More than 58% of Kiwi air travellers have used the digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) in the past month, removing the need to complete a paper declaration on their flight home, according to latest Customs data.
In total, more than 2.8 million digital declarations have been completed by air travellers since the new system was introduced in August last year.
While Australian passport holders travelling to New Zealand have taken up the digital option at a faster rate, many New Zealanders may not have yet had the opportunity to travel or use the digital declaration option since it came into effect.
Customs Deputy Chief Executive Operations, Jamie Bamford says it’s encouraging to see passengers opting for a digital self-service, moving away from the old manual paper declaration.
“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. We are also encouraging Kiwis to help spread the word to friends or family who are heading to our shores,” he says.
“Every passenger arriving in New Zealand, whether returning from a holiday or visiting our country, must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. As we come into our busiest time of year, doing these declarations digitally will help border agencies ease the flow of passengers as efficiently as possible.”
“Sometimes, parents don’t realise they must complete a declaration for children, regardless of age, which can hinder the arrival process and cause setbacks and some frustration. With a digital declaration, it’s easy to fill out multiple declarations before you even get on the plane. And if travellers download the NZTD app, that has additional benefits for families and frequent travellers,” Mr Bamford adds.
“It really is a win-win for everyone, and we are encouraging all Kiwis to use the digital option to help make their journey and arrival home as easy as possible.”
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration collects passengers’ travel, customs, immigration, and biosecurity information as part of border processing, with an aim to help improve the safety and security of New Zealand. The NZTD replaced the old Passenger Arrival Card in August 2023, and the online declaration can be done within 24 hours of a flight, instead of the paper option on board the flight.
