Advice to Travellers

New Zealand has never had an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease and our important livestock industries depend on that freedom.

The list of Restricted Items that are considered to be Risk Goods (offsite link to www.biosecurity.govt.nz) will provide you with items that may be prohibited from entering the country.

If you have been in contact with Foot and Mouth infected livestock overseas, you must keep away from any New Zealand livestock for SEVEN DAYS from the time you last had contact with the overseas infected animals. If you have visited a Foot and Mouth infected area, you will need to clean your outdoor clothing and footwear twice. Carefully clean off ALL dirt with detergent or soap and water first. Then do a second clean with a disinfectant.; Clean, dry clothing and footwear are not a Foot and Mouth risk as the virus cannot survive on them. Pack this gear at the top of your baggage so it can be easily inspected if required.

When you arrive in New Zealand

If you’ve recently been:

  • in a rural area
  • tramping/hiking, camping or attending a rural sporting event
  • on a farm
  • near livestock
  • at an abattoir

or are bringing into the country equipment used with livestock (halters, brushes and so on), notify the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand's Clearance staff so that they can examine your baggage if necessary.

Page last updated: 30 April 2008