Air New Zealand Air Points - SmartGate passport self-processing launches at AKL

SmartGate will go live at Auckland International Airport at 0900 on 22nd September 2008 for entry into BNE, CNS and MEL.

SmartGate gives eligible travellers arriving into BNE, CNS & MEL International airports the option to self-process through passport control. It uses the data in the ePassport and facial recognition technology to perform the customs and immigration checks that are usually conducted by a Customs Officer.

What does this mean?
Currently, Australian and New Zealand travellers who hold a valid ePassport and are aged over 18 years can utilise SmartGate entry into BNE and CNS. From 22 September, travellers eligible to use SmartGate will be able to process themselves at ‘Step 1’ airside at Auckland International Airport. They will complete ‘Step 2’ at BNE, CNS or MEL.

Step 1 – The Kiosk - will be completed at Auckland International Airport for all eligible travellers for entry into BNE, CNS and MEL.

Travellers will then take the ticket issued to them, and use it to process themselves at ‘Step 2’ at BNE, CNS or MEL. No more queuing!


Where will customers find the kiosks?
There will be 3 kiosks initially, 1 will be at the top of the escalator outside AirNZ Koru Lounge and the Qantas Lounge. There will be 2 more kiosks located on the concourse, airside, above Gate 1 & 2.


Will a traveller’s passport be stamped?
No. Legislation has been changed so that travellers no longer need their passport to be stamped if they use Smart Gate to cross the border. However, if they wish to obtain a stamp, they can do so by asking a Customs Officer.


Do all passengers still have to fill in the arrival documentation?
Yes. It is still a requirement for all passengers to complete arrival cards as per current practice.

So let me see if I have it correct - for CNS, BNE and MEL travellers, you "Pre-Clear" in AKL then use the piece of paper at the final destination?

What does the piece of paper give you over the smart gate machines in the cities? What happens if you fly CHC-MEL or something like that, can we still use the smate gate machines in MEL?

The way I understand it you just save a bit of time on arrival at the Australian airport since you can bypass the first machine and go straight to the second.

Smartgate machines will still exist so there is no loss for those flying from other airports.

I know its been 3 months since my last flight - but I have only ever seen one machine in Mel, which is why I am confused.

People step up, put their e-passort on the reader, stare at camera, then go to a person to hand in their arrival documentation, has that process changed?

Most of the time, the machine was broken (not working today) so only advantage was shorter line if you didn't have the priority arrival flyer.

At BNE (maybe elsewhere too?) there is a 2-machine process.