Continuing to strengthen New Zealand borders

All travellers flying to, from or through New Zealand will now be checked against INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database in a move that will make the border even safer.

This new security check will take place at the time of check-in. Travellers should notice no difference to the current check-in process as this check will integrate seamlessly with Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) Advance Passenger Processing (APP) checks that airlines already conduct for people travelling to New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) Assistant General Manager, Peter Devoy says INZ already has robust processes in place to screen people coming to New Zealand.

“Keeping New Zealand borders secure is a top priority for us,” Mr Devoy says. “Expanding on our existing technology ensures that we are able to provide even greater border controls for New Zealand.”

If a travel document has been reported lost or stolen to INTERPOL, New Zealand’s APP system will prevent the person from boarding the flight and airlines will contact INZ staff at the border for further advice.

During the 2015-16 financial year (1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016) 2,930 people were denied boarding a flight to New Zealand, compared with 2,280 the previous year. Most of the cases related to passengers not meeting immigration entry requirements.

ENDS

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