All those arriving in New Zealand, either by sea or air, are now able to fill out an online declaration instead of a paper form. File photo. Photo: 123RF
A paper declaration is no longer required for international travellers arriving in New Zealand by sea, with a digital option now available online.
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration collects arrival information for Customs, Immigration, and Ministry for Primary Industries biosecurity purposes, as well as health information if required.
It is now in full use for both air and sea travellers arriving in Aotearoa, including passengers and crew of international cruise ships.
The extension to cruise ships came after the digital option was made available to air travellers in August 2023.
Customs deputy chief executive finance, technology and infrastructure Sharon May said the online declaration gave travellers a more flexible, streamlined experience at the border.
It was straightforward to use and helpful in guiding people through what they needed to declare, May said.
"The latest addition of cruise ship travellers to the NZTD system, following successful trials, is the last step in New Zealand's transition to a digital arrivals declaration system, marking a major milestone towards more seamless travel across borders.
"The NZTD allows border agencies to collect the information they need more quickly and assess passenger information earlier to help streamline their arrivals experience, while supporting agencies to manage border processes and risks more efficiently and effectively."
The system also allowed border agencies to add requirements for extra information related to specific risks that may arise from biosecurity or health threats, May said.
Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director general Stuart Anderson said biosecurity was of paramount importance to New Zealand's biodiversity and economy.
"We are always striving to improve the border controls we use to protect our natural environment and primary industries, and the NZTD enables us to strengthen these processes at the border.
"The data we get from NZTD allows us to do more effective risk screening to target those passengers and goods that we're most concerned about.
"It also gives Biosecurity New Zealand better data to assess future risks and a new channel to pass on critical biosecurity information to travellers."
Travellers are asked to declare their passport, flight or cruise details, and contact details, including where they will be based in New Zealand.
They are also asked to declare their immigration status, details about their trip, including recent travel history, and items they are bringing into New Zealand.
The declaration can be completed either online or via the NZTD app.
