International arrivals at Sydney Airport are experiencing improved efficiency with the addition of eight new SmartGate kiosks, which have successfully reduced wait times by 10%. These advanced automated border-control systems, managed by the Australian Border Force, enable incoming international passengers to check in and verify their identities more swiftly.
Installed in the international terminal this year, the new kiosks are projected to handle an extra 640 travellers each hour. According to Sydney Airport, this upgrade has contributed to 90% of inbound visitors clearing immigration in under 36 minutes within the first quarter of this year, compared to the previous quarter.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke expressed the importance of minimising delays for tourists, stating, “When a tourist reaches Australia, I want them straight out there enjoying Sydney as soon as they can.” This enhancement is part of a broader initiative that will see an additional 32 kiosks installed by early next year, effectively doubling the existing number at the terminal.
The introduction of these kiosks aims to accommodate the rising influx of international visitors while ensuring robust border security and enhancing the passenger experience. Australian Border Force Commander Belinda Conn emphasised that their priority is to maintain the integrity of Australia’s borders while leveraging technological advancements for smoother travel experiences. She reassured that ABF officers will remain available to assist travellers throughout the customs clearance process.
In addition to the kiosks, significant upgrades to security screening at the international terminal are underway, with seven of the planned 15 new CT scanning lanes already operational. These improvements highlight Sydney Airport’s commitment to providing a more streamlined and secure experience for all international travellers.