The National Immigration Agency (NIA) said Thursday that Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) will officially announce this Friday that Taiwan will allow New Zealand travelers to use Taiwan’s automated border control system, or e-Gate. This follows the New Zealand government’s announcement on October 13 that Taiwanese travelers may use their e-Gates and marks a new chapter in reciprocal relations between Taiwan and New Zealand.

Per the NIA, Taiwan currently has 121 automated e-Gate kiosks across major international airports and seaports for both foreign and domestic travelers. New Zealand visitors who are at least 12 years old, at least 120 cm tall, and hold an e-passport with at least six months of validity will be eligible for free e-Gate registration. In addition, Taiwan has fully transitioned to online arrival forms as of October 1, so New Zealand travelers who complete their arrival information before their trip can combine this with e-Gate clearance to enjoy fast and convenient service from the moment they land.

NIA Director-General Lin Horng-en (林宏恩) said the government is actively promoting expanded smart border services to enhance Taiwan’s national gateway image and traveler experience. They intend to pursue similar reciprocal programs with more countries so that foreign visitors can feel that “coming to Taiwan is as convenient as coming home.”

The NIA will hold the launch ceremony alongside its Immigration Day celebration. As both countries are known for their majestic mountain vistas, island ecology, and multicultural societies, the main visual design of the ceremony will showcase the similarities between Taiwan and New Zealand.