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.
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:
Tip: Avoid accessories like hats, scarves, or oversized glasses at the eGate—your live image must closely match your passport photo.
As part of this expansion, travellers from the following 11 locations are now eligible to use eGates:
Europe:
Asia:
Middle East:
This update follows a successful trial that verified the biometric compatibility of ePassports from these regions.
New Zealand
Australia
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
China (excluding Hong Kong), Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Macao
Canada, United States
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates
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.
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:
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:
Applying via the Official Website: