eGates open to travellers from Singapore

Travellers from Singapore can use the Customs eGates from today.

Acting Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Murray Young, said expanding eGates to more nationalities helps manage the increasing number of travellers arriving in and departing from New Zealand.

“Customs is part of a multi-agency group, working collaboratively to make eGate available to more nationalities. The addition of Singapore to the list brings the total number of nationalities able to use eGate to 11.

“Around 90 percent of the 12.6 million travellers arriving and departing New Zealand in 2018 were from the 11 nationalities now eligible to use eGate.

“By allowing eligible passengers to complete their customs and immigration checks quickly and easily, it not only means a better travelling experience for the increasing number of visitors between New Zealand and Singapore, it also enables Customs officers to focus on those travellers who may present a higher risk.”

“The mutual extension of automated immigration clearance facilities is part of the New Zealand-Singapore Enhanced Partnership, which seeks to boost cooperation across trade and economic, people to people, science, innovation and technology, and defence and security links between the two countries.”

Murray Young said more than 30 million people have used Customs’ eGates since they were introduced at New Zealand airports in 2009.

“Our eGates are available in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown to ePassport holders aged 12 years and over from New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, and, from today, Singapore.

“We expect the number of nationalities eligible to use eGates will continue to grow.”

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