New Zealand Customs runs automated eGates at four airports — Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown — for both arrivals and departures. The gate scans your ePassport and uses biometrics to match your face with the photo in it.
Who can use an eGate
- You must be 10 years of age or older
- You need an ePassport (the chip symbol on the cover) from one of 59 eligible countries and territories
- The list includes the United Kingdom, Ireland, every EU country (Germany among them), the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and South Korea
- Families travelling with children under 10 are directed to a lane with a border officer
The NZeTA and the eGate are separate things. Your NZeTA gets you on the plane; the eGate is simply how your passport is checked on arrival. Being eligible for one says nothing about the other.
The traveller declaration still applies
Everyone arriving must complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before passport control — eGate users included. It is free. The declaration is linked to your passport and checked automatically when you scan it at the gate, so there is nothing to print.
At the gate
- Have your passport ready to scan
- Remove hats, scarves or veils that cover any part of your face
- Glasses can stay on if you wear them in your passport photo and the frames are thin
- When leaving New Zealand, have your passport and boarding pass ready
Source: New Zealand Customs Service — eGate
Common questions
Can German and South Korean passport holders use the eGate?
Yes. Both Germany and South Korea are on the New Zealand Customs eGate list, provided you have an ePassport and are 10 or older.
Do I still need the traveller declaration if I use the eGate?
Yes. The NZTD must be completed before passport control by everyone, and the eGate checks it automatically when you scan your passport.
Can my 8-year-old use the eGate?
No. The minimum age is 10, and Customs directs families travelling with children under 10 to a lane with a border officer.
More on the NZeTA
Traveller Declaration
Everyone arriving in New Zealand must complete a Traveller Declaration, including New Zealand passport holders. It is free and opens 24 hours before you travel.
Biosecurity
Undeclared risk goods mean an instant NZD $400 fine, even by honest mistake. Deliberate smuggling: up to NZD $100,000 and 5 years in prison.
Customs allowances
Goods over NZD $700, more than 50 cigarettes, and cash of NZD $10,000 or more all have to be declared on arrival.
Children and infants
Yes. Every traveller needs an NZeTA in their own name, including infants who are travelling on a parent's lap and do not have their own seat.
Liquids at airport security
International flights from New Zealand: liquids in carry-on in 100 ml containers, one 1-litre bag. Domestic flights have no liquid limits.
Money, cards and tipping
New Zealand uses the NZ dollar. Prices include 15% GST or must say they don't, tipping is not expected, and cash of NZD $10,000 or more must be declared.