New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity
This is one topic that i probably read every relevant (and irrelevant) websites on the internet before flying. Of course i'm not gonna bring anything illegal or out of the ordinary but as kiasi Singaporeans who definitely don't want to get into trouble with officials in another country, i googled like mad.
The reason why i had to google so much is because NZ (if you don't already know), has a very strict biosecurity check in order to protect their environment and economy. Food, especially fresh fruits and vegetables are a BIG NO NO in NZ. But apart from that, medication is also apparently something of concern. Also, equipment that you have used outdoor (hiking/trekking). You can read the actual and full explanation, etc on their official website. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/travel-and-recreation/arriving-in-new-zealand/
But there are some things Singaporeans die die must bring which isn't that common in other countries. Before i continue, big disclaimer that everything i say in this post does NOT represent the law in NZ. The officers there have the final say (of course).
When you arrive at the biosecurity area, there'd be two areas - one that you have something to declare and another that you don't. When we were there, there were more people at the to declare side but we still went ahead just to be safe. Lucky the queue wasn't too long. (there are mixed reviews online on which queue is usually faster. some people said even if you have nothing to declare, go to the one with something as it's shorter). Oh, you can also go as a family (don't have to go individually).
Through my google search, the food issue sounds like number one on the list so I personally did not bring ANY kind of food (even sweets that we usually took from praying at the temple for our safety overseas). My sister-in-law however, brought milo packets. and DECLARED them. what's important here is to DECLARE it. anything you are in doubt of, declare it on the form (just tick "yes" for food). At the biosecurity counter, the officer would ask you what is it. Then he may or may not send you through the scanner (my sis-in-law got sent through the scanner whilst i went through the green channel).
Medication wise, what i was concerned about was po chai pills (because chinese med??) so we didn't check that box (regarding medication) and at the biosecurity counter, the officer looked through the form but did not question on it. He asked only three main questions - if we had any food, where we were going/doing/staying and whether we had any equipment that were used outdoor. My dad brought his hiking shoes so we said that but added that it was new (bought specially for this trip) and the officer let us through.
As we went through the green channel, there was a beagle there with another officer. the beagle sniffed our luggage as we walked by and the officer deemed that there was nothing and pulled it away. Another Chinese couple however, had their luggage opened at a counter there. Not sure if they were "suspected" by the beagle...
In any case, the main point is, DECLARE, DECLARE, DECLARE. If there's anything you're not sure of, ask the officer. The good thing is, there's an officer there you talk to before they put your luggage through the scanner (or not in our case) and stamp on your form. So don't just tick "no" blindly (because as good Singaporeans we think we'd probably be "no" to all these questions right).
The reason why i had to google so much is because NZ (if you don't already know), has a very strict biosecurity check in order to protect their environment and economy. Food, especially fresh fruits and vegetables are a BIG NO NO in NZ. But apart from that, medication is also apparently something of concern. Also, equipment that you have used outdoor (hiking/trekking). You can read the actual and full explanation, etc on their official website. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/travel-and-recreation/arriving-in-new-zealand/
But there are some things Singaporeans die die must bring which isn't that common in other countries. Before i continue, big disclaimer that everything i say in this post does NOT represent the law in NZ. The officers there have the final say (of course).
When you arrive at the biosecurity area, there'd be two areas - one that you have something to declare and another that you don't. When we were there, there were more people at the to declare side but we still went ahead just to be safe. Lucky the queue wasn't too long. (there are mixed reviews online on which queue is usually faster. some people said even if you have nothing to declare, go to the one with something as it's shorter). Oh, you can also go as a family (don't have to go individually).
Through my google search, the food issue sounds like number one on the list so I personally did not bring ANY kind of food (even sweets that we usually took from praying at the temple for our safety overseas). My sister-in-law however, brought milo packets. and DECLARED them. what's important here is to DECLARE it. anything you are in doubt of, declare it on the form (just tick "yes" for food). At the biosecurity counter, the officer would ask you what is it. Then he may or may not send you through the scanner (my sis-in-law got sent through the scanner whilst i went through the green channel).
Medication wise, what i was concerned about was po chai pills (because chinese med??) so we didn't check that box (regarding medication) and at the biosecurity counter, the officer looked through the form but did not question on it. He asked only three main questions - if we had any food, where we were going/doing/staying and whether we had any equipment that were used outdoor. My dad brought his hiking shoes so we said that but added that it was new (bought specially for this trip) and the officer let us through.
As we went through the green channel, there was a beagle there with another officer. the beagle sniffed our luggage as we walked by and the officer deemed that there was nothing and pulled it away. Another Chinese couple however, had their luggage opened at a counter there. Not sure if they were "suspected" by the beagle...
In any case, the main point is, DECLARE, DECLARE, DECLARE. If there's anything you're not sure of, ask the officer. The good thing is, there's an officer there you talk to before they put your luggage through the scanner (or not in our case) and stamp on your form. So don't just tick "no" blindly (because as good Singaporeans we think we'd probably be "no" to all these questions right).
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