Travelers from the UK heading to a country may be turned away after the rule is applied

British tourists can be stopped at the New Zealand border if they do not come armed with a certain document. Anyone traveling there will have to fill out a declaration, according to a recent update on the Foreign Office website, but don’t worry, it’s completely free.

Travelers will need to complete a New Zealand Travel Declaration (NZTD ) before their journey, which can be done online or via the NZTD app, including those for babies and children. A paper option is available for those who cannot complete it online.

The New Zealand Travelers Statement was launched in 2023 and aims to improve the safety and security of New Zealand. It supports customs authorities to be able to respond to changing circumstances or events at the border.

It was introduced to digitize the paper “Passenger Arrival Card”. Each person’s declaration is linked to their passport and is checked when you arrive at the eGate or by a border officer.

So what will you have to do? If you are traveling to New Zealand by air, the earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before you start traveling into the country.

It must be submitted by the time you get to passport control in New Zealand. And if you’re venturing out there by sea, the earliest deposit time is 24 hours before you leave the ship’s last foreign port before arriving in New Zealand. The document must be submitted by the time the vessel arrives at its first New Zealand port.

In addition to a New Zealand travel declaration, Britons will need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), even if your stay is less than six months. To meet the criteria for visa-free entry, travelers will need to provide proof of a return or departure ticket and proof of sufficient funds to finance your stay.

If you are entering without a visa and traveling across the country, you will also need an NZeTA before you travel and it is valid for up to two years. In most cases, transit passengers must hold an NZeTA or transit NZeTA before travelling.

For more information on New Zealand entry requirements, visit here.