New Zealand Visas and Documentation

Visas and Documentation

Visas and documentation All visitors who aren't citizens of New Zealand will need a passport to enter. Australian passport holders may enter New Zealand without a visa of any kind and stay as long as they wish without restrictions (including on employment). British passport holders can be granted a visa-free Visitors Permit for up to six months on arrival. Citizens of a large number of other countries can be granted a visa-free visitors' entry for up to three months on arrival, check the list of Visa Free Countries. All these waivers, including the one for Australians, can be refused. In particular, potential visitors with criminal records or who have been refused entry to or deported from any country should check with New Zealand immigration about whether they need to apply for a visa. Visitors from countries not in the Visa Free list or those wishing to stay longer than the maximum allowed visa free period for their nationality, will need to apply for an appropriate visa. Check the Immigration New Zealand web page for details. Quarantine Because its economy is based on agriculture, importing even small quantities of most food, as well as unprocessed animal or plant materials is tightly controlled. These restrictions are designed to limit the spread of animal and plant diseases and pests. New Zealand has some very strong biosecurity laws, which are taken seriously by enforcement officials. In addition, importation or possession of most recreational drugs, including cannabis, is highly illegal. At ports of entry, both the Agriculture and Customs Services will inspect passenger baggage and confiscate any prohibited items. Items that must be declared include: any kind of food; any plant material; any animals, animal material or biological specimens; dirty or soiled sports gear, footwear, and used camping gear; and anything that may have been in contact with soil, been used on a farm or has been used with animals. Commercially packaged food is usually allowed through customs. If you are unsure it is best to declare any questionable items as the immigration officers will be able to tell you if it needs to be cleaned or disposed of before entry. Instant fines of several hundred dollars can be issued if prohibited items are not declared. Some items may be taken for sterilisation or fumigation before being released to you. If travelling with golf clubs and shoes, make sure you clean them before your trip. It is also a good idea to remove spikes from your golf shoes. If not declared or the quarantine section of the arrival card is not correctly completed, an instant fine of $200 or more may apply. More serious breaches may result in a fine (up to $100,000) or a prison term (up to five years). Either declare items as required or dump them in the amnesty bins before you reach customs.