New Zealand treats medicine you bring for your own use as an import, and the rules differ depending on what the medicine is. Getting this wrong is one of the few ways an otherwise straightforward arrival turns into a long conversation at the border.
The two limits
- Prescription medicines: up to 3 months' supply
- Oral contraceptives: up to 6 months' supply
- Medicines that are also controlled drugs: only 1 month's supply
The controlled-drug category is where people get caught. Strong painkillers, some ADHD medicines and some sleep medicines fall into it even when they are entirely ordinary prescriptions at home.
What you must carry
- A copy of the prescription, or a letter from your doctor saying you are being treated with the medicine
- The medicine in its original labelled containers — not a pill organiser
- For controlled drugs, the letter should state the name and strength of the medicine
Declare it
Medicines are declared on your New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Controlled drugs must be declared. Declaring is not a problem; arriving with an undeclared controlled drug is.
Source: Ministry of Health / Medsafe — Bringing medicines into New Zealand
Source: New Zealand Customs Service — Medicines
If your trip is longer than the supply limit allows, arrange treatment in New Zealand rather than carrying extra. Bringing more than the permitted quantity is an import, not a personal supply.
More on the NZeTA
Transit through Auckland
Most passengers transiting through Auckland need an NZeTA even though they never leave the airport. This is the single most missed requirement for New Zealand.
Cruise passengers
The visa-waiver list does not apply to cruise arrivals. Every cruise passenger needs an NZeTA, including nationalities that would otherwise need a visa.
If you are declined
A declined NZeTA is not the end of the trip, but reapplying with the same details will not change the outcome. Here is what actually comes next.
Dual nationals
The NZeTA is linked to one passport, and you must travel on it. A second nationality is not a problem — showing the wrong passport at check-in is.
Children and infants
Yes. Every traveller needs an NZeTA in their own name, including infants who are travelling on a parent's lap and do not have their own seat.
Australians
Australian citizens need neither a visa nor an NZeTA for New Zealand. Australian permanent residents are different: they must hold an NZeTA before boarding.