Residents can now use Aussie automated clearance

The Identification Department, the Public Security Police Force (PSP) and the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau have been cooperating closely with relevant counterpart authorities in Australia to expedite a new process of immigration clearance for residents of the two territories.
As of yesterday, MSAR electronic passport holders can now use Australia’s automated immigration clearance system as well as vice-versa, although the visa requirements for Macau residents traveling to Australia will remain unchanged.
Macau residents who are aged 16 or above and hold a valid Macau electronic passport can enter Australia via the country’s automated system, termed “SmartGate.”
Upon arrival, eligible users need to proceed to the designated kiosk for the completion of certain operations as instructed by authorities. Visitors will need to have their photo taken and register with facial recognition software.
Previously, MSAR electronic passport holders had been able to access Australia’s SmartGate arrivals system on a trial basis at eight major international airports in the country, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
Moreover, residents who are over 1.2 meters tall and hold a valid MSAR passport or electronic passport can use Australia’s automated immigration clearance system when departing from the country.
Residents who wish to use this exit option will need to have registered their photo with facial recognition software and will be required to deposit their completed Outgoing Passenger Card after proceeding through the gate.
Australian residents will be granted similar privileges when entering and exiting Macau through Macau’s Automated Passenger Clearance System, “e-Channel.”
This will be made available to Australian travelers after they have registered at the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, the Taipa Ferry Terminal, the Border Gate or the Immigration Department Building at the PSP.