E-passport issues cause delays for thousands at Australian airports

The Australian Border Force says it is working to fix a computer issue causing passport processing problems at several of Australia's international airports.

People stranded at Melbourne Airport

People stranded at Melbourne Airport Source: Twitter: @michele_qc

Passengers at international airports across Australia are being delayed by a computer systems outage.

It is understood Smartgate passport control machines, which work with e-passports and use facial recognition technology to check travellers' identities, have malfunctioned. 

It meant passports began being checked manually.

Passengers are being encouraged to arrive at airports early to allow additional time for processing.

More in English via SBS News.


Share
1 min read

Published

Updated

By May Rizk

Share this with family and friends


News

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Arabic-speaking Australians.
Personal journeys of Arab-Australian migrants.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
Arabic Collection

Arabic Collection

Watch SBS On Demand