PH passport holders can take New Zealand’s eGates for faster processing

Metro Manila, Philippines - Filipino travelers can now enjoy faster and easier processing at New Zealand airports as ePassports holders aged 10 and above can now pass through the country’s automated eGates for arrivals and departures.

The policy took effect on Oct. 13 following an announcement by the New Zealand Customs Service, which has expanded eGate eligibility to 11 more countries and territories to further digitise border processing.

Other travelers that are now able to access the automated border lanes are from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Seychelles, and San Marino.

Customs said it carried out a series of trials with Immigration New Zealand to ensure ePassports from the newly added countries met the country’s strict border security and technological standards.

With the expansion, a total of 59 countries and territories are now eligible to use New Zealand’s eGates, and work continues to include more nationalities later this year.

Customs group manager for border operations Dana McDonald said the initiative ensures that more international travellers can enjoy a smooth, self-service route through immigration at New Zealand airports.

She said eGates use sophisticated biometric software and information from ePassports to perform identity and security checks within seconds, allowing frontline officers to focus on high-risk passengers and baggage.

“Together with completing a digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration, using eGates can help travellers reduce screening times, making it easier and faster to move through border security,” McDonald said.

Immigration New Zealand Director Border Sarah Clifford described the expansion as a significant step in making travel more seamless while preserving strong border protection.

“This expansion makes genuine travel easier, while maintaining the integrity of our border,” she said.

New Zealand remains a growing destination for Filipino visitors. Last year, more than 31,000 travelers from the Philippines entered the country, a figure expected to rise further as tourism and air links between the two nations continue to expand.