UPDATED 8:56pm: The government contends a new border clearance levy is about protecting our borders.

It's planning to charge people leaving the country $6 and arriving passengers $16.

The Border Processin (Arrivals and Departures) Levy Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament tonight, with a 73 to 40 majority.

Only Labour and New Zealand First have opposed the Bill at this stage. 

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy adds the money will be used only to protect our borders.

"The fundamental principle behind the introduction of the border clearance levy is that it is fairer that the travellers who generate the need for these border clearance services, and who benefit from them, contribute to the cost of these activities."

Labour's Customs spokesman Rino Tirikatene argues border processing is already adequately funded by the Crown.

"This is a travel tax which is going to be levied on every traveller, every passenger, families going on their trips and our important tourists that we rely on coming in to our country."

Parliament is sitting under urgency to pass the necessary legislation.