New Zealand has expanded its eGate system, making it much easier to travel to the country. Find out how New Zealand's eGate works and who is eligible for expedited immigration control

From 26 May 2025, New Zealand has expanded access to its automated eGate border controls to citizens of 11 new countries, allowing them to pass through immigration faster using facial recognition technology. The country is trying to provide its visitors with the most accessible and easy entry possible.

This article explains the eGate system in New Zealand and the countries eligible for seamless entry.

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What is eGate?

eGate is a self-service border control system that uses biometrics and facial recognition to verify a passenger’s identity. This allows travelers to quickly pass through customs without having to interact with an officer.

Which countries gained access to New Zealand’s eGate system in May 2025?

In May 2025, the eGate system became available to citizens of the following countries:

- Europe: Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Vatican City.

- Asia: Macau.

- Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates.

Who is eligible for New Zealand eGate?

With this expansion, the total number of countries whose citizens can use eGate in New Zealand has reached 48.

- 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, Macau.

- North America: Canada, United States.

- Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates.

Requirements for tourists using the New Zealand eGate

To be eligible to travel using the eGate system, a tourist must meet the following requirements:

1. Age - be over 10 years old.

2. Document - have a biometric passport (ePassport).

3. Complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before arrival.

At which airports is the New Zealand eGate available?

eGate in New Zealand is available at the following international airports: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

New Zealand Traveller Declaration NZTD

From August 2023, all travellers to New Zealand will be required to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), which collects information about their journey, imported goods and health.

To register and find out more:

- Visit the official website travellerdeclaration.govt.nz.

- Or download the NZTD app from the App Store or Google Play.

Around 70% of travellers now go through the electronic gate. This tool, combined with the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), significantly simplifies border checks and reduces congestion.

NZeTA: mandatory even for visa-free countries

If you are a citizen of a country with which New Zealand has a visa-free regime, you will still need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation – NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) – before travelling. This permit is valid for two years and allows multiple entries into the country.

- How much does an NZeTA cost (current as of 2025)?

Depending on the method of application, the cost of an NZeTA varies.

1. If you apply via a mobile application, the fee is NZ$17.

2. If you apply via the official website, it is $23.

This also includes the mandatory IVL tourist fee of $100.

You can apply on the official website or using the NZeTA mobile application, available on the App Store or Google Play.

New Zealand is confidently moving towards even more convenient and modern border control, opening the eGate system to more countries and combining it with digital tools such as NZTD and NZeTA. Such steps not only speed up the entry process, but also make traveling to this country more comfortable for travelers from all over the world.

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, be sure to check if you are eligible to use eGate, fill out the NZTD declaration in advance and apply for an NZeTA. This will save you time and make your arrival in the country as smooth as possible.

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Reminder! New Zealand is expanding the quota for obtaining a parental visa in 2025. Find out how many foreigners will be able to obtain this permit this year, what are the requirements, the current application procedure and deadlines.

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