11 more countries and territories now eligible to use passport eGates

Customs has today officially opened its eGates to eligible ePassport holders from a further 11 countries and territories.

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. 

The 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.

“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,” said Customs Group Manager Border Operations, Dana McDonald.

He said 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.

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. 

Eligible countries and territories: