Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

News features

Top travel tips as Kiwis reconnect with the world

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 ...read more

Australia: Bushfires

Reviewed: 26 February 2020, 15:30 NZDT

Bushfires are a common threat in Australia during the summer period. If you are in or near an affected area, stay safe and follow the advice of local authorities. In the event of emergency, always call Triple Zero (000). Details of affected areas, health services, preparedness information, and evacuation centres can be found at the following sites: Australian Capital Territory:ACT Emergency Services Agency New South Wales:New South Wales Rural ...read more

Brexit: New Zealanders in the United Kingdom

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 E...read more

New Zealanders with unpaid debts overseas

Reviewed: 21 January 2020, 11:58 NZDT

New Zealanders with unpaid debts overseas may be detained on arrival at the airport by the local authorities, including when in transit.  You may also find yourself prevented from departure until a debt is settled or a dispute is resolved.  This includes cases of outstanding accommodation bills from previous visits, medical fees, missed loan repayments, bounced cheques, and unresolved commercial and civil disputes.   We encour...read more

Medical tourism

Reviewed: 21 January 2020, 11:52 NZDT

It is important to consider your physical and mental health before travelling overseas, and this includes for the purpose of medical tourism. Many New Zealanders are tempted by the perceived prospect of cheaper and more immediate access to medical treatment overseas. New Zealanders are strongly advised to discuss any plans they have to travel overseas for a medical procedure with their local health practitioner well in advance of their trip, to ...read more

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

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