Thanks to the joint efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), Immigration New Zealand, and the New Zealand Customs Service in promoting reciprocal access to automated immigration and customs inspection and clearance services, the New Zealand government announced today that starting from October 13, Taiwan e-passport holders were eligible to use e-gates when entering and departing New Zealand.
According to MOI data, this makes New Zealand the eighth country to grant Taiwan nationals access to automated customs clearance services following the United States (where nationals are required to pay an application fee for the service), the Republic of Korea, Australia, Italy, Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia.
As New Zealand has already granted Taiwan nationals access to its online New Zealand Traveller Declaration (www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz), travelers only need to complete a declaration up to 24 hours before boarding their flight to be able to use e-gate services upon arrival in New Zealand. This provides them with a more efficient and seamless clearance process.
In accordance with the principles of parity and reciprocity, Taiwan is now working toward granting New Zealand e-passport holders access to Taiwan’s e-gate services. This arrangement is expected to be implemented by late November or December 2025.
Taiwan and New Zealand are like-minded partners that share the values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. With around 60,000 journeys being made between the two countries annually, reciprocal e-gate access will make travel even more convenient and facilitate closer cooperation and exchanges across various fields.
Moving forward, the MOI will continue to promote the reciprocal use of e-gates with other countries. This will allow Taiwan nationals to travel overseas in greater convenience and dignity while also attracting even more international tourists to Taiwan. (E)
