New Zealand Arrival Card 2026: How to Complete the NZ Traveller Declaration for Filipinos

Planning a trip to New Zealand from the Philippines? Before arriving, you need to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). This is the official arrival declaration used by New Zealand Customs and other border agencies to collect information about your trip and the items you are bringing into the country.

The NZTD has replaced the old paper Passenger Arrival Card. You can now complete your declaration online or through the official NZTD app before travelling. This guide explains who needs to submit it, how to complete the form, when to submit it, and what Filipino travellers should prepare before flying to New Zealand.

What Is the New Zealand Arrival Card?

The New Zealand Arrival Card is commonly used to describe the arrival declaration required when entering New Zealand. However, the official system is now called the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD).

The NZTD collects important information about your travel plans, immigration status, customs declarations, and biosecurity risks. It helps New Zealand authorities check travellers and protect the country's environment.

You can complete your declaration through:

• Official website: New Zealand Traveller Declaration
• Mobile app: New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), available through the official website
• Paper form: Available for travellers who cannot complete the digital declaration

The digital NZTD is linked to your passport, so you do not need to print a copy after successfully submitting it.

📝 Note: The New Zealand Traveller Declaration is completely free. You do not need to pay an agent or third-party website to submit it.

Who Needs to Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration?

Everyone entering New Zealand must complete a Traveller Declaration, regardless of nationality or immigration status.

This includes:

• Filipino tourists visiting New Zealand for holidays
• Travellers visiting friends or relatives
• International students and workers entering New Zealand
• New Zealand citizens and permanent residents returning home
• Babies and children travelling with their parents
• Cruise passengers and other travellers arriving by sea

Each traveller must have their own declaration, including children. Parents or guardians can complete the declaration on behalf of their children.

Do Filipino Tourists Need a New Zealand Arrival Card?

Yes. Filipino passport holders entering New Zealand must complete the NZTD, even if they already have an approved Visitor Visa.

However, the declaration is separate from New Zealand's visa requirements.

⚠️ Important: Philippine passport holders are not included in New Zealand's general visitor visa-waiver list. Filipino tourists normally need an approved New Zealand Visitor Visa before travelling. Completing the NZTD or obtaining an NZeTA does not replace this requirement.

Do Transit Passengers Need an NZTD?

If you are only transiting through Auckland International Airport and remain within its international transit area, you generally do not need to complete an NZTD.

However, transit passengers may still need an NZeTA or a Transit Visa, depending on their nationality, destination, and travel circumstances.

The Philippines is included in New Zealand's transit visa-waiver list, so eligible Filipino passport holders transiting through Auckland generally need an NZeTA rather than a Transit Visa.

If you leave the transit area to enter New Zealand, different immigration requirements apply.

Check the official Immigration New Zealand transit requirements before booking your connecting flight.

How to Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration Online

Completing the NZTD online is straightforward. You can use your phone or computer, and you do not need to create a separate paid account.

Step 1: Visit the Official NZTD Website

Go to www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz and select the option to start your declaration.

You can also download the official NZTD mobile app if you prefer completing the form on your phone.

Step 2: Start Your Declaration and Accept the Privacy Policy

On the Making a New Zealand Traveller Declaration page, review the information about the form and the details you need to prepare. It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Click "Start your declaration" to continue. On the next page, read the privacy policy and tick the checkbox to confirm that you understand how your personal information will be collected and used.

Then, click "Next" to proceed.

Step 3: Enter Your Personal Information

Provide the personal details requested in the declaration.

These may include:

• Full name as shown on your passport
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Contact information

Make sure your passport details are accurate. The declaration will be linked to the passport you use to enter New Zealand.

Step 4: Provide Your Travel Details

Enter the required information about your journey.

Prepare the following:

• Flight details
• Travel dates
• Contact details in New Zealand
• Travel history for the previous 30 days
• Visa or NZeTA information, if applicable

For Filipino tourists, make sure your Visitor Visa is approved before travelling.

Step 5: Complete the Customs and Biosecurity Questions

This is one of the most important parts of the declaration.

You will be asked about items you are bringing into New Zealand, including food, animal products, plant materials, and certain outdoor equipment.

Answer every question honestly.

For example, if you are bringing Filipino snacks, dried food, or outdoor shoes that have been used on farms or hiking trails, check the relevant declaration questions carefully.

Some items may be inspected, restricted, or prohibited.

⚠️ Important: New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules. Travellers who fail to declare risk items or provide incorrect information may receive an instant fine of NZ$400. More serious offences can result in further penalties.

Step 6: Review and Submit Your Declaration

Before submitting, double-check your:

• Passport information
• Flight details
• Travel information
• Customs and biosecurity answers

Once your declaration has been submitted, you will receive an email containing information relevant to your arrival.

