Singapore just became the second Asian country whose passports can now be used in New Zealand’s automated immigration clearance facilities.
Just yesterday (11th February), the Straits Times reported that Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority announced a reciprocal automated immigration clearance agreement with New Zealand.
This means that effective today (12th February 2019), Singapore passport holders can use immigration eGate facilities when entering New Zealand.
Singaporeans aged 12 years and above holding ePassports are allowed to use these eGate facilities.
Source: Channel NewsAsia
According to the New Zealand Customs Service, this facility can be used by ePassport holders from the following countries;
- New Zealand
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
- China (excluding Hong Kong)
- France
- German
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Singapore
Meanwhile, New Zealand passport holders can also utilise Singapore’s automated immigration clearance facilities when entering the country. New Zealanders aged 6 years and above carrying travel documents valid for more than 6 months and have visited Singapore at least twice in the last two years can apply for Singapore’s Frequent Traveller Programme (FTP). Application for the FTP is also voluntary and free for New Zealand passport holders.
Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan also addressed the news in a Facebook post yesterday, stating that this agreement is part of the Enhanced Partnership that is being established between New Zealand and Singapore.
Good news for Singaporeans planning holidays: as of tomorrow, Singapore and New Zealand nationals will be able to use…
Posted by Vivian Balakrishnan on Monday, February 11, 2019
Find out more about this automated immigration system here.
We wonder if this immigration clearance facility will soon be made available to Malaysians sometime in the near future! What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: New Zealand Welcomes M’sians to Apply For Working Holiday Visa Starting 2019, Here’s How
