New Zealand collects its arrival information through the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). Everyone travelling into New Zealand must complete one — including New Zealand passport holders. It is free.
When you can submit it
- Flying: from 24 hours before you start your trip to New Zealand
- By sea: from 24 hours before the vessel leaves its last foreign port
Doing it before you fly is easier than filling in a paper declaration on board, and it means you are not trying to recall an address or a flight number while queuing.
What it asks for
- Passport details and your contact address in New Zealand
- Travel details and where you have been in the last 30 days
- Your visa or NZeTA status
- Your customs and biosecurity declarations
It is not the same thing as an NZeTA
The NZeTA is requested once and lasts 2 years. The Traveller Declaration is completed for every arrival. Having one does not replace the other, and the declaration is free while the NZeTA is not.
Source: New Zealand Traveller Declaration
A false or incorrect declaration carries an instant fine of NZD $400. If you are unsure whether something needs declaring, declare it — there is no penalty for declaring an item that turns out to be fine.
More on the NZeTA
Biosecurity
Undeclared risk goods mean an instant NZD $400 fine, even by honest mistake. Deliberate smuggling: up to NZD $100,000 and 5 years in prison.
Customs allowances
Goods over NZD $700, more than 50 cigarettes, and cash of NZD $10,000 or more all have to be declared on arrival.
Bringing medicines
You may bring up to 3 months' supply of prescription medicine, or 1 month of a controlled drug. Both need paperwork and must be declared.
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.