From about March this year I have not been able to use the Smartgate to self-process for entry into NZ. Each time I try I get the message at the kiosk “Today you will be processed by an immigration officer” (or something similar). There is nothing wrong with my passport as I self-process successfully when departing.
Am I getting directed to an immigration officer because of frequency of travel or where I am travelling from? Does NZ Immigration know your destination i.e. system integration to the airline’s systems? Or have I been profiled in some way?
I have done 11 trips to date this year all to Asia-Pacific countries and once to Africa.
This is frustrating especially if you have to queue. Having said that the immigration queuing is usually not a big issue at AKL airport.
Any other frequent travellers having similar issues with SmartGate?