Do you need an entry card for New Zealand?
Everyone entering New Zealand must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. This official declaration collects travel, immigration, customs and biosecurity information before arrival.
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration is not a visa and is not the same as NZeTA. Travelers should also check whether they need a visa, can travel under the visa waiver programme, or must apply for an NZeTA before departure.
For a full explanation of the online arrival declaration, read the dedicated New Zealand Traveller Declaration guide.
New Zealand Traveller Declaration overview
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration, also known as NZTD, is the official arrival declaration for travelers entering New Zealand. It has replaced or reduced the use of the traditional paper Passenger Arrival Card for many travelers.
The declaration asks for information about your trip, passport, arrival details, customs items and biosecurity matters. Biosecurity rules are especially important in New Zealand because some food, plant, animal and outdoor items must be declared.
Travelers should use the official New Zealand Traveller Declaration website or official app when submitting personal information and avoid unofficial websites that may charge unnecessary fees.
New Zealand NZeTA overview
NZeTA means New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority. It is an electronic travel authorization for eligible travelers who do not need a visitor visa but must still get approval before traveling to New Zealand.
NZeTA is separate from the New Zealand Traveller Declaration. NZeTA relates to permission to travel, while the Traveller Declaration relates to arrival, customs and biosecurity information.
Some travelers may also need to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, known as IVL, when requesting an NZeTA or applying for a visa that includes the levy.
Visa, visa waiver and length of stay
Entry conditions for New Zealand depend on your nationality, passport type, travel purpose and planned length of stay. Some travelers can visit under the visa waiver programme with an NZeTA, while others need a visitor visa before travel.
You should check your permitted length of stay before booking long accommodation plans or onward travel. Visa waiver entry, NZeTA approval and actual permission to stay are separate issues.
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration does not extend your stay and does not replace a visa or NZeTA when one is required.
Passport validity and travel documents
Before traveling to New Zealand, check that your passport is valid for your trip and accepted by your airline. Airlines may check your passport, visa or NZeTA status, Traveller Declaration and onward travel before boarding.
You may also be asked about your accommodation address, return or onward ticket, travel purpose and available funds.
Make sure that all online information matches your passport exactly, especially your name, passport number, nationality, date of birth and travel dates.
Arrival by air or sea
New Zealand receives travelers through international airports and seaports. The time when you can submit your Traveller Declaration depends on whether you arrive by air or by sea.
For air travel, the declaration can usually be submitted from 24 hours before your journey begins. For sea travel, it can usually be submitted from 24 hours before your ship leaves its last overseas port heading to New Zealand.
Always check the latest official guidance before your trip, especially if you are arriving by cruise ship or entering through a less common route.
Biosecurity and customs rules
New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules. Travelers must declare certain food, plant, animal, outdoor, camping, hiking and sports items when entering the country.
Do not assume that packaged food, wooden items, seeds, shoes, tents or used outdoor equipment can enter without checks. When in doubt, declare the item.
Customs and biosecurity rules are separate from visa rules. Having an NZeTA or visa does not remove your declaration obligations.
Official links for entering New Zealand
Use official New Zealand government websites when checking entry requirements, completing the New Zealand Traveller Declaration or applying for an NZeTA.
The official New Zealand Traveller Declaration website and the official Immigration New Zealand NZeTA website are linked from this site for convenience, but travelers should always verify the domain before entering passport details, travel information or payment information.
Be careful with unofficial websites that look official, charge extra fees or provide unclear visa, NZeTA or arrival declaration services.
Common mistakes before traveling to New Zealand
Common mistakes include confusing the New Zealand Traveller Declaration with NZeTA, forgetting to check visa waiver rules, using unofficial paid websites, entering passport details incorrectly, failing to declare biosecurity items or applying too close to the travel date.
Prepare your passport, visa or NZeTA status, Traveller Declaration information, accommodation address, arrival date, contact details, onward travel and biosecurity declarations before departure.
New Zealand Entry Requirements