SmartGate is an automated self-service border control system operated by the Australian Border Force and New Zealand Customs Service and located at immigration checkpoints in departure and arrival halls in ten Australian international airports, and 4 New Zealand international airports. SmartGates allow Australian ePassport holders and ePassport holders of a number of other countries to clear immigration controls more rapidly, and to enhance travel security by performing passport control checks electronically.
SmartGate for departures at Sydney Airport, Australia
An Australian passport is a travel document issued by the Commonwealth of Australia to individuals holding any form of Australian nationality. It grants the bearer international passage in accordance with visa requirements and serves as both a form of identification and proof of Australian citizenship. It also facilitates access to consular assistance from Australian embassies around the world. Passports are issued in accordance with the Australian Passports Act 2005 by the Australian Passport Office, an agency of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). As of July 2023, Australian citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 186 countries and territories, ranking the passport sixth in the world for travel freedom according to the Henley Passport Index.
The polycarbonate photo page of a current R series Australian passport
Image: Australian Passport Cover of P Series
Data and observation page of current R series Australian passport