Immigration Cards (AU)

[trippin_the_rift]

You know what I mean - that letter (eg: A, P, H etc..) they write on your immigration card after welcoming you into AUS.

Does anyone know what they mean? I've been trying to keep track but keep forgetting to make a note of the letter and what happends at customs...

 

[one9]

They give an indication to the other Customs & Quarantine staff on your "dodginess". ie. One letter may be for nothing suspecious. Another letter may be to indicate that you are slightly "dodgy" (eg. that you have previously not declared food and had a warning) etc.

There is not much point recording the letters for future travel as I believe they change the letters each day.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

There is not much point recording the letters for future travel as I believe they change the letters each day.

This is what I originally thought, but remembering what the magic letter of the day is may get confusing after many years of constant change.

 

[Mal]

They don't change it every day, but the letters are changed at various times.

I always glance at it (if I actually go through immigration vs Smartgate), and it does prepare me for what's next.

 

[moa999]

Smartgate now also appears to have a code.
I got an "A" last time I went through, and then got the Green Stamp as I waited for baggage (even carrying some Japanese sweets)

 

[Mal]

Smartgate now also appears to have a code.

Actually, you are right. I recall getting a letter in Brisbane on the "ticket" when I went through about a year ago.

The older Smartgate that didn't print out tickets of course had no letters. (and also threw some customs agents!)

 

[david870mdg]

I've had a different letter each time. Been waved straight through, scanned and waved through again.
I had ALOT of luggage each time so maybe this had something to do with it.
It's like some kind of code.
I thought last time that i'd wasted my express card as the agent sent me in a line, but got to the scan station and was told to go straight through.
They also do this letter thing in the US i've noticed??