Why passport-free travel is closer than you think
Pulling out your passport as you pass through customs at an airport is a minor inconvenience we all live with, but that soon might be a thing of the past with the advent of passport-free technology, which is soon to be trialled at Sydney Airport.
The trial will take place in May, and there are big implications for travellers.
"Your face will be your passport and boarding pass. There will be no fumbling for passports," Sydney Airport's new chief executive, Geoff Culbert, said.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton talked up the move when he fronted the National Press Club this week, saying trials at Canberra airport have had a 90 per cent success rate.
“I want them to walk seamlessly… off the A380 and — in time, and we’re not far off this — with facial recognition on the move, peoples’ passports will stay in their pocket.
“They will walk from the plane out to the kerb-side and depart the airport.”
The move comes as part of an overhaul of immigration processes from Mr Dutton.
“I don’t have the staff, and never will, to provide the scrutiny that’s required that we can now deliver through technology,” said Mr Dutton.
“The question for us is how we can deliver that at lowest cost in a way that provides greater assurances around protections?”
What are your thoughts? Do you think this is the right move? Or does this represent an invasion of privacy? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.