Arriving in New Zealand involves several important steps that all travellers must follow. From presenting valid travel documents to clearing customs and biosecurity checks, each stage ensures that your entry complies with New Zealand’s border regulations. Each step must be completed in the proper order upon arrival.
Before you board your flight to New Zealand, you must meet a few essential requirements. These are checked at the time of check-in to ensure that only eligible travelers proceed.
Present a valid passport or travel document at check-in. Airline staff will verify its authenticity before allowing you to board.
Hold a valid New Zealand ETA before you travel. Entry is not permitted without meeting this requirement.
Keep printed or digital proof of your NZeTA available. You may be asked to present this during check-in or upon arrival.
All travelers must meet passport requirements before travelling to New Zealand. Border personnel and airlines will not allow entry or boarding if the passport does not meet the conditions.
Confirm that your passport stays valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave New Zealand.
You should check with your airline, as passport validity requirements may differ depending on their policies.
You should check with your airline, as passport validity requirements may differ depending on their policies.
If you hold a New Zealand resident visa, ensure your passport is valid for re-entry into New Zealand.
Travelers must confirm their eligibility to enter New Zealand based on their nationality, travel route, and residence status. Entry is not permitted without the appropriate travel authority.
Identify whether you need a visa or an NZ ETA based on your citizenship and travel purpose.
If you hold a passport from a visa waiver country, check if an NZ ETA is required instead of a visa.
Confirm your entry type - visitor, transit, or cruise passenger -and select the correct authorization.
You do not need an NZ ETA if you meet any of the following conditions:
You already hold an approved visa for New Zealand that matches the purpose of your travel.
You are an Australian or New Zealand citizen and are travelling on the appropriate passport.
You are a New Zealand citizen travelling on a foreign passport that carries a New Zealand citizen endorsement.
Sample Image of the New Zealand ETA
Click on the icon to zoom the image
All travelers entering New Zealand must submit the NZTD before travel. This declaration records your travel and health information and helps border officials verify that you meet entry requirements.
Submit the New Zealand Traveler Declaration online before starting your journey.
Fill in your personal, travel, and health-related information exactly as requested.
The information in your NZTD must match your passport and travel documents.
Carry a copy of your completed NZTD, as you may need to present it during your journey.
New Zealand enforces strict biosecurity rules to protect its environment, agriculture, and natural resources. All travelers must follow these rules when entering the country.
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Instructions |
Reason |
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Declare Risk items |
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These items can introduce pests, diseases, or contaminants that threaten New Zealand’s environment and agriculture. Declaring them helps protect the country’s biosecurity. |
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Check Before packing |
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Knowing the rules in advance prevents delays, penalties, or confiscation at the border. It helps you travel responsibly and avoid carrying items that may be illegal. |
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Answer Honestly on Arrival Card |
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Falsifying or omitting information can lead to legal consequences. Honest declarations support fast processing and maintain border security. |
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Follow the inspection Procedures |
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Cooperation during inspection prevents the accidental introduction of biosecurity risks. It shows compliance and speeds up the clearance process. |
New Zealand enforces rules about goods you may or may not bring across the border. All travelers must follow these restrictions to avoid delays, penalties, or the confiscation of items.
Review and understand which goods you are permitted to bring into New Zealand.
Certain food, animal products, and plant materials may be restricted or require declaration. Check in advance to avoid delays at customs.
All travelers must declare goods upon entering New Zealand as required by customs law. Custom personnel may inspect your baggage and ask questions about your items.
Every traveller must complete a sequence of steps upon reaching New Zealand. These steps include document verification, biosecurity checks, and customs inspections.
After completing all entry procedures, traveler must manage a few important steps to settle properly in New Zealand. These may involve transportation, accommodation, and local arrangements.
By following each step before, during, and after arrival, you help ensure a smooth entry into New Zealand. Complying with all requirements supports border integrity and prepares you for a safe and settled stay.
You must comply. Customs officers may ask questions, inspect baggage, and request supporting documents related to your goods.
Yes. Most airlines flying to New Zealand accept mobile boarding passes. However, you should also carry a printed copy of your travel documents in case of technical issues.
Yes. Travellers carrying prescription medication or medical devices must declare them and carry a doctor’s note or prescription. Some medications may be subject to biosecurity or customs checks.
If you're unsure whether an item is allowed, declare it on your Passenger Arrival Card. Border officials will assess the item. Declaring protects you from fines, while failing to declare may result in penalties.
Content Disclaimer: Information is current as of May 2025. Please reconfirm entry rules and travel conditions with your airline or the relevant authority before departure.
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