Older travellers

Do your research

Before you travel, do some research about your destination and think about how you’ll manage your needs while you’re away.

Find out about the country’s:

• Visa and entry requirements
• Local laws and culture
• Accessibility and hazards
• Medical care facilities.

You should also check with airlines and tour companies to see if they have their own requirements.

Read our travel advice for specific information about your destination and know where to find consular assistance if you get into trouble.

Read our travel advice or find an embassy

Talk to your doctor

Plan to see your doctor before you travel to make sure you’re fit to travel.

You might need a letter from your doctor as proof of:

• Your fitness to fly for air travel
• Your need to carry prescription medication, or equipment like needles, or syringes
• Your vaccinations.

Your doctor can also advise on protecting yourself from other risks, like:

• Deep vein thrombosis from long-haul flights
• Insect-borne illnesses
• Food and water-borne illnesses
• Environmental risks, like altitude or temperature.

Find more information about protecting your health when you’re travelling on our Health page.

Find more information about accessibility on our People with disabilities page.

Plan for things that could go wrong

Money

Cash or cards can get lost or stolen, so you should have more than one way to access money overseas. Check with your bank if your card will work in ATMs overseas.

If you use a banking app, check if you can use it to block your card if it gets lost or stolen. You might also be able to use it to let your bank know you’ll be travelling. If not, you should call them to let them know.

Prescriptions

If you take prescription medication, pack extra in case your plans change and you’re away longer than you expect. Keep the medication in its original package that is labelled with your name.

If you wear prescription glasses, travel with an extra pair or a copy of your prescription so you can replace them if you need to.

Insurance 

Don’t travel without travel insurance. If you are sick or injured while travelling and you don’t have insurance, you will have to pay for your medical care. Buy travel insurance, and make sure it covers any pre-existing conditions and the activities you have planned.

Find out more on our travel insurance page.

Register your travel

Before you leave New Zealand, register your details with us. Having your travel and contact information means we can send you security alerts and travel advice updates about the places you’re travelling to. It is also how we communicate with New Zealanders during an international crisis.

Register your travel