New Zealand is a popular destination in the South Pacific, both for circumnavigators and as a base for exploring many of the South Pacific’s idyllic islands. The New Zealand Customs Service has several updates for cruisers planning to visit New Zealand, including the new Digital Traveller Declaration, requirements on Pre-Arrival Documentation and changes to Border Levy Charges.

Published 3 months ago

New Zealand Traveller Declaration

New Zealand now has a digital arrival declaration for travellers arriving into New Zealand. The New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) system collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information in order to improve the safety and security of New Zealand.

The New Zealand Customs is encouraging all travellers coming into New Zealand to complete their declaration digitally, including those coming by sea.

For cruisers intending to visit NZ, the benefit of doing the digital NZTD (rather than paper on arrival) means that the attending boarding officers are aware of what has been declared prior to arrival and can help facilitate a more efficient clearance (of the travellers) when they dock in New Zealand. There is also no charge for submitting the declaration through the official New Zealand Traveller Declaration website.

The NZTD can be accessed through this link – New Zealand Traveller Declaration and additional information about the NZTD for those arriving by sea can be accessed from this link – Travelling by sea | New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

Pre-Arrival Documents and Requirements

Anyone planning to arrive in New Zealand by sea also need to ensure that they provide the right information to ensure a smooth clearance process on arrival.

It is important to understand that four supporting documents have to be provided along with the Advance Notice of Arrival, before arriving in New Zealand.  These documents are:

• the vessel’s Certificate of Registration,
• a scanned copy or photograph of the bio-page of passports for all passengers and crew on board,
• a full photograph of the vessel, and
• evidence of the value of the vessel.

Evidence of the value of the vessel is very important.  If you don’t have evidence of value (for example, the craft was built, gifted, modified, or inherited) NZ Customs will require either a full replacement marine insurance value, or a New Zealand boat valuation by an independent assessor. This is to be done at time of importation to establish the value of the craft and is done at the owner’s cost.

If the required documents listed are not provided, this could delay the clearance of your vessel upon arrival. The skipper or the owner of the vessel needs to understand the consequences of signing the C4G/Temporary Import Entry form. If a skipper/owner decides to stay in New Zealand longer than 24 months or wants to sell or charter their vessel, then customs charges, duty and GST may become payable.

Border Levies and Charges

The New Zealand Customs Service and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are currently (August 2024) undertaking public consultation on proposed changes to Border Processing Levy charges.  The levies will change on 1 December 2024.

All passengers arriving in New Zealand are assessed for risk before they arrive, whether they are travelling by air or sea. On arrival a range of methods are also used to further screen travellers, such as use of Customs and Biosecurity detector dogs, questioning by Customs or MPI officers, and x-ray and manual searches of baggage. Border Processing Levy charges are required to recover the costs of these services.

Proposed Levy Rates to Apply from December 1, 2024

MPI’s levy for sea travellers not arriving by cruise ship will remain the same as the current rate at $16.92.

The two Customs levies that pertain to visitors arriving by sea will decrease:

• Arriving air travellers and sea travellers not arriving by cruise ship would pay $14.17 (currently $16.59)
• Departing air travellers and sea travellers not departing by cruise ship would pay $3.45. (currently $4.52)

FULL DETAILED INFORMATION ON NZ FORMALITIES FOR VISITING YACHTS CAN BE FOUND ON NOONSITE.

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Related Links:

• New Zealand Traveller Declaration
• Travelling by sea | New Zealand Traveller Declaration
• New Zealand Customs: Recreational Vessels, Yachts and Small Craft

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