In a significant move to enhance border control and simplify the arrival process for international visitors, the New Zealand Customs Service has expanded access to its automated eGate system to 11 additional countries and territories.
Announced on May 26, 2025, this update brings the total number of eligible countries to 48, allowing a greater number of global travellers to benefit from quicker and more efficient immigration clearance.
What Are eGates and How Do They Work?
eGates are automated self-service stations used at border control that rely on facial recognition and biometric verification. They scan a passenger’s biometric passport and compare it to their live facial image, allowing travellers to clear immigration without speaking to a customs officer. This significantly reduces queue times and eases congestion at airports.
These systems are currently installed at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown international airports.
Requirements for Using eGates:
- Must be 10 years or older
- Possess a biometric passport (ePassport)
- Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before arriving
Tip: Avoid accessories like hats, scarves, or oversized glasses at the eGate—your live image must closely match your passport photo.
Newly Added eGate-Eligible Countries
As part of this expansion, travellers from the following 11 locations are now eligible to use eGates:
Europe:
- Andorra
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Monaco
- Norway
- Vatican City
Asia:
- Macao
Middle East:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- United Arab Emirates
This update follows a successful trial that verified the biometric compatibility of ePassports from these regions.
Full List of eGate-Eligible Countries (2025)
- Oceania:
New Zealand
Australia
- Europe:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City
- Asia:
China (excluding Hong Kong), Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Macao
- North America:
Canada, United States
- Middle East:
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates
A Step Toward Streamlined Border Processing
According to Paul Williams, Acting Group Manager of Border Operations at New Zealand Customs, approximately 70% of travellers are currently processed using eGates. He noted that combining this system with the NZTD has drastically improved efficiency at border checkpoints.
“By expanding eGate access, we’re giving more travellers the convenience of faster, self-service processing. We welcome eligible passport holders to take advantage of this technology,” Williams said.
Important Travel Requirements
New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) – Mandatory for All Travellers
Introduced in August 2023, the NZTD collects trip, health, and customs information. It must be completed before arriving in New Zealand (including by sea as of April 2024).
How to submit your NZTD:
- Visit: travellerdeclaration. gov.nz
- Or download the NZTD app from the App Store or Google Play
NZeTA – Required for Travellers from Visa-Waiver Countries
Travellers from visa-waiver countries must apply for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before their trip. This authorization allows multiple entries over two years.
Here is the NZeTA fee breakdown for 2025:
Applying via Mobile App:
- NZeTA Fee: 17 NZD
- IVL Tax: 100 NZD
- Total: 117 NZD
Applying via the Official Website:
- NZeTA Fee: 23 NZD
- IVL Tax: 100 NZD
- Total: 123 NZD
