e-Gates Open to Four More Nationalities This Summer

e-Gates Open to Four More Nationalities This Summer

Travellers from France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands now have the green light to use the Customs eGates (formerly known as SmartGate) from today.

“We extended eGate to ePassport holders from China last month, and with a significant number of visitors coming to New Zealand from Europe, it makes sense to extend the facilities to eligible passport holders from these European countries,” says Group Manager Border Operations, Anne Marie Taggart.

“Expanding eGate to more countries will help to manage the increasing number of travellers arriving and departing New Zealand.

“The e-Gates allow eligible passengers to complete their customs and immigration checks quickly and easily, so they can get on their way. It also means that Customs officers can focus on travellers that may present a risk,”

More than 24 million people have used Customs’ eGates since they were introduced at New Zealand airports in 2009, and the additional nations will take the number of countries eligible to use the eGates from six to 10.

“We expect this number will continue to grow, with plans underway to enable ePassport holders from more countries to have access to eGates in the near future.”

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

ENDS

The New Zealand Customs Service is the government organisation that protects the community from potential risks arising from international trade and travel, while facilitating the legitimate movement of people and goods across the border. Established in 1840, it is New Zealand’s oldest government agency.

As New Zealand's gatekeepers our role includes intercepting contraband (such as illegal drugs); checking travellers and their baggage cargo and mail; protecting businesses against illegal trade; and assessing and collecting Customs duties, excise, and goods and services tax on imports. We use intelligence and risk assessment to target physical checks of containers, vessels or travellers. As a law enforcement agency we conduct investigations and audits, and prosecute offenders. Customs works closely with other border agencies, in particular the NZ Police, Aviation Security and Immigration New Zealand.

More information about Customs can be found on our website:

www.customs.govt.nz

© Scoop Media