This travel advice page covers New Zealand. See separate travel advice for Cook Islands, Tokelau and Niue.
\nEscalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
\n\nYour travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of New Zealand’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in New Zealand set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the New Zealand High Commission in the UK.
\n\nTo enter New Zealand, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave.
\n\nIf you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from New Zealand, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries require at least 6 months validity on your passport. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can visit New Zealand without a visa for up to 6 months. However you do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
\n\nAt New Zealand border control, you will also need to show:
\n\nCheck the full criteria for visa-free entry on New Zealand Immigration.
\n\nNew Zealand has strict immigration rules, particularly on employment. You must have a visa to work or study in New Zealand.
\n\nCheck the visa options and costs on New Zealand Immigration.
\n\nTo extend your visa, first check your visa expiry date on the New Zealand Visa Verification Service. See how to apply for a visa extension.
\n\nIf you are entering without a visa, you need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy when you apply.
\n\nAllow up to 72 hours for it to be processed. Your NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years.
\n\nYou will need to get a NZeTA before you travel if you are travelling through New Zealand to another country.
\n\nIn most cases, transit passengers must hold an NZeTA or transit NZeTA before travel.
\n\nEveryone travelling into New Zealand needs to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). It is free and you can use the online form or the NZTD app. There is a paper declaration form for travellers who cannot complete it online.
\n\nYour declaration is linked to your passport and is checked when you arrive at the e-Gate or by a border officer.
\n\nThe earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before you start your trip to New Zealand. It needs to be submitted by the time you reach passport control in New Zealand.
\n\nIf you are travelling on a domestic flight, familiarise yourself with security procedures, you can read information on these from the New Zealand government.
\n\nThe earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before departing the vessel’s last foreign port. It needs to be submitted by the time the vessel has arrived at its first port in New Zealand.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s New Zealand guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of New Zealand. It is illegal to import most food products. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nSome products, including wood and leather products, golf clubs, tents and fishing equipment, can carry harmful pests or diseases. Check what items you are permitted to bring into New Zealand. If in doubt, declare items to a Biosecurity New Zealand official or dispose of them in one of the marked bins available at the airport.
\n\nIf you break any of these rules you could get a fine of up to 100,000 New Zealand dollars or a prison sentence.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in New Zealand cannot be ruled out.
\n\nCrime levels are generally low, but street crime happens in major towns and cities. Thieves may target unattended vehicles, especially hire cars and camper vans in major tourist areas.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nImporting illegal drugs could result in a prison sentence of up to 12 years.
\n\nNew Zealand has an established tradition of tolerance towards same-sex relations, but there are still isolated incidents of homophobia-related crimes. LGBT+ travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly when visiting rural areas. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nBritish nationals have been involved in tragic accidents while doing extreme sports activities. If you’re taking part in extreme sports, check that:
\n\nIf you are planning to visit a remote area, check with the local tourist authorities for advice. To find out more information about being prepared, check:
\n\nLeave details of your itinerary with family or friends. Weather conditions can quickly become dangerous in some coastal and exposed areas. Monitor regional weather forecasts.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in New Zealand, see information on driving abroad and read the Road Code. It lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in New Zealand for up to 18 months. You can exchange an old-style paper licence if you need to.
\n\nHighways can be narrow, winding and hilly. Car rental companies should provide you with information, or read what’s different about driving in New Zealand.
\n\nHire car companies will arrange your insurance, but if you are driving a private vehicle you must get insurance, including accident cover. Accident victims do not have a legal right to sue a third party. The Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) helps pay for local care if you’re injured. However, delayed travel or loss of income in a third country is not covered.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nNatural disasters can happen in New Zealand. If there is a disaster, follow the advice of the local authorities and the National Emergency Management Agency. For more information, see the government’s Get Ready website.
\n\nNew Zealand is in a major earthquake zone. Tsunamis can happen along the coastlines. You should:
\n\nFor more information about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, see the New Zealand government’s Get Ready advice for earthquakes.
\n\nIf there is a tsunami warning, the Local Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups will have tsunami evacuation zone maps and advice. Familiarise yourself with local arrangements from New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency.
\n\nFlooding and landslides can happen, resulting in road closures and infrastructure damage.
\n\nThere are several active volcanoes on the North Island of New Zealand. Get local advice about where there might be volcanic activity.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 111 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in New Zealand
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nYou must declare any prescription medicines on your passenger arrival card. All products containing codeine are classified as prescription-only medication (a controlled drug). You can import controlled drugs for personal use, but you must declare them on arrival to the Customs Service and provide evidence that they are for personal use.
\n\nSee New Zealand Customs for more information on restrictions on medication.
\n\nBritish nationals who live in the UK and who are on a short-term visit to New Zealand are eligible for urgent healthcare treatment. See the reciprocal health agreement with New Zealand for more details. This agreement does not extend to routine, non-emergency medical treatment including prescriptions.
\n\nYou can call Healthline for free medical advice (24 hours).
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in New Zealand.
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in New Zealand.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 111 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in New Zealand on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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