Arriving in New Zealand Te tae mai ki Aotearoa

Passport control is the place at the airport where a border officer checks your passport or you use an eGate (where your passport is scanned and automatically checked).

When you arrive in New Zealand, follow the signs to passport control or ask a border officer if you need help.

At passport control

If you have completed your declaration online, your declaration will automatically be checked when you scan your passport at the eGate or when it is checked by a border officer. If your declaration is different from what you have submitted, talk to a border officer.

After passport control

You can no longer make any changes to your digital declaration after you have gone through passport control in New Zealand. If you have forgotten to declare something, you will need to talk to a border officer.  

Your bags may be x-rayed and inspected. If you are carrying a restricted or prohibited item it is better to declare it otherwise you may be fined or prosecuted. Remember that it is better to declare anything you are unsure about.

Check if you are eligible to use the eGates when you arrive in New Zealand.

Using the eGates in New Zealand – Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa New Zealand Customs Service

Your digital declaration is linked to your passport and automatically checked when you arrive.

Your vessel may be inspected. If you have forgotten to declare something, you will need to talk to a border officer.

If you have not declared items that you should have, you may be fined or face prosecution.

Travelling by sea

Transit passengers do not need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

You are a transit passenger if you enter New Zealand and remain in the transit area at Auckland Airport on your way to another country. You can be in transit for up to 24 hours.

If you leave Auckland Airport, or your journey ends in New Zealand, you are not a transit passenger. You will need to complete a declaration to enter New Zealand.

You may need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) or transit visa to transit New Zealand.

Transit passengers – Immigration New Zealand

Call 111 when you need an emergency response from Police, Fire or Ambulance. This is a free call if you are in New Zealand.

If you feel unwell, you can call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116 for advice, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Visitors to New Zealand - New Zealand Police

We believe everyone has a responsibility to look after our home.

Tiaki Promise – Tourism New Zealand