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Customs has announced the further expansion of eGates access to ePassport holders from an additional 15 European Union Member States.
As a result, ePassport holders from all 27 EU Member States will be able to use New Zealand’s automated eGates on arrival and departure from September 23, 2024.
In May, the age eligibility to use eGates was also reduced from 12-years-old to 10-years-old, bringing New Zealand in line with Australia and the United Kingdom.
This expansion to all EU Member States now means that travellers from 37 countries have access to automatic border processing in New Zealand, representing more than 85 per cent of all arriving and departing travellers.
Group manager border operations Dana McDonald says the further eGate expansion aligns with Customs’ aim to make New Zealand’s border processing more seamless and efficient for all international travellers.
“This latest change meets Customs’ previously signalled plan to open eligibility to all European Union Member States, and we intend to open eGates to even more countries later in the year, subject to feasibility trials proving successful.
“Our eGates use sophisticated biometric software and information from ePassports to carry out necessary checks within seconds, enabling Customs frontline officers to place increased focus on other tasks like assessing high-risk travellers, such as drug couriers.
“Our connections with the European Union are strong and New Zealand is a popular destination for European visitors. This expansion to all EU Member States is further good news for travellers from that part of the world.”
All travellers are required to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. The digital declaration can be completed online at: www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz or via the NZTD app.
eGate access is now available to ePassport holders aged 10 years and older from the 37 countries listed below:
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
The Netherlands
New Zealand
People’s Republic of China
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Ireland
Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Romania
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States of America.
Approximately 70 per cent of all arriving and departing passengers in New Zealand are successfully processed through an eGate.
