International Departures

 ⚠ Latest travel information regarding COVID-19 ⚠ 

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Bon Voyage! From the team at Brisbane Airport.

We’ve made changes to ensure that the airport is a safe place for everyone to be including increasing the cleaning of high touch areas of the terminal and car parks, hand sanitiser and anti-bacterial wipe stations have been installed throughout the terminals and social distancing signage and terminal announcements have been installed. 

Here’s what you can do to stay healthy while travelling and what to expect departing the International Terminal at Brisbane Airport. All that stands between you and your international flight are few simple steps - and we promise you’ll be on the plane and making plans for your in-flight entertainment in no time. 

Step 1:  Pre-departure check

Before you check-in with your airline, Australian Border Force officers will conduct a pre-departure check to ensure you hold the necessary entry requirements to complete your travel from Brisbane to your destination. Pre-departure checks are undertaken before check-in on Level 4 of the International Terminal.

Depending on your destination, you may be required to undergo additional checks prior to check-in with your airline (e.g. negative COVID-19 test or temperature testing). It is recommended that you check with your airline and/or destination for the relevant requirements. 

Step 2: Security Screening (compulsory for all passengers)

It’s compulsory for all departing passengers to undertake a security screening of their body and belongings before travel.

The process involves either passenger screening (x-ray of belongings and walk-through metal detector) or randomised body scanning.

Body Scanners

You may be asked to step through a body scanner instead of the metal detector at the screening point. Body scanners are used at Brisbane Airport to detect prohibited items carried on passengers. They use non-ionising millimetre-wave technology to detect items worn or carried on the body, and pose no harm to pregnant passengers or those with medical conditions. Refusal to comply with the body scanning process will mean you are not allowed to board your flight.

Key facts about body scanners:

• Passengers will be selected at random to participate in a body scan.

• Body scanners used in Australia are equipped with special enhancements to protect your privacy.

• They do not show identifying features, rather highlight areas that need further investigation.

For more information about this body scanning process, visit TravelSECURE.

Things to know about belongings screening:

As an international passenger, you need to present any powders, liquids, aerosols and gels in your carry-on baggage for screening.  Liquids, aerosols and gels must be placed  in resealable plastic bags for this process.

Key facts about powders, liquids, aerosols and gels:

• Passengers are only able to take liquids, aerosols and gels in containers up to 100ml in size in carry-on baggage.
• Liquid, aerosol and gel items must be stored in a resealable transparent plastic bag that measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.
• For inorganic powders such as salt, talcum powder and sand a limit of 350ml or 350g per passenger applies.
• More travel tips for where to pack powders, liquids, aerosols and gels.

Visit the TravelSECURE website for full details on the restrictions on powders,liquids, aerosols and gels and how these rules apply to Duty Free goods.

Step 3: Passport Control (compulsory for all outgoing passengers)

The last step before you fly is Passport Control which can be conducted:

• Electronically via SmartGate; or

• Manually with a Customs and Border Protection Officer.

When can I use SmartGate?

Brisbane Airport’s Departure SmartGates are a simple, one-step process that offer travellers a more efficient way to clear Passport Control. They uses face recognition and matching technology to process travellers.

If you have a scannable ePassport, you may be able to self-process through Passport Control using SmartGate. SmartGate technology can process all travellers, regardless of age or nationality - so long as travellers are able to understand and follow the process without assistance. For more information, visit SmartGate.

When will I be directed to a Customs and Border Protection Officer?

Families travelling with young children, passengers who are unable to use Smartgate without assistance and those with non-scannable passports will be directed to an Australian Border Force Officer for manual processing.

Step 4: Waiting to board your flight

Masks

We recommend wearing a mask in the departures area of the International Terminal during long wait times. Check with your airline and destination on the requirements of wearing a mask as they may be different. Wearing a mask at Brisbane Airport is your personal choice.

What's open at the International Terminal?

With the reduction of passengers through the International Terminal some food outlets and retail stores remain closed. Pleas check what's open at the International Terminal here and make other arrangements if necessary.