Every country has rules and regulations for people planning to travel to their country. New Zealand also have its own set of rules, one of which is that travellers need to submit a declaration. Every traveller, including babies and children, has to submit the declaration. Are you an international student planning to travel to New Zealand for higher studies? If yes, this blog will provide you with all the important information related to the New Zealand travel declaration. Keep reading further to know more!
What Is the NZ Travel Declaration?
The NZ Travel Declaration, officially known as the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), is a digital form that travellers must complete before entering New Zealand. It helps the New Zealand government collect important information about each traveller’s identity, travel history, and health status to ensure safety at the border.
This declaration is not just about COVID-19 anymore. It’s now a permanent system designed to support biosecurity, customs, and immigration requirements. Whether you are a tourist, international student, New Zealand citizen, or transit passenger, you may be required to fill out this form before you board your flight to New Zealand.
New Zealand Travel Declaration Overview
Below are some of the important details related to the New Zealand travel declaration that everyone planning to visit New Zealand should know.
- Everyone who is planning to travel to New Zealand which including babies and children as well needs to submit the declaration.
- It is free and takes around 10 minutes to complete. You can easily submit it through a phone or a computer on the NZTD app or an online form.
- People travelling through the airways can submit it 24 hours before they start their trip to New Zealand. It needs to be submitted before you reach passport control in New Zealand.
- People who are travelling through waterways can submit the declaration 24 hours before departing the vessel’s last foreign port before reaching New Zealand. The declaration needs to be submitted before the vessel has berthed at its first port in New Zealand.
- You can also get help from someone you trust, and they can also fill it out on your behalf (with your permission).
- The digital declaration will be linked to your passport and will be checked when you arrive at the eGate or by a border office. You don’t need to print anything out, and there is also no QR code issued.
Also Read: Are you planning the next step of your career in New Zealand? Our blog will help you calculate the Cost Of Studying In New Zealand!
How to Start and Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration?
Filling out the NZTD (New Zealand Traveller Declaration) form online is simple, free, and takes only a few minutes if you have your details ready. You can complete the form on the official website, or by downloading the NZTD mobile app, available for both Android and iOS devices. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you complete the NZTD form smoothly:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official New Zealand Traveller Declaration website or open the NZTD mobile app. Always use the official government link to avoid scams or third-party charges.
Step 2: Enter Your Travel Details
Provide your:
- Date of arrival in New Zealand
- Flight number
- Country of departure
- Transit countries (if any)
This information helps border officials prepare for your arrival and assess any biosecurity or health risks.
Step 3: Fill in Personal and Passport Information
You’ll need to enter:
- Your full name (as on your passport)
- Passport number and expiry date
- Date of birth
- Nationality and contact details (email and phone)
Make sure everything matches your official travel documents.
Step 4: Declare Items and Answer Health Questions
You’ll be asked:
- If you’re carrying certain food, plant, or animal products
- Whether you’ve visited a farm or been near animals recently
- Questions about your health or symptoms, if applicable
Answer truthfully—New Zealand takes biosecurity very seriously.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Double-check all the details before submitting. Even a small mistake, like a typo in your passport number, can cause delays at the border.
Step 6: Save or Print Your QR Code
Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a QR code. Save it on your phone or print a copy. You must show this code at the airport when you arrive in New Zealand.
Information You Need to Provide
Mentioned below are the details that you need to provide while filling out the NZ Travel Declaration:
- Immigration status, including your visa or NZeTA, if you need one.
- Flight or voyage details
- Contact details in New Zealand (if staying in multiple locations, use the first address you will be at in New Zealand)
- Passport details
- Travel history from the last 30 days
- Information about what you are bringing into New Zealand, including checked-in luggage and carry-on bags.
- Since some of the items can carry diseases and harmful pests which is why they need to be declared. These things include items like tobacco, alcohol, and medicines. Also, if you are carrying more than NZD 10,000 in cash, then you need to declare it.
Also Read: Did you know that New Zealand is the land of 600 Islands? Check out our blog on 100 Interesting Facts about New Zealand!
When Should You Submit the Declaration?
You should submit the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) at least 24 hours before your flight to New Zealand. However, it’s best to complete it 48 to 72 hours in advance to avoid any last-minute stress or technical delays.
Submitting the declaration early ensures:
- You have time to correct any errors
- You receive your QR code well before check-in
- Border staff can pre-process your information, which speeds up your arrival process
You must have your NZTD QR code ready, either on your phone or printed, before boarding your flight. Airlines may ask for it during check-in, and border officials will scan it when you arrive in New Zealand.
Also Read: Make your weekend exciting by exploring some of the thrilling outdoor adventures in New Zealand!
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing NZ Declaration
Filling out the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) is simple, but even small mistakes can lead to delays at the airport, or worse, being denied boarding. To make sure your entry into New Zealand goes smoothly, watch out for these common errors:
- Entering Incorrect Passport Details: Many travellers accidentally mistype their passport number, name, or expiry date. Always double-check that the information matches your passport exactly. Even one wrong digit can cause issues at check-in or arrival.
- Submitting the Form Too Late: Leaving the NZTD until the last minute is risky. If you try to complete it just before your flight, you might run into website traffic or technical issues. Submit it at least 24 hours in advance, ideally 48–72 hours before departure.
- Using the Wrong Website: Make sure you’re filling out the form on the official site. Avoid third-party websites that may charge fees or misuse your personal information.
- Not Saving the QR Code: Once submitted, you’ll receive a QR code by email. This is essential for boarding your flight and entering New Zealand. Save it on your phone and keep a printed copy just in case.
- Missing or Incorrect Flight Information: Input your flight number, departure time, and arrival time accurately. Mistakes here may delay processing at the border or lead to confusion during check-in.
- Ignoring Biosecurity Declarations: New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules. Declare all food, plants, and animal products honestly. Failing to declare items, even by accident, can result in fines or confiscation.
- Skipping Important Questions: Don’t leave any required fields blank, especially questions related to health, travel history, or customs. Incomplete forms can be flagged and delay your processing at the airport.
The NZ Travel Declaration is a must-do for students flying to New Zealand. It’s easy, free, and helps ensure smooth entry. Submit it early, carry your QR code, and you’re all set for your Kiwi study journey!
FAQs on New Zealand Traveller Declaration
While travelling to New Zealand, you need to declare food, used outdoor equipment, and animal and plant products. In addition to this, you also need to declare tobacco, alcohol, medicines, etc.
All the people visiting New Zealand need to complete a New Zealand travel declaration before reaching passport control in New Zealand.
To visit New Zealand, an individual must have a valid passport or a travel document, and the right visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).
Some of the things that are prohibited from being in New Zealand are plants, food of any kind, animals, biological specimens, etc.
You can carry as much foreign currency as you want in New Zealand, but if you are carrying more than NZD 10,000 in cash, then you need to declare it to Customs on your arrival at Auckland Airport.
Yes. Whether you’re returning from a trip or visiting for the first time, a new NZTD is needed for each arrival into New Zealand.
If you skip the declaration, you might face delays at the airport or even be denied boarding. The NZTD is mandatory and must be shown during check-in and arrival.
Yes, the NZTD is completely free to submit. Avoid unofficial websites that ask for payment—they are not authorised by the New Zealand government.
Yes. If your flight changes or you made a mistake, you can log back in and edit your declaration before arrival. Just make sure it’s updated before you fly.
It’s not mandatory to print it, but it’s a good idea. Save it on your phone and carry a printed copy to avoid any issues during check-in or border clearance.
We hope you liked this blog, where we covered information about the NZ travel declaration. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience, you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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