New Zealand passport holders on fast-track to easy entry at UK airports

Fast track: From next year visitors to the UK can expect quicker entry on NZ passports. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealanders will soon see easier access through UK airports.

British Chancellor Philip Hammond has announced his government has opened up e-passport gates to visitors from New Zealand, Canada, America and Japan.

He made the announcement while unveiling his budget in Britain's House of Commons.

"We'll open the use of e-passport gates at Heathrow and other airports, currently only available to EEEA nationals.

"[We'll change the gates] to include visitors from United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Japan."

In the lead up to Brexit, both New Zealanders and Australians are being given access to "fast track" e-gates, previously used only be EU passport holders.

Other nationalities would soon be allowed speedier entry to the UK – including passport holders from Canada, the United States and Japan.

The move will reduce the time it takes for New Zealanders to move through airports when visiting the United Kingdom.

The e-passport gates are currently at 22 airports and international rail terminals across the country and will be accepting New Zealand passports as early as next year.

The news follows a chaotic summer for British airports, where passport control queues tailed for two-and-a-half hours.