01-07-2025
Customs Urges Kiwi Travellers To Give Digital Declarations A Go
With the start of the winter school holidays, Customs is urging all arriving travellers to use the digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration instead of the paper version available on flights.
Customs Manager New Zealand Traveller Declaration, Holly Stringer, says more than five million travellers have submitted a digital declaration since the option became available, and now's a chance for more Kiwis to get onboard.
'Whether it's Kiwis heading off in search of warmer climates, or those living overseas marking their course to our ski fields, our digital declaration is a must-do attraction for New Zealand.
'As travellers, we have come such a long way – everything is now done online. We purchase flight tickets, sort accommodation, sign up to activities, check in to flights and even order domestic transportation to the airport online. The digital declaration is no different.
'It can be completed within 24 hours of your flight, to take away the stresses that last-minute travel requirements can bring. It is easy to complete, it's free, and your details can be saved for the next time you travel,' Ms Stringer says.
To complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration, you can head to the website or download the app. The form is available in multiple languages, and for those who may not be so digitally savvy or have digital access, you can even get someone else to help.
'Customs aims to make the New Zealand passenger arrival process as streamlined as possible – going digital is the way of the future, so don't get left behind. Even if you're not travelling, please help friends or family who are by letting them know.
'Across June, approximately 68% of New Zealand passport holders submitted a digital declaration, slightly lower than the 73% of Australian passport holders who did one. It will be great to see more Kiwis making the most of it. Safe travels this season.' she adds.
What travellers need to know:
All travellers to New Zealand, including Kiwis returning from holiday, need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD).
A declaration needs to be completed for each traveller, including babies and children.
The NZTD app, available on Apple and Android devices, allows users to scan their passport details directly into the declaration and create a profile so it's easier for the next time they travel.
When travelling as a family or group and completing multiple declarations, travel details can be copied into other declarations. All submitted declarations will display together in the app.
Air passengers can start their digital declaration at a time and place that suits them. The earliest that travellers can submit their declaration is 24 hours before they start their trip to New Zealand. It needs to be submitted by the time they reach passport control in New Zealand.
Multiple languages are available in both the NZTD app and online form, including Te Reo Māori, Samoan and Tongan.
For more details, including what you need to declare, visit
