As the holiday season approaches, locals are excited to welcome friends and family from across the European Union.

From this week, ePassport holders from all 27 EU Member States can now use New Zealand’s automated eGates on arrival and departure, making travel more convenient than ever.

This recent change aligns with Customs’ ongoing efforts to streamline border processing for international travellers.

In May, the age eligibility for using eGates was also lowered from 12 to 10 years, bringing New Zealand in line with Australia and the United Kingdom.

Now, travellers from a total of 37 countries can access these efficient border processing systems, which account for over 85 percent of all arriving and departing passengers in New Zealand.

Dana McDonald, Group Manager of Border Operations, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion.

“This latest change meets Customs’ previously signalled plan to open eligibility to all European Union Member States,” he said.

“We intend to open eGates to even more countries later in the year, subject to feasibility trials proving successful.”

The eGates, which first opened in New Zealand in 2009, use advanced biometric software and information from ePassports to perform essential checks in mere seconds.

This technology allows Customs frontline officers to focus on other important tasks, such as identifying high-risk travellers.

“Our connections with the European Union are strong, and New Zealand is a popular destination for European visitors,” McDonald noted.

“This expansion to all EU Member States is further good news for travellers from that part of the world.”

With the eGates now available to ePassport holders aged 10 and older, locals can look forward to smoother travels for their guests, enhancing the experience of visiting the stunning Hibiscus Coast.