Cruising to New Zealand? Here's what you need to know about declaring your arrival

There is no cost associated with completing the NZTD, which can be completed online via the official website or app.  

Who must complete it: 

• All travellers entering New Zealand, including New Zealand passport holders. 
• All cruise passengers and crew, even if remaining onboard. 
• A declaration is required for each individual, including children and infants. 

When to submit: 

• You can begin your declaration at any time. However, you the earliest you can submit is 24 hours before departing your last international port. 
• Ensure you’ve completed before your cruise ship arrives at its first New Zealand port. 

FAQs: 

• Is there a cost? 
  No, it is free. Avoid third-party sites that charge, use only the official website or app to protect your data. 

• No Internet?
  You can start your declaration before leaving and then use the app offline and submit once connected. 

• Multiple declarations?
  Yes, the app supports multiple submissions from one device. Or you can submit multiple declarations on the official website too. 
  
  
• Need help completing it?
  You can have a trusted person complete the declaration on your behalf, or if you are having trouble, contact the concierge desk onboard.   
  
  
• Repeat travel?
  A new declaration is required each time. The app saves your profile for quicker future submissions. 
  
  
• What do I need to declare?
  You must declare any medication, tobacco, and alcohol you plan to carry with you. Tick yes to declare, if you are not sure.  

• What is not allowed in New Zealand?
  You cannot bring flick knives, butterfly knives, sword sticks, knuckle dusters, guns or other weapons. Mace / pepper spray is also prohibited. Read more here: restricted and prohibited items.  Objectionable material (physical or digital), drugs (including cannabis), equipment for taking drugs (including cannabis), vaporisers, are also strictly prohibited.  

• NZTD vs NZeTA: 
  NZTD is mandatory for all travellers. NZeTA is a separate entry requirement for visa-waiver visitors. Check if you need an NZeTA here.
  
  
• Paper option? 
  Available if digital submission isn’t possible. Note: manual processing may take longer. 

To help keep New Zealand safe and beautiful, please abide by the following

• Know what you need to declare. Items to be wary of include, drug utensils, certain weapons, firearms, lasers, Russian luxury goods. See more on prohibited and restricted goods.
• Personal medication: Bring a doctor’s letter and original packaging, you can carry up to a 3-month supply (6 months for contraceptives). More on medicines
• Some medicines are considered controlled drugs. You must have a prescription, and you cannot be bringing them in for someone else.  You may carry a one-month supply. More information on controlled drugs
• Remember that some items such as pounamu and some artefacts over 50 years old are protected and may require a permit to export.Prohibited and restricted exports.
• Do not remove certain food items from a cruise vessel, whether the items were available on board or brought onto the ship personally, this includes fresh fruit and vegetables, meat of any kind, prepared meals (including sandwiches), dairy products, eggs, honey, flowers, seeds, or plants.

Thank you for playing your part in helping to keep Aotearoa, New Zealand safe and beautiful.

Direct biosecurity questions to: info@mpi.govt.nz 0800 222 018, if overseas, +64 800 222 018 or +64 4 830 1574