Coasties and Kiwis across the country are embracing the convenience of digital travel declarations, with more than 58% of New Zealand passport holders using the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) in the past month.

The digital option, introduced in August 2023, replaces the traditional paper arrival card for passengers returning home.

To date, over 2.8 million digital declarations have been submitted by air travellers, with Customs and its border partners encouraging even more passengers to make the switch.

Jamie Bamford, Customs Deputy Chief Executive Operations, praised the growing adoption of the digital system.

“With many families now heading overseas for the summer holidays, it’s a chance to discover the digital option, which is convenient and will help with an easier arrival process when they return home,” he said.

He added that the NZTD is especially beneficial for families and frequent travellers.

“Sometimes, parents don’t realise they must complete a declaration for children, regardless of age, which can hinder the arrival process and cause setbacks. With a digital declaration, it’s easy to fill out multiple declarations before you even get on the plane.”

The NZTD collects essential travel, customs, immigration, and biosecurity information as part of border processing, aiming to enhance the safety and efficiency of arrivals into New Zealand.

Passengers can submit their declaration online or via the NZTD app up to 24 hours before their flight, ensuring a smoother arrival experience.

What Travellers Need to Know

• All travellers to New Zealand, including Kiwis returning from holiday, must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD).
• A declaration is required for each traveller, including babies and children.
• The NZTD app, available on Apple and Android devices, allows users to scan passport details directly into the declaration and create a profile for future travel.
• Families or groups can copy travel details into multiple declarations, with all submissions displayed together in the app.
• The earliest travellers can submit their declaration is 24 hours before their flight, and it must be submitted by the time they reach passport control in New Zealand.
• The NZTD is available in multiple languages, including Te Reo Māori, Samoan, and Tongan.

For more details, including what you need to declare, visit www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz

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