Updated 20 September 2024
EU and UK upcoming travel changes
Passports and visas
Europe
Updated 20 September 2024
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.
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 this UK government website.
Further guidance is available here.
New Zealand travellers should be aware that from November 2024, the EU will introduce a digital border system to strengthen the security of its external Schengen border.
The new registration process is called the Entry/Exit System (EES). The EU has not yet confirmed a specific date in November for the introduction of the EES.
The EES will register when non-EU nationals cross external borders of Schengen countries and will more accurately identify overstayers. It will require most citizens of countries outside the EU to create a digital record and register biometric details, such as fingerprints and photos, when then enter the Schengen area. The EES will replace passport stamping.
New Zealanders travelling to Europe can still enter visa-free, but the length of time you can stay may vary depending on where you are travelling. You need to know what the visa-free travel rules are to ensure you don’t overstay. Read the visa/entry information on the websites of the Embassies of the relevant EU/Schengen countries you intend to visit or transit (e.g. the French Embassy in Wellington if you are intending to travel to France. You may also like to consult with a travel agent.
More information can also be found on our SafeTravel page.
In addition, from sometime in the first half of 2025 travellers will also be required to complete an European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorisation before travelling. Further information about the ETIAS can be found on the EU’s official travel website.
As the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not issue visas for foreign countries, we cannot provide definitive advice on the requirements to enter or exit countries within Europe and the Schengen area. Our New Zealand Embassies and High Commissions overseas also cannot advise on your right to enter or stay in a foreign country.