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Britain welcomes SmartGate
Britain welcomes SmartGate
Extending the SmartGate system to include passengers from the United Kingdom has been welcomed by the British High Commissioner to New Zealand, Vicki Treadell.
“Just under 200,000 Britons visit New Zealand annually, so any moves to ease their entry into New Zealand is to be welcomed.
“Travellers from Britain spend an average 30 to 31 days in New Zealand. This is substantially more than many other visitors, so they are regarded by the tourist industry as high value visitors spending money on accommodation, food and internal travel.”
Changes to the SmartGate system (the automated border clearing technology used by ePassports) was announced by the New Zealand Customs Minister Maurice Williamson today.
The changes also follow the recent announcement by the British Government to substantially lower Air Passenger Duties in Britain from April 1, 2015.
“I’m sure both these initiatives will be warmly welcomed by travellers between our two countries,” said Mrs Treadell.
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