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.

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 that they meet the host country's visa requirements well in advance of their tr

On 21 January 2016, changes to the US Visa Waiver Programme came into effect and have the potential to affect New Zealanders travelling to the US.  

These changes mean that New Zealanders who are also nationals of Iraq, Sudan, Syria and Iran or New Zealanders who have travelled to these four countries on or after 1 March 2011 may no longer be eligible to apply for an ESTA to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme.  New Zealanders who fall under these categories and who have previously been issued an ESTA may have this revoked.    

In some South American countries, especially Peru and Ecuador, shamans and other individuals offer ‘spiritual cleansing’ rituals which involve serving Ayahuasca tea. This tea contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which is a hallucinogen. While not illegal, Ayahuasca tourism is not regulated and does present certain risks.