New Zealand aviation authorities will soon re-introduce the online Traveller Declaration to modernize the international passenger’s arrival process. New Zealand had introduced the system during the pandemic to ensure that those arriving were adhering to the local government's pandemic rules. However, the declaration was abandoned in October 2022, when all restrictions were lifted.
The declaration will now replace the arrival cards as New Zealand Customs and piloted between April 2023 and June 2023 and is poised to be launched fully by June, replacing the old paper system.
Travelers must have completed the declaration before arriving at the border.
"Customs NZ is working with other border agencies, including the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Biosecurity New Zealand, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Transport, to modernise our border. This will help travellers move through our airports and improve the safety and security of New Zealand, Customs New Zealand said in a statement.
The online portal will ask several questions and provide a QR pass to present at the border. Travelers eligible to access the E-gate system at New Zealand international airports can continue this process without the need to hand in the arrival card. The online declaration will be linked to the passport.