Proposed trial for passport-free travel between Australia and New Zealand
Updated . First published at
Passport-free travel between Australia and New Zealand could be on the cards after the latter’s National Party promised to introduce a trial should it be re-elected.
The proposed trial would run before the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the two countries from late October.
Passengers heading to New Zealand might soon be able to keep their passports in their pockets. George Heard / NZ Herald via AP
“Making it easier for Australians to visit New Zealand means more visitors exploring our cities and regions which results in more incomes for local businesses, more jobs opportunities for New Zealanders, and a stronger economy,” National Tourism Minister Louise Upston said.
So what would it look like actually travelling from Australia to New Zealand?
Under the proposed trial, travellers would submit their passport details and digital declaration on a smartphone before departing, replacing physical passports at the gate.
Passenger information would then be assessed by immigration, Customs, and biosecurity agencies prior to landing.
Travellers needing baggage checks would be directed out of the streamline path, while eligible passengers would move through eGate pathways at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown airports.
Of course, you should still always travel with your passport. But this system would mean you can leave it tucked safely away in your bag without needing to present it in person.
In 2024, Prime Ministers Christopher Luxon and Anthony Albanese committed to looking into ways travel between the two countries could be more seamless.
The rules would apply for travel between both countries. Getty
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he’d also progress the trial if elected.
“This would look like a fully digital trans-Tasman travel experience, where eligible travellers can rely on a smartphone, digital credentials and biometric technology through more of the airport journey,” Upston said.
SmartGates have already been in action at all airports for trans-Tasman passengers since 2009.
The United Kingdom and Ireland have a similar module and maintain a passport-free Common Travel Area, though transport operators still require official identification.
Indonesia has also introduced an AI-powered “seamless corridor” that scans passenger faces in motion, processing over 30 people per minute without requiring them to stop at eGates.
- Additional reporting by Stuff
