Customs and Immigration

Passport and visa

When you arrive in New Zealand, you’ll need to be carrying a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date. A visa may also be required, depending on your country of origin.

› More information about passports and visas.

On arrival

Arrival by aircraft

You will need to complete an arrival card before passing through Customs Passport Control. An arrival card will be usually be given to you during your flight; if not, cards are available in the arrival area.

After you’ve cleared Customs Passport Control, you should collect your baggage and walk through either the green or red exit. Choose the green exit if you have nothing to declare; choose the red exit if you have goods or cash that need to be declared.

Arrival by cruise ship

If you’re disembarking and not rejoining your ship, you will need to complete an arrival card before processing by New Zealand Customs. If you are rejoining your cruise ship, the ship’s purser will include your name on a transit passenger list.

Declarations/allowances

You don’t have to declare your clothing, footwear, jewellery, or toiletries. These are regarded as personal effects.

Duty free

If you are 17 years or older, your duty free allowance is:

• 4.5 litres of wine or beer (six 750ml bottles) and one 1125ml bottle of spirits, liqueur or other beverages.
• 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars, or a mixture of all three weighing no more than 250 grams.
• Other goods to a combined value of NZ $700. Please have purchase receipts available.

Prohibited and restricted goods

You should not bring the following items into New Zealand:

• Firearms and weapons (including sporting firearms), unless a permit is obtained from New Zealand Police on arrival at the airport. The New Zealand Police website has more information on importing firearms.
• Prescription medicines, unless accompanied by a doctor’s prescription.
• Pirated copyright goods.
• Objectionable (indecent) articles, such as DVDs and publications.

Agricultural restrictions and quarantine

New Zealand is free of many insect pests, plant diseases and animal infections that are common elsewhere in the world. We put a lot of effort into minimising the risk of these being introduced.

Substantial fines may be incurred if you arrive with these prohibited materials:

• Animal products including skin, hair, dung, feathers, bone, coral, eggs and sea shells. Some are banned because they can harbour pests and diseases; others are banned because they pose a threat to endangered species.
• Fresh, perishable foodstuffs, such as fruit, vegetables and meat.
• Items manufactured from plant products. These may be carrying viable seeds or insects. Inspection is required to determine the risk.

› Information on New Zealand's biosecurity policies can be found on the Protect New Zealand website.

› Learn more about restricted items on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry website.

› See comprehensive advice for travellers on the New Zealand Customs Service website.

Pets

Live animals may not enter New Zealand without meeting specific conditions, which are designed to prevent the introdution of insect pests and diseases. See the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry website for more details.

Departure fee

A departure fee of NZ$25 is collected from all adult international passengers when they leave New Zealand. While rules vary, at most airports there is no fee for children under 12 years. The fee can be paid by cash or credit card.