New Zealand Customs Service has announced the expansion of access to its automated eGates border control system to 11 additional countries and territories, making entry easier for more international travelers.
On May 26, New Zealand Customs Service announced that eGates are now available to passport holders from 11 new countries and territories, bringing the total number of eligible nations to 48. This expansion aims to improve border control efficiency and provide a smoother entry experience for international visitors.
The newly added countries and territories are: Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Vatican City, Macao, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
This decision follows a successful trial period, during which Customs worked closely with New Zealand Immigration to ensure the electronic passports from these countries met the necessary biometric and security standards.
70% percent of arriving and departing passengers are currently processed through eGates in New Zealand
“As we open New Zealand’s eGates to more countries, even more travellers will have the option of a self-service route through both arrivals and departures. We welcome the new passport holders and encourage them to give our eGates a try,” said Paul Williams, Acting Group Manager of Border Operations.
Williams noted that approximately 70% of arriving and departing passengers in New Zealand are currently processed through eGates, highlighting the growing importance of this technology in managing border flows.
He also mentioned that using eGates, in combination with other digital tools such as the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), will help reduce processing times in airport terminals and streamline border security checks.
eGates in New Zealand: usage requirements and eligible countries
eGates are available at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown international airports. To use them, travelers must be at least 10 years old, hold a valid electronic passport (ePassport), and complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) prior to arrival.
The following countries are eligible:
- Oceania: New Zealand, Australia
- Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City
- Asia: China (excluding Hong Kong), Japan, South Korea, Macao, Singapore
- North America: Canada, United States
- Middle East: Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman
The eGate system uses biometric technology to match the passport photo with a live image taken upon arrival. For the system to work effectively, travelers should resemble their passport photo as closely as possible.
Travelers are advised to avoid wearing accessories that cover parts of the face, such as veils, scarves, or hats. Glasses may be worn only if they are also worn in the passport photo and have thin frames. The system can accommodate some minor changes in appearance, such as weight variation or a new hairstyle.
NZTD: the mandatory digital declaration for all travelers to New Zealand
Since August 2023, all travelers entering New Zealand are required to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). This digital form replaces the former paper arrival card and collects information about the traveler’s trip, imported goods, and health status. It can be completed online at travellerdeclaration.govt.nz or via the “NZTD” app available on the App Store and Google Play.
Travelers must submit the declaration before reaching passport control in New Zealand. As of April 2024, the NZTD requirement has been extended to maritime arrivals.
NZeTA: the electronic travel authorization for visa-waiver countries
Nationals of countries that are part of New Zealand’s visa waiver program must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before traveling.
The NZeTA is valid for multiple entries over a two-year period and can be requested online at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz or through the mobile app “NZeTA” on the App Store and Google Play.
New Zealand has recently updated the NZeTA fees based on the application method. Here is a detailed breakdown:
| Application Method | NZeTA Fee | IVL Tax | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Mobile App (iOS/Android) | 17 NZD | 100 NZD | 117 NZD |
| Official Website (nzeta.immigration.govt.nz) | 23 NZD | 100 NZD | 123 NZD |
