Entering & Leaving Australia
Find out what you need to do before arriving in Australia, what items you must declare to border and biosecurity officers, and how automated SmartGate processing works.
Can I bring it in? (Biosecurity Checker)
Australia is free from many pests and diseases found elsewhere. You must declare all food, plant material, and animal products on your Incoming Passenger Card (IPC). Failure to declare can result in on-the-spot fines of up to AUD $6,260 and immediate visa cancellation.
Automated Border Clearance (SmartGate)
SmartGate uses facial recognition technology and your ePassport to allow eligible international travellers to clear Australian passport control quickly and securely.
At the Kiosk
Insert your ePassport into the SmartGate kiosk card reader. Answer the standard border declaration questions on the touch screen. Retrieve your kiosk ticket and passport.
At the Gate
Insert your kiosk ticket into the gate slot. Look straight ahead into the camera for biometrics verification. When the gates open, retrieve your ticket and proceed to baggage collection.
Customs & Biosecurity
Collect your luggage. Hand your completed Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) and kiosk ticket to the Border Force officer. Follow instructions if you declared any items.
New Zealand Citizens Travelling to Australia
Most New Zealand citizens travelling on a valid New Zealand passport do not need to apply for a visa prior to travelling to Australia. If eligible, you will be granted a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) electronically upon arrival.
Direct Australian Citizenship Pathway for New Zealand Citizens
Since 1 July 2023, eligible New Zealand citizens who hold a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) and have lived in Australia for 4 years are considered permanent residents for citizenship purposes and can apply directly for Australian citizenship by conferral without needing to first apply for a separate permanent residency visa.