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Starting Monday, October 13, 2025, travellers from 11 additional countries and territories can now use New Zealand’s automated SmartGate (eGate) system when arriving or departing. The expansion aims to make airport clearance smoother and faster for more international visitors.

eGate Access to 11 More Countries

If you’re aged 10 or older and hold an ePassport from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Seychelles, or San Marino, you’re now eligible to use eGates at major New Zealand airports.

This change brings the total number of eligible countries and territories to 59, as New Zealand continues to broaden access throughout 2025.

How eGates Work

eGates are automated passport control kiosks that use facial recognition and biometric data to verify travellers within seconds. The system scans your ePassport, compares your photo with a live image, and completes identity checks instantly.

They’re available for both arrivals and departures at:

• Auckland Airport
• Wellington Airport
• Christchurch Airport
• Queenstown Airport

What You Need Before Using eGates

To use eGates in New Zealand, make sure you:

• Are 10 years or older
• Hold a valid ePassport from one of the eligible countries
• Have completed the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before reaching passport control

When departing, you’ll also need your passport and boarding pass ready.

If Customs officers can’t verify your identity through visual checks, they may direct you to an eGate for confirmation.

Complete List of Countries Eligible for eGate Use

Travellers from the following 59 countries and territories can now use eGates in New Zealand:

1. New Zealand
2. Andorra
3. Argentina
4. Australia
5. Austria
6. Bahrain
7. Belgium
8. Brazil
9. Bulgaria
10. Canada
11. Chile
12. China
13. Croatia
14. Cyprus
15. Czech Republic
16. Denmark
17. Estonia
18. Finland
19. France
20. Germany
21. Greece
22. Hong Kong
23. Hungary
24. Iceland
25. Italy
26. Ireland
27. Japan
28. Kuwait
29. Latvia
30. Liechtenstein
31. Lithuania
32. Luxembourg
33. Macau
34. Malaysia
35. Malta
36. Mexico
37. Monaco
38. Netherlands
39. Norway
40. Oman
41. The Philippines
42. Poland
43. Portugal
44. Romania
45. San Marino
46. Seychelles
47. Singapore
48. Slovakia
49. Slovenia
50. South Korea
51. Spain
52. Sweden
53. Switzerland
54. Taiwan
55. Thailand
56. United Arab Emirates
57. United Kingdom
58. United States
59. Vatican City

NZTD Mandatory for All Travellers

Since August 2023, every visitor entering New Zealand must complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before arrival. This digital form gathers key details about your trip, any items you’re bringing in, and your health status.

You can complete it easily by:

From April 2024, the requirement also extends to travellers arriving by sea, ensuring a smoother and more consistent entry process for everyone.

NZeTA Required for Travellers from Visa-Waiver Countries

If you hold a passport from a visa-waiver country, you’ll need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before boarding your flight. The NZeTA is valid for multiple trips within two years, making it ideal for frequent visitors.

Here’s what it costs as of 2025:

You can apply directly through the official NZeTA website or by downloading the NZeTA app from the App Store or Google Play.

Completing your NZeTA in advance ensures a smoother check-in and avoids last-minute travel disruptions.

Why New Zealand Expanded eGate Access

New Zealand Customs and Immigration New Zealand (INZ) jointly tested ePassports from these new countries to ensure they met strict border security and technical standards.

Customs’ Dana McDonald said the move will speed up airport processing while letting officers focus on higher-risk travellers. INZ’s Sarah Clifford added that the expansion makes travel smoother without compromising border security.

Why This Matters for Travellers

For frequent flyers and visitors, eGates mean less time in queues and a more efficient border experience. The system’s biometric checks replace manual passport stamping, offering a faster and more consistent arrival process.

Final Thoughts

With the inclusion of 11 new countries, New Zealand is reinforcing its move toward digital, contactless border control. If you’re eligible, complete your NZ Traveller Declaration online before your flight and head straight to an eGate for a smoother entry or exit.