Transtasman travel protocols could take less than 10 minutes

New border processes to be introduced from December will streamline transtasman travel, Prime Minister John Key announced today. Photo / Dean Purcell

Passengers travelling across the Tasman could clear customs and immigration in less than 10 minutes when electronic systems announced today are up and running.

Prime Minister John Key and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd revealed details of the streamlined procedures after a meeting in Canberra today.

"Once the changes I have announced are in place, new passenger clearance systems for trans-Tasman flights mean low-risk New Zealand and Australian passengers will get a fast exit from border control at the airport," Mr Key said.

"Whatever we can do to make the process less painful, to make it more like a domestic experience and to streamline it is very important."

Mr Key said Auckland Airport officials had told him it took between 25 and 55 minutes to clear customs on an average day.

When the new system is in place that should be cut to about eight minutes.

Changes included:

* Installation of a kiosk and gate system "SmartGate" to allow passengers with e-passports to self-process through passport control. This would be introduced first at Auckland International Airport for arrivals in December. Wellington and Christchurch will follow next year and a SmartGate for departures will be operational in all three airports in 2011.

* Passengers from New Zealand or Australia identified as low-risk will be able to exit the airport faster because of the use of more targeted risk-based assessment following a successful trial in Auckland.

* The instant fine for bringing risk goods into the country will increase from $200 to $400.

* The feasibility of x-ray image transfer was being looked into. This would mean inspectors would be able to assess and clear incoming passenger baggage during flight time.

A report on progress towards implementing this image transfer is due to go to Cabinet early next year.

"These changes are not the end of the work programme, but as they are implemented they will help make transtasman travel more convenient for passengers," Mr Key said.

"This can be achieved without sacrificing New Zealand's border security - in fact allowing staff to focus more on high-risk passengers enhances security.

"The future work programme our countries have agreed to underlines that we want to further streamline the transtasman travel experience where possible."

- NZPA