Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

Search Results

Travelling with an electronic cigarette

Don’t want your holiday to go up in smoke? Travelling with an electronic cigarette may land you in prison or with a fine. Some countries consider electronic cigarettes and the liquid used in them as prohibited products, which may have some serious consequences for you when you get to the border or are stopped by the authorities in-country. Countries with the ban could impose a hefty fine and/or a prison sentence if it is deemed you attempted to import a prohibited item.

New Zealanders with unpaid debts overseas

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 encourage all New Zealanders to settle all debts including bill payments prior to returning to New Zealand.

Travelling with a criminal conviction

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

Victims of crime

Violent crime
Being the victim of a violent crime overseas, including armed robbery, sexual assault and car-jacking, is an extremely stressful experience.  If possible, find a safe location and talk to someone you trust to support you so that you can consider your safety, medical care, legal concerns and reporting the crime.