You do not need to print the digital declaration.

Step 7: Present Your Passport Upon Arrival

When you arrive in New Zealand, proceed to passport control.

Your digital declaration will automatically be checked when your passport is scanned at an eligible eGate or examined by a border officer.

You may still be asked questions or have your baggage inspected.

💡 Pro Tip: Complete your NZTD before boarding your flight when possible. This gives you time to review your answers without rushing through the process after landing.

When Should You Submit the New Zealand Traveller Declaration?

The submission window depends on how you travel to New Zealand.

For air travellers, the declaration must be submitted by the time you reach passport control in New Zealand.

For example, if you are flying from Manila to Auckland via Singapore and remain in transit at Changi Airport, you can generally submit the NZTD within 24 hours before your flight departs Manila.

If you stop in Singapore, leave the airport, and take your baggage with you, the submission window starts 24 hours before your flight from Singapore to New Zealand.

📝 Note: You can start preparing your declaration earlier, but you must wait until the permitted submission window to submit it.

What Documents Do Filipinos Need Before Entering New Zealand?

Aside from completing the NZTD, Filipino travellers should prepare the appropriate immigration and travel documents.

Do Filipinos Need an NZeTA or a Visitor Visa?

For ordinary tourism, Filipino passport holders generally need a New Zealand Visitor Visa, not just an NZeTA.

The NZeTA is mainly intended for eligible travellers from visa-waiver countries and certain other groups, including qualifying transit passengers.

You can check the current application requirements on the official Immigration New Zealand Visitor Visa page.

⚠️ Important: Apply for the appropriate visa well before your trip. Having an approved visa does not automatically guarantee entry, as border officers still assess entry permission upon arrival.

What Items Must You Declare When Entering New Zealand?

New Zealand takes customs and biosecurity rules seriously. Even small food items or outdoor equipment may need to be declared.

Here are some items to check before travelling.

Can You Bring Filipino Food to New Zealand?

Some commercially packaged food may be allowed, but travellers must follow New Zealand's biosecurity requirements.

For example, if you plan to bring dried mangoes, biscuits, instant noodles, or other Filipino snacks, check whether they must be declared and whether the specific products are permitted.

Food containing meat, dairy, seeds, or other restricted ingredients may be subject to additional rules.

Do not assume that an item is allowed simply because it is sealed or commercially packaged.

💡 Pro Tip: If you are unsure about a food item, declare it and let the biosecurity officer inspect it. Declaring an item does not automatically mean it will be confiscated.

For official guidance, visit the New Zealand Customs website and Ministry for Primary Industries.

Can You Update Your New Zealand Traveller Declaration After Submission?

Yes. You can make changes to your digital NZTD before passing through passport control in New Zealand.

For example, you may need to update your declaration if:

• You change your flight booking.
• Your arrival date changes.
• You notice incorrect information.
• Your customs or biosecurity answers need correcting.

After making changes, remember to resubmit your declaration.

If your airline changes your flight but you are still travelling on the same day, you generally do not need to update it. However, if your arrival date changes, you must update the relevant details.

Once you have passed through passport control, you cannot edit your digital NZTD. If you discover an undeclared item after that point, inform a border officer.

What Happens After You Arrive in New Zealand?

After landing in New Zealand, you will need to complete the airport's immigration, baggage, and customs procedures before leaving.

• Passport Control: Present your passport to a border officer or use an eGate if eligible. Your digital NZTD will be checked automatically.
• Baggage Collection: Collect your checked luggage and make sure you have all your belongings.
• Customs and Biosecurity Inspection: Your bags may be scanned or inspected. Declare any food, medicines, or restricted items you are carrying.
• Exit the Airport: Once you have completed all border checks and received entry permission, you can leave the airport and head to your hotel or next destination.

Important Tips for Filipino Travellers Entering New Zealand

• Apply for your visa early. Filipino tourists normally need an approved Visitor Visa before travelling. Check the official processing information and avoid making non-refundable arrangements before approval.
• Use the official NZTD website. The declaration is free, so there is no need to pay a third-party service.
• Check your passport validity. Make sure your passport meets New Zealand's entry requirements and your airline's documentation rules.
• Prepare your accommodation details. Keep your hotel's address or your host's contact information available.
• Declare food and outdoor equipment. New Zealand has strict biosecurity controls, even for small amounts of food.
• Complete a declaration for every traveller. Babies and children must have their own NZTD.
• Review your details before submitting. Incorrect passport or travel information may cause delays.
• Keep your travel documents accessible. Save your visa approval, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and other supporting documents on your phone.