Younger millennials today will never understand the pains of replaying a song during the cassette era, just as future generations will never understand the time spent after check-in filling out departure cards.
That’s because Outgoing Passengers Cards are well and truly becoming a thing of the past as New Zealand joins Australia in scrapping the compulsory form.
New Zealand’s departure slip will be phased out from November this year, giving outgoing passengers one less formality to worry about at the country’s international gateways.
Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri, said the information obtained from the departure cards was mainly used for statistics, which can now be obtained through alternative means.
She continued, saying that the removal of the Outgoing Passenger Card would also sync New Zealand’s operations with Australia’s and contribute to making trans-Tasman travel as seamless as possible.
Image: Auckland Airport
“Travellers will be able to travel departure card-free on both sides of the Tasman.”
Meka Whaitiri, New Zealand Customs Minister
In saying that, inbound passengers will still need to complete an arrival card, just as is required in Australia.
Last year, Aussie Agents were so excited by the removal of the Outgoing Passenger Card that they held in-office celebrations, many of which included making it rain departure cards. Click here for more.
- READ: Travel Agents celebrate the end of the Outgoing Passenger Card
- READ: 7 responses Agents had to the Outgoing Pax Card removal
- READ: Outgoing Passenger Cards are on their way out
