FILIPINO travelers heading to New Zealand can now breeze through airport immigration with the help of automated systems, thanks to a new policy that took effect on October 13.
Holders of Philippine ePassports aged 10 and above are now eligible to use the self-service lanes at all major New Zealand airports-for both arrivals and departures.
The move is part of New Zealand Customs’ broader push to digitize border processing, expanding eGate access to 11 additional countries and territories.
Alongside the Philippines, travelers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Seychelles, and San Marino are now included.
This brings the total number of eligible countries and territories to 59.
Streamlined Travel, Strong Security
New Zealand Customs and Immigration New Zealand conducted rigorous trials to ensure that ePassports from the newly added countries meet the nation’s high standards for border security and biometric compatibility.
The eGates use advanced facial recognition and passport chip data to verify travelers within seconds, allowing border officers to focus on higher-risk cases.
‘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,’ Dana McDonald, Customs Group Manager for Border Operations, said.
Sarah Clifford, Director Border at Immigration New Zealand, added that this expansion makes genuine travel easier, ‘while maintaining the integrity of our border.’
Philippine Travel to NZ on the Rise
Over 31,000 Filipinos visited New Zealand last year, and the number continues to grow.
The inclusion of the Philippines in the eGate program is expected to further boost tourism and business travel, offering a smoother experience for Filipino visitors.
What You Need to Use eGates
A valid Philippine ePassport (age 10+)
Completion of the New Zealand Traveller Declaration online via https://www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz/ or the NZTD app
With this upgrade, Filipino travelers can look forward to a more seamless journey-whether they’re exploring New Zealand’s stunning landscapes or heading home after a Kiwi adventure.