Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas
Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas
Reviewed: 1 November 2024, 08:18 NZDT
The Pacific cyclone season runs from 1 November until 30 April. New Zealanders travelling to the Pacific are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Travellers who register can be warned if a major cyclone approaches and given advice on precautions to take. If you are in an area affected by a cyclone, you should follow the advice of the local authorities at all times (including any evacuation orders) and seek suitable shelter. New Zealanders shou...Read More
Reviewed: 26 October 2024, 19:30 NZDT
On 7 October 2023, rockets were fired from Gaza across southern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. There is currently a large-scale ongoing conflict occurring in areas of southern Israel close to the border with Gaza and within Gaza. Israel has expanded its ground operations in Gaza and military operations are ongoing. There are also ongoing Israeli military airstrikes in southern Beirut and southern Lebanon as well as regular exchanges of mortar and artillery fire. We are pro...Read More
Reviewed: 22 October 2024, 08:25 NZDT
The Ministry of Health is strongly recommending all people travelling overseas to any destination are fully immunised against measles with two doses of MMR vaccine before they go. Current MMR Immunisation rates in New Zealand mean that a non-immune person infected with measles overseas may spread the disease to others within New Zealand on their return. We need at least 95% of people to be immunised to stop an outbreak. This also protects babies who are too young to be vaccinated, and severely i...Read More
Reviewed: 4 October 2024, 16:35 NZDT
The security situation in Lebanon continues to be volatile. There are ongoing Israeli military airstrikes in southern Beirut and southern Lebanon. Israeli military ground operations in southern Lebanon are likely to continue. Tensions are high and the conflict could deteriorate quickly or spread to other areas in Lebanon with little warning. Your ability to move to safety could be impacted. We continue to advise that New Zealanders do not travel to Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, our ...Read More
Updated: 20 September 2024, 12:57 NZST
New Zealand citizens planning on travelling to the UK or within Europe and the Schengen Zone should be aware of upcoming changes to border controls. UK Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)From 8 January the UK government is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). New Zealand passport holders travelling to the UK visa free will need to apply for an ETA. New Zealanders will be able to apply for an ETA from 27 November 2024. More information including how to apply for a UK ETA, is on t...Read More
Reviewed: 4 September 2024, 08:48 NZST
What is mpox? Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease. Symptoms may include fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, and swollen glands. Mpox is most commonly passed on through close physical or sexual contact. Mpox may also be spread through contact with objects contaminated with the virus such as bedding, or body fluids of animals infected wild animals. For more information about how mpox spreads, people who are most at risk, mpox symptoms, and preventing spread of mpox, please rea...Read More
Reviewed: 27 August 2024, 06:15 NZST
What is Oropouche virus? Oropouche virus (OROV) is a vector-borne disease transmitted among people primarily through bites of the midge (Culicoides paraensis). Mosquitoes, monkeys, birds, rodents, and sloths can also be involved in transmission. The midge species C. paraensis is not found in New Zealand but is widely distributed in the Americas. Symptoms Symptoms usually start between four to eight days (but can be from three to 12 days) after the infective bite. Symptoms are usually...Read More
Reviewed: 26 August 2024, 15:25 NZST
Motorbikes and scooters are a great way to get around when you’re overseas, however accidents do happen and New Zealanders should ensure they have adequate travel insurance for all eventualities. If you intend hiring cars, motorbikes, jet skis or any other motorised vehicle while overseas, you should comply with local licensing laws. Talk to your travel insurer to check your insurance policy covers such activity and seek advice on any restrictions that may apply. Many countries require a lo...Read More
Posted: 24 June 2024, 10:48 NZST
Travelling with moko (facial tattoo)Tā Moko (Māori tattoo), in particular mataora and moko kauae are an important expression of culture, identity and whakapapa for Māori. Travellers with moko should be cognisant of the fact that permanent markings of this nature could be viewed differently overseas. Views and reactions may include curiosity, either positive or negative. Bars and restaurants in some countries may have a dress code that bars visible tattoos (moko/mataora). Travellers are advise...Read More
Posted: 24 June 2024, 10:40 NZST
This advice relates to personal items only. Perception as weaponsSome taonga can be viewed as weapons and be confiscated by customs or security officials with no ways for items to be recovered. Check the customs restrictions for each country you are travelling to or through. Pack these taonga in checked baggage rather than in carry-on baggage, or wearing them. Useful websiteTravelling with culturally or religiously significant items (aviation.govt.nz) Endangered speciesTaonga made with bone, f...Read More
Reviewed: 18 June 2024, 09:26 NZST
A number of locations in New Caledonia have experienced significant incidents of civil unrest and protest, some of which have been violent. These are particularly concentrated in the areas surrounding the city of Nouméa. We advise avoid non-essential travel in New Caledonia due to ongoing civil unrest (level 3 of 4). Local authorities have recommended that individuals stay in place and limit their movements wherever possible. On the 16 May 2024, the French Government announced a State of Em...Read More
Reviewed: 29 May 2024, 10:12 NZST
Pacific Typhoons typically develop between May and October, and for the Atlantic Hurricane season between June and November each year. New Zealanders travelling to Asia and the Americas are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Travellers who register can be warned if a major storm approaches and given advice on precautions to take. If you are in an area affected by a typhoon or hurricane, you should follow the advice of the local authorities ...Read More
Reviewed: 22 May 2024, 15:00 NZST
Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus that can spread from person to person or through contaminated water or food. Many people who are infected don’t feel sick or have symptoms. Some people have only minor symptoms such as fever, nausea, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, stiffness in the neck and back, and pain in the arms and legs. A small proportion of those with symptoms develop paralysis. The international poliovirus situation is evolving, likely due to impacts...Read More
Reviewed: 22 May 2024, 14:20 NZST
About yellow feverYellow fever (YF) is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It is endemic in tropical areas of Africa (34 countries) and Latin America (13 countries). Vaccination is the most important and effective measure against YF providing effective immunity within 30 days for 99% of those vaccinated. The disease is spread by mosquitoes that bite mostly during the day. Yellow fever can cause a serious haemorrhagic Illness that can be fatal for humans. The ...Read More
Reviewed: 14 May 2024, 11:40 NZST
What is Zika?Zika virus is a flavivirus and is closely related to Japanese encephalitis, West Nile, Dengue, and yellow fever viruses. Since its discovery in Uganda in 1948 Zika has continued to expand its geographic range, from Africa and Asia to Pacific Islands, then, further afield to South and Central America and Caribbean. Transmission Zika, like dengue and chikungunya viruses are transmitted by mosquitos mostly active during the daytime. Rare instances of sexual transmission have been repor...Read More
Reviewed: 7 February 2024, 10:35 NZDT
Outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses are common in the tropical and sub-tropical climates in many Pacific Islands, in North Queensland (Australia), Asia (including India), tropical Africa and Latin/South America. West Nile virus is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia. Dengue fever, chikungunya virus and Zika virus are spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito and cannot be spread directly from person to person. Malaria is caused by a parasite s...Read More
Posted: 20 September 2023, 13:25 NZST
For adventurous New Zealanders, motorcycle travel can seem like a great way to see Viet Nam and travel around the country. But travellers are reminded of the significant risks associated with motor cycle travel in Viet Nam. Accidents are common and can result in serious injury and even fatalities. Rental motorcycles are often poorly maintained and the helmets provided do not meet New Zealand safety standards. Roading conditions also bring additional risks and the riding habits you are use...Read More
Posted: 17 April 2023, 10:49 NZST
The Governments of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and the United Republic of Tanzania declared their first outbreaks of Marburg virus disease (MVD), on 13 February 2023 and 21 March 2023, respectively. The virus is transmitted from fruit bats to humans. Human-to-human transmission is possible through contact with body fluids (such as blood, saliva, urine, vomit, or faeces) of an infected person and contaminated surfaces or materials (such as bedding and clothing). MVD symptoms can be very sim...Read More
Reviewed: 11 April 2023, 10:44 NZST
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with attacks and heavy fighting occurring in several areas of Ukraine, including in and around Kyiv and other major cities. There are ongoing reports of gunfire, artillery bombardments, explosions and missile strikes. Civilians are being impacted. There is a real risk to life. There is also concern about military activity and shelling around Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, particularly the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. We advise New Zealanders in...Read More
Updated: 5 March 2022, 00:25 NZDT
Kiwis will be excited to be able to travel again after the New Zealand Government announced the next steps to reconnect New Zealanders to the world. This includes removal of the need for vaccinated New Zealanders to self-isolate on return from any country, and dropping the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s global “do not travel” advisory which has been in place since March 2020. But before they go, travellers will need to make sure they have thought through the complexity of the n...Read More
Reviewed: 5 February 2020, 15:15 NZDT
New Zealand citizens who continue to live in the UK now that it has left the EU can: use the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website tool to seek guidance on visa status and rights to stay. find more information in the UK's Department for Exiting the European Union: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-exiting-the-european-union. If you are a New Zealander who holds a European passport, or who has a European spouse you should refer to guidance from the UK Governm...Read More
Reviewed: 21 January 2020, 11:58 NZDT
What is dual citizenship or dual nationality?If you are a citizen of more than one country you are a dual citizen or dual national. This means you are a citizen of both New Zealand and another country at the same time. New Zealand allows dual citizenship and multiple citizenship but some other countries do not. A country could still consider you to be one of their citizens even if you don't accept that nationality if you: have a parent, or in some cases a grandparent, who is a citizen of that ...Read More
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 provided by the Air Quality Index website. If you have conc...Read More
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 away from family and friends. New Zealand does not...Read More
Liberia
Reviewed: 5 November 2024
Reviewed: 5 November 2024
Burkina Faso
Reviewed: 4 November 2024
Reviewed: 4 November 2024
Somalia
Reviewed: 1 November 2024
Reviewed: 1 November 2024
Haiti
Reviewed: 1 November 2024
Reviewed: 1 November 2024
United States of America
Reviewed: 31 October 2024
Reviewed: 31 October 2024
Guatemala
Reviewed: 30 October 2024
Reviewed: 30 October 2024
South Sudan
Reviewed: 30 October 2024
Reviewed: 30 October 2024
Madagascar
Reviewed: 29 October 2024
Reviewed: 29 October 2024
Travelling or living overseas? Register with us so we can send you important information following an emergency.
If you access consular assistance through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, or register on SafeTravel we will collect and use your personal information for the purpose of providing consular services to you. Read More
Health alerts and general travel health tips....read more
This page provides information on how you can help yourself, and how we can help you, when things go wrong overseas...read more
Information on passports and visas for your next trip overseas....read more
Information on travel insurance and why it's important....read more
Please note, only consular emergencies, for example death, arrest, illness or injury to New Zealand citizens will be handled outside office hours.
Location and contact details for New Zealand Embassies around the world.