Facial recognition, smart gates and speedy transfers: Albanese says seamless trans-Tasman travel to arrive in June

Photo of a single suitcase made of fabric material and one passport in pocket.

Anthony Albanese said that he and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins are looking at introducing seamless trans-Tasman travel by June 2024.

The “seamless experience of going through from country to country” would involve smart gates that facilitate speedy transfer processes between both countries, Albanese said.

“Before you get on a plane in either country it is already recognised that you are OK to come in. And therefore you can just go through smart gates in a seamless way and in a timely way as well,” he today said in Wellington.

“We have many business opportunities between us and the fact that business people will go from country to country regularly – what we want to make sure is that that experience is the best it can possibly be. And the efficiencies can be gained by doing so.”

The Prime Minister said he and Hipkins were putting the move as a matter of urgency “because it is really a commonsense response.”

These reforms will mean travellers likely won’t have to stop and produce passports, travel documents and boarding passes when crossing the pond.

Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TFF) CEO Margy Osmond said the commitment to establishing a joint working group to report back by the end of June next year, was a fantastic first step towards reform.

“This is terrific news for travellers and the tourism sector. We want to make travelling between Australia and New Zealand as smooth as possible and this group will help lead the best path forward to achieve it,” Osmond said.

“TTF and our colleagues at the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum have been working towards and advocating for a seamless, hi-tech border and it is great to see both Prime Ministers responding to the opportunity this represents. Both countries have listened and recognised the importance of these changes.”

This comes after the TTF called on the trans-Tasman twins (our wording, not theirs) to trial this new entry and screening tech earlier this week. Among this tech includes digital arrival cards, rather than paper ones, and the facial recognition technology.


Featured Image: Close up of New Zealand Passport in Black Suitcase Pocket (iStock/Aaftab Sheikh)

Latest News

  • Appointments
  • Hotels

Kerzner International announce key leadership appointments

Kerzner International has announced two significant leadership appointments as part of a brand-new management structure designed to position the company for continued growth and success. Brand verticals Kerzner is renowned for creating pioneering brands from the larger-than-life Atlantis to the ultra-luxury One&Only Resorts, and recently an industry-first with the launch of SIRO, the ultimate fitness […]

  • Hotels

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour welcomes Santa Clause

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour has welcomed Santa Clause to bring early Christmas presents to the children of the Royal Far West Charity. Royal Far West is one of the charities supported by hotel owner, Dr. Jerry Schwartz, who organised for high-rise window cleaning entrepreneur Edvaldo Godoy of Updown Access to “sleigh” down the face of […]

  • Travel Agents

Digital marketer says travel operators are missing out on free cash

Travel operators are missing out on free cash for marketing, says Sam Patton, founder of The Social Spider, Australia’s first digital marketing agency dedicated to the travel sector. Some savvy travel companies are successful in accessing “magical” marketing funds from government and private sources but many were unaware of available cash or unwilling to spend the […]

  • Food & Beverage
  • Hotels

Banyan Tree offers special Christmas dining options

Banyan Tree has announced a host of 5-star gourmet Christmas and New Year dining experiences for each of its restaurants across the festive season. Here’s a selection: Banyan Tree Krabi Gala Dinner The Banyan Tree Krabi is hosting a sumptuous Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at its popular restaurant, The Naga Kitchen. Guests can enjoy an […]