Cruising to New Zealand? Here's what you need to know about declaring your arrival
10.00am 24 October 2025
If you're arriving in New Zealand by cruise ship, it's important to understand your border entry requirements before you set sail.
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) is a mandatory declaration helps border agencies collect essential travel, customs, immigration, and biosecurity information. It applies to all travellers, including New Zealand citizens and those who remain onboard.
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, 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.
What if I don't have internet access?
You can start your declaration before leaving and then use the app offline and submit once connected.
Can I fill out multiple declarations?
Yes, theNZTD app supports multiple submissions from one device. Or you can submit multiple declarations on the official NZTD website.
What if I 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.
Can I use the same declaration for 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
- mace or pepper spray
- other weapons.
The following are also strictly prohibited:
- Objectionable material (physical or digital)
- drugs (including cannabis)
- equipment for taking drugs (including cannabis) and vaporisers.
Read more at restricted and prohibited items.
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
Is there a paper option?
This is 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
Items to declare
Know what you need to declare. Items to be wary of include:
- drug utensils
- certain weapons
- firearms
- lasers
- Russian luxury goods.
See more atprohibited 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
Protected items
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.
Food items
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
