Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

News features

Travelling with a criminal conviction

Reviewed: 21 January 2020, 11:29 NZDT

Other countries' border control authorities may refuse entry to New Zealand citizens with a criminal record, in accordance with their regulations.   This may be regardless of the seriousness of the crime the New Zealander committed, or how much time has passed since the conviction occurred.  All New Zealand citizens with a criminal record are urged to consult with the relevant country's embassy or immigration authority to check tha...read more

Inter-country adoptions

Reviewed: 21 January 2020, 11:17 NZDT

Inter-country adoptions take time and money.  New Zealand is a contracting state to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. It is extremely important to seek independent legal advice and consult Child, Youth and Family before embarking on an inter-country adoption. You must ensure that any child adopted overseas by a New Zealander is able to lawfully exit the country they are in, ...read more

India: Severe Air Pollution

Reviewed: 17 December 2019, 11:46 NZDT

Major cities in India have recently been experiencing severe levels of air pollution. Some of the most common health effects of air pollution include irritation of eyes, throat and lungs. For people with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis, breathing in air pollution can make these conditions worse.  New Zealanders in areas affected by the air pollution are advised to monitor pollution readings, such as those p...read more

Drug Crime Overseas: Don't Risk It

Reviewed: 17 December 2019, 11:44 NZDT

Every year New Zealanders put themselves at risk of arrest or detention for drug-related offences overseas. Remember that when you are overseas you are subject to that country's laws and penalties - no matter how harsh they may appear by New Zealand standards. In many countries, penalties for drug-related offences are severe. Possession, use or trafficking of even very small quantities of drugs can lead to lengthy imprisonment thousands of miles...read more

Travel Insurance

Reviewed: 17 December 2019, 11:39 NZDT

If you’re heading overseas, don’t forget to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Your policy should cover any activities you plan to undertake (from scuba diving to scooter riding), personal liability, medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Even minor medical treatment can be very expensive overseas. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. If you suffe...read more

Travelling with an Electronic Cigarette

Reviewed: 17 December 2019, 11:37 NZDT

Don’t want your holiday to go up in smoke? Travelling with an electronic cigarette may land you in prison or with a fine. Some countries consider electronic cigarettes and the liquid used in them as prohibited products, which may have some serious consequences for you when you get to the border or are stopped by the authorities in-country. Countries with the ban could impose a hefty fine and/or a prison sentence if it is deemed you attempted to...read more

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