A proposal to trial paperless travel between Australia and New Zealand could make one of the region’s busiest business travel corridors faster and simpler, according to Corporate Traveller.
Christopher Luxon, New Zealand Prime Minister, has announced that if the National Party is re-elected it would trial a digital travel process for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens.
Under the proposal, travellers would submit passport information and their Traveller Declaration using a smartphone before departure, with digital credentials and facial recognition used through more of the airport journey.
The plan currently relates to New Zealand airports and would require cooperation from Australia.
Tom Walley, Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director, said New Zealand accounts for around a quarter of international travel from Australia among the company’s customers, with its 2026 bookings already exceeding the total recorded for 2025.
“Trans-Tasman is one of the most important corridors for Australian business travel, so any move to make it faster and simpler is worth backing,” Mr Walley said.
“A digital-first approach, where travellers verify their details on their phone before they fly and move through the airport using biometrics, is the logical next step after SmartGates.”
Mr Walley said the change could particularly benefit short business trips, including same-day meetings and site visits, by reducing time spent moving through airports.
However, he stressed the proposal remains an election commitment rather than government policy and would require Australian participation before it could operate across the Tasman.
“Nothing changes for travellers today and anyone flying across the Tasman should still carry a valid passport as they do now,” Mr Walley said.
Arrivals into New Zealand from Australia reached 1.59 million in the year to July 2026, accounting for around 43% of the country’s overseas visitor arrivals.
