Digital declaration rules for travel to New Zealand

The New Zealand authorities have introduced a mandatory online pre-declaration system for all international travelers - NZTD (New Zealand Traveller Declaration). This simplifies the border crossing process while maintaining strict controls to ensure biosecurity, immigration security and public health.

Before traveling, every visitor to the country must fill out an electronic form on a special portal app.travelerdeclaration.govt.nz or on the NZTD mobile app. Once the procedure is started, a registration number for further actions will be sent to the email.

In the declaration it is required to specify passport data, contact information for the period of stay, travel history for the last month, travel itinerary, data on the luggage carried, visa status if necessary.

It is also mandatory to declare:

• Foodstuffs, plant/animal materials
• Used equipment for outdoor activities
• Medicines
• Tobacco and alcoholic beverages
• Cash of NZ$10,000 or more

Failure to disclose such information can result in serious fines, confiscation, prosecution and deportation from New Zealand. False information in the declaration is not acceptable.

Air travelers must complete the NZTD no earlier than 24 hours before departure to New Zealand. For sea travelers, this deadline is counted from the time the ship departs from the last foreign port before arrival. Once the form has been submitted, instructions on how to pass the border based on the details provided will be emailed to you.

The declaration can be edited up to passport control on arrival, using the registration number received. After that, no changes are possible, and any forgotten details must be reported to the border guard.

If it is difficult to fill in the form yourself, you can ask for help from a trusted person. Paper declaration forms are also available at airports/ports for those who cannot use the online system.

For transit air passengers staying in the airport area and travelers arriving due to emergencies, the NZTD procedure may not apply.

Upon arrival, the electronic declaration is automatically linked to the traveler's passport data. Baggage checks and additional questions from border guards are possible. The main requirement is to declare all information accurately to avoid sanctions.

Step 1: Access the system

• Access the app.travelerdeclaration.govt.nz portal via your computer or mobile device.
• Or download the NZTD mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.

Step 2: Start completing your declaration

• Select the option to start a new declaration.
• You will then be sent a reference number to your email. Save it for further action.

Step 3. Enter your personal details

• Enter the information from your valid passport on which you will be entering.
• Provide contact details for communication for the duration of your stay in New Zealand.
• Tick any countries you have visited in the last 30 days.

Step 4: Travel details

• Select your mode of transportation - air or sea.
• For air travelers - flight number, date and time of arrival.
• For cruise travelers - ship name, port and arrival date.

Step 5: Baggage information

• Number of pieces of checked baggage.
• Presence of hand luggage and its contents.

Step 6. Declaration of goods. It is mandatory to indicate if you are carrying:

• Foodstuffs
• Products made of wood, plants, animals
• Medicines
• Cash of NZ$10,000 or more
• Tobacco products
• Alcoholic beverages

Step 7: Immigration Status

• Existing visa or NZeTA authorization if required.
• Purpose of travel - tourism, work, study, etc.

Step 8: Check and submit

• Carefully check all the data entered.
• Submit the declaration for review.

After that, you will receive instructions on how to pass the border based on the information provided.

Important points:

• The declaration must be completed 24 hours prior to the ship's arrival/departure.
• Information is entered for each traveler, including children.
• If the itinerary changes, the declaration must be updated.
• The declaration cannot be edited after passport control.
• Any inaccurate information will result in fines up to deportation.

There is no need to print anything out. All information from NZTD will be linked to your passport and checked on arrival in New Zealand. Staff can ask further questions if necessary.