The government of New Zealand specifically wants Singaporeans to pack their bags and migrate there for good, but if you haven’t done so, this would be the next best thing.
Starting today, Singapore and New Zealand citizens will be able to use the automated immigration clearance facilities when traveling to and fro each of their countries.
“The mutual extension of such automated immigration clearance facilities is part of the Singapore – New Zealand Enhanced Partnership that both sides are establishing,” affirmed the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). “It is expected to boost trade, business and tourism links between both countries.”
The automated eGates in New Zealand’s Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown airports will now accept the passports of Singapore citizens aged 12 or older. Should be a very welcome boon, especially for those who own properties on the Pacific island nation.
For holders of New Zealand passports, the requirements to use Singapore’s enhanced-Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS) are a little stricter. They’d have to be aged six and above, hold a passport with more than six months’ valid and have visited Singapore at least twice in the past two years. Then only can they apply for Singapore’s Frequent Traveller Programme at the various enrolment centers located at Changi Airport, the ICA building, and the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints.
This should add another notch to the Singapore passport, which is repeatedly hailed by various rankings as one of the most powerful in the world. Aside from New Zealand, Singaporeans also get to enjoy faster immigration clearance when visiting Bangkok, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong as well.
