under trial arrangements.
Australia’s Customs and Border Protection agency plans to trial additional nationalities this year, with priority being given to countries that have the most regular visitors to Australia.
It’s expected that by 2018 more than 80% of all travellers into and out of Australia will hold a SmartGate-friendly ePassport.
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we’re @AusBT
Free weekly business travel newsletter
About David Flynn
David Flynn is the editor of Australian Business Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Email: david@ausbt.com.au
Twitter: @djsflynn
Singapore passports now welcome at Australian airport SmartGates
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét