National promises trial of passport-free travel between NZ and Australia
Thursday 1 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated In this story Christopher Luxon, National Party, Louise Upston
The National Party has pledged to trial seamless, digital trans-Tasman travel for citizens if re-elected. Under the proposal, travellers would submit passport details and digital declarations via smartphone before departing. The plan, announced in Queenstown, would require Australian backing and aims to be implemented before the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Key facts
4 facts
- National proposes a digital travel trial before the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
- The trial would involve Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown airports
- Travellers would use smartphones and biometrics instead of physical passports at the gate
- Between 1973 and 1981, citizens travelled between both nations without passports
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
The National Party has pledged to trial seamless, paperless travel for Australian and New Zealand citizens if re-elected. The proposed trial aims to occur before the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by both nations from 21 October to 19 November.
Under the plan, eligible travellers would use smartphones, digital credentials, and biometric technology to move through airports. This would remove the need for physical passports at the gate, though passengers must still hold a passport and register their details digitally before departure.
The system would involve travellers completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration before flying to allow agencies to assess information in advance. Dedicated arrival lanes would be used at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown airports.
Security measures would remain in place, with passengers requiring baggage checks or further examination being directed out of the streamlined path. National leader Christopher Luxon noted that the plan requires the cooperation of the Australian government.
Compiled from reports by Stuff, 1News, The Post and NZ Herald.
