Visa-Free Entry with eGate in New Zealand – Full List of Eligible Countries

In an important step to make international travel easier and more efficient, the New Zealand Customs Service has expanded its automated eGate system to include 11 additional countries and territories. This exciting update was announced on May 26, 2025, and brings the total number of eligible countries to 48.

Thanks to this upgrade, more people visiting New Zealand can now use eGates for a faster, safer, and more convenient immigration experience. Instead of waiting in long lines to speak with an immigration officer, eligible travelers can use self-service machines that process them quickly and securely.

New Zealand is making smart changes to improve the arrival process for international visitors. By expanding access to eGates, more travelers can now enjoy a fast, smooth, and hassle-free immigration experience.

If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand:

• Check if your passport is eligible
• Fill out the NZTD
• Apply for the NZeTA (if required)

These simple steps will help ensure you enter New Zealand without any problems and start your adventure on the right foot.

What Are eGates and How Do They Work?

eGates are modern self-service kiosks found at border control areas in airports. They are designed to speed up the immigration process for travelers by using technology such as facial recognition and biometric data.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how eGates work:

1. Scan Your Passport
   When you reach the eGate, you place your biometric passport (also called an ePassport) into the scanner. This passport contains a chip that holds your digital photo and personal information.
2. Facial Recognition Check
   The eGate takes a live photo of your face and compares it to the photo stored in your passport chip. This helps confirm your identity.
3. Quick Approval
   If everything matches, the gate opens, and you’re allowed to enter New Zealand—no need to speak with a customs officer.

This entire process takes just a few seconds and helps reduce long lines, waiting times, and congestion at busy international airports.

Where Can You Use eGates in New Zealand?

eGates are currently installed at four major international airports in New Zealand. These are:

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

These airports handle most international flights, so travelers arriving at these locations can benefit from the faster eGate entry system.

Who Can Use eGates?

To use the eGate system successfully, travelers must meet the following conditions:

• Be 10 years old or older
• Have a biometric passport (ePassport)
• Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before arriving in New Zealand

Tip: When using an eGate, avoid wearing hats, scarves, or oversized glasses, as these can prevent the system from recognizing your face correctly. Your live appearance must closely match your passport photo.

New Countries That Can Now Use eGates

New Zealand Customs has recently added 11 more countries and territories to the list of places whose travelers can use eGates. These countries passed a testing phase that confirmed their biometric passports work well with the system.

Europe:

• Andorra
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Monaco
• Norway
• Vatican City

Asia:

• Macao

Middle East:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman
• United Arab Emirates

Travelers from these places are now eligible to enjoy the faster and easier immigration process at New Zealand airports.

Full List of Countries Eligible for eGate Use (As of 2025)

Here is a complete list of the 48 countries and territories whose citizens can now use New Zealand’s eGate system:

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

Why eGates Are a Big Deal for Travelers

This expansion is part of New Zealand’s broader plan to make airport entry faster and more modern. According to Paul Williams, Acting Group Manager of Border Operations at New Zealand Customs, nearly 70% of all international travelers are now processed through eGates.

He explained that when eGates are combined with the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) system, immigration becomes much quicker and more organized.

“By expanding eGate access, we’re giving more travelers the convenience of faster, self-service processing. We welcome eligible passport holders to take advantage of this technology,” said Williams.

For travelers, this means less time waiting, fewer forms to fill out at the airport, and a much smoother start to their trip in New Zealand.

Travel Documents You’ll Need

Before traveling to New Zealand, there are two important documents that you must prepare. These are:

New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) – Required for Everyone

The NZTD is an online form introduced in August 2023. It collects information about your trip, health, and any goods you’re bringing into the country.

• It’s mandatory for all travelers.
• From April 2024, this requirement also applies to travelers arriving by sea (such as cruise ships).

How to submit the NZTD:

• Visit the official website: travellerdeclaration.govt.nz
• Or use the NZTD mobile app, available on both Google Play and the App Store

Make sure you fill out this form before you arrive in New Zealand to avoid delays.

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) – For Visa-Waiver Travelers

If you’re from a visa-waiver country, you’ll need to apply for an NZeTA before flying to New Zealand. This electronic travel authorization allows you to visit New Zealand multiple times within two years.

How Much Does NZeTA Cost in 2025?

✔️ If You Apply Using the Mobile App:

• NZeTA Fee: 17 NZD
• IVL (International Visitor Levy): 100 NZD
• Total: 117 NZD

✔️ If You Apply Through the Official Website:

• NZeTA Fee: 23 NZD
• IVL: 100 NZD
• Total: 123 NZD

Applying through the app is cheaper, so it’s a good option if you want to save a few dollars.

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