Eleven more countries and territories now eligible to use eGates

International travellers, above 10 years of age, from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Seychelles, and San Marino are now able to use New Zealand’s automated eGates for both arrivals and departures nationwide. 

Customs recently carried out a series of trials in conjunction with Immigration New Zealand to ensure ePassports from these countries and territories met New Zealand’s strict border security and technological requirements. 

This update brings the total number of countries and territories eligible to use New Zealand’s eGates to 59, while work continues to enable further countries to do so later in the year.

Customs Group Manager Border Operations, Dana McDonald, says these changes help ensure more international travellers enjoy a self-service route through arrivals and departures at New Zealand airports.

He says eGates use sophisticated biometric software and information from ePassports to carry out necessary checks within seconds, enabling Customs frontline officers to focus on high-risk travellers and baggage.

“Together with completing a digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration, using eGates can help travellers reduce screening times, making it easier and faster to move through border security,” says Mr McDonald.

Immigration New Zealand’s Director Border, Sarah Clifford, agrees that opening eGates to more eligible passport holders is a significant step in making travel to New Zealand smoother.

“This expansion makes genuine travel easier, while maintaining the integrity of our border.”

For a full list of eligible countries and territories, visit our eGates page: eGate