Issue date
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) trial for sea travellers has been extended to allow more time to test the new system.
An NZTD spokesperson said the current phase 1 maritime trial has been extended from Auckland and Tauranga ports to all New Zealand ports from 31 August 2023.
Travellers to New Zealand by sea are not currently required to complete a digital declaration.
“Over the past month, the trial has shown that the NZTD system can successfully operate both on and offshore in a live environment at maritime ports. However, the volume of available participants has been low. The trial has highlighted internet connectivity challenges at maritime ports,” the spokesperson said.
“Extending the trial will allow further work to resolve connectivity issues, and allow border staff at all ports more opportunity to try out the new system, tools and processes while simultaneously increasing trial volume data from our maritime traveller.”
NZTD are again asking offshore crews to participate in the trial by completing the declaration by clicking here.
For more information on requirements for recreational vessels, yachts and small craft arriving and departing New Zealand, click here.
The extended trial will be reviewed toward the end of September, before a go-live decision is made.
Sea travellers will be able to complete a digital declaration on these dates:
- Small craft, commercial, cargo, sovereign immunity, fishing, and specialist vessels from late August 2023.
- Crew permanently disembarking a cargo vessel and all arriving passengers from late August 2023.
- Cruise liners travellers (including crew) from 31 October 2023.
- New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) vessels from 31 October 2023.
