People with disabilities
People with disabilities might need to do some extra planning when travelling. Here’s some advice to help you have a smooth trip.
People with disabilities might need to do some extra planning when travelling. Here’s some advice to help you have a smooth trip.
Before you travel anywhere, you should do some research to understand the local conditions, including how accessible your destination is and whether there is a risk of discrimination.
Read our travel advice for specific information about your destination, and know where to find consular assistance if you get into trouble. We also have specific advice to help you look after your health while you travel.
Read our travel advice or find an embassy
If you have a disability, you know that lots of buildings and vehicles weren’t made to be accessible for everyone. You might want to ask some questions before you travel about how to manage your needs.
You could contact your:
Things to ask about:
There’s more advice in the links at the bottom of the page
Different countries have different rules for travelling with animals. If you are planning to travel with a service animal, make sure that you check the entry requirements for every country you’re travelling to.
The New Zealand embassy in the country you’re travelling to can help with information about requirements.
It’s a good idea to book well in advance so there’s lots of time to make arrangements for your travel.
When you book your travel, let the service provider know about your disability and if possible, be specific about how they can help you. Also, let them know if you plan to travel with any assistive equipment or service animals.
You might want to check in with service providers a few days before you leave to make sure they have a record of your needs.
If you’re having a hard time finding service providers that can accommodate you, you might want to find a specialist travel agent. Try consulting disability networks for advice or recommendations.
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 you disclose your disability, and any pre-existing conditions you have.
Find out more on our travel insurance page.
Before you leave New Zealand, register your details with us. Having your travel and contact information means we can send 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.
Here are some other websites that might help you plan your travel.
Health and Disability Commissioner's Health Passport
My Health Passport is a booklet where you can write down information about how you want people to communicate with you and support you when you receive a health or disability service.
CHOICE - Travelling with a disability
A guide to accessible tourism for people with disability.
Lonely Planet - accessible travel resources
Free accessible travel guides.
European Network for Accessible Tourism
ENAT is a non-profit association for organisations that aim to be 'frontrunners' in the study, promotion and practice of accessible tourism.
FCDO - Disability and travel abroad
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office guide for people with disabilities preparing for travel abroad.
Mobility International USA
MIUSA (pronounced “my-YOU-suh”) empowers people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development.
New Zealand Aviation Security Service
Keeping New Zealand skies safe and secure.