Customs Processing

Disembarking passengers and crew will be jointly processed by New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry/Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) officers, either en route to, or on arrival in New Zealand.   More detail below on:

Documentation for Passengers and Crew

Before the clearance process starts, Customs officers will liaise with the Purser to obtain the following:

• disembarking passenger and crew lists
• transit passenger and crew lists
• all crew and passengers’ passports or travel documents
• evidence of outward ticketing for disembarking passengers and crew from non-visa abolition countries, who intend to depart New Zealand by air after the cruise ship has departed from New Zealand
• a completed New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card for all disembarking passengers and crew. Translated versions will be available during processing
• a list of visitors to the vessel while in New Zealand (if available).

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En Route Processing

Officers will board the vessel at least two hours prior to departure from the last overseas port and, in conjunction with MAFBNZ, will arrange a suitable time to meet with the Chief Purser to discuss the processing of crew and passengers after departure from the overseas port.

 

New Zealand Customs uses electronic scanning equipment to accurately capture bio data information for risk management purposes. Access to the vessel’s internet facility or satellite phone will be required to transfer information to the New Zealand Customs Service network.

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Processing Facilities

An appropriate secure facility must be made available to enable Customs officers to interview and/or search passengers or crew members and/or their baggage, if required.

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Alongside Processing

When cruise ships are not processed en route, processing of landing and transit passengers and crew will be undertaken in conjunction with MAFBNZ at the first port of arrival. Processing large numbers of passengers and crew on arrival can cause delays in disembarking.

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Client Service Values

Officials undertaking passenger processing duties are committed to fulfilling their obligations with professionalism and integrity. Cruise vessel owners and agents can be confident that officials will comply with the standards expected by the cruise line, and that officers will discharge their duties honestly, responsibly, and with diplomacy.

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Shipping Agent Responsibilities - Air Travel

The shipping agent is to provide a letter to both Customs and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry/Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) officers, who are involved in en route processing, to show that they are joining a passenger vessel for outward travel from the overseas port to New Zealand. (Without this letter the airline may not carry them.) Air tickets, including prepaid departure tax, must be forwarded by the shipping agent to the officers, at their port, prior to departure.

 

Border officials will arrange pre-season meetings with shipping agents to plan resource requirements for the season.

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Cruise Vessel Coordination and Liaison Officers

Contact numbers for the cruise vessel coordinators are:

 

Phone: +64 9 359 6620

Cellphone: +64 29 359 6622
Fax: +64 9 359 6692

E-Mail: cruiseship@customs.govt.nz

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