New Zealand Travel Advice, Embassies & Tourist Offices

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow and contact FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

This 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.

The 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.

Passport validity requirements

To enter New Zealand, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from New Zealand, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport. Renew your passport if you need to.

You 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.

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to enter New Zealand if you are a visitor staying less than 6 months. You do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

At New Zealand border control, you will also need to show that you meet the criteria for visa-free entry:

• proof of a return or onward ticket
• proof that you have enough money for your stay

Check the full criteria on New Zealand Immigration.

New Zealand has strict immigration rules, particularly on employment. Visitors cannot work in New Zealand.

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

If 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.

Allow up to 72 hours for it to be processed. Your NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years.

Applying for a visa

Check the visa options and costs on New Zealand Immigration.

To extend your visa, first check your visa expiry date on the New Zealand Visa Verification Service. See further information from New Zealand Immigration on how to apply for a visa extension.

Travelling through New Zealand

You will need to get a NZeTA before you travel if you are travelling through New Zealand to another country.

In most cases, transit passengers must hold an NZeTA or transit NZeTA before travel.

New Zealand Traveller Declaration

Everyone travelling into New Zealand needs to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. It is free and you can do it via the online form or the NZTD app. There is a paper declaration form available for travellers who cannot complete it online.

Your declaration is linked to your passport and is checked when you arrive at the eGate or by a border officer. If you hold a New Zealand visa or a NZeTA, you still need to complete a declaration as well.

Travelling by air

The 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.

Travelling by sea

The earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before departing the vessel’s last foreign port prior to arriving in New Zealand. It needs to be submitted by the time the vessel has arrived at its first port in New Zealand.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s New Zealand guide.

Customs rules

There 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.

Some products, including wood products, golf clubs, footwear, tents, fishing equipment and items made from animal skin, 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.

If you break any of these rules you could get a fine of up to 100,000 New Zealand dollars or a prison sentence.

Terrorism

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.

UK 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.

Terrorism in New Zealand

Terrorist attacks in New Zealand cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Crime 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 (the Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua and Queenstown), as well as hotel rooms. You should:

• avoid leaving possessions in unattended vehicles even if out of sight
• not leave valuables in hotel rooms
• use the hotel safe if possible
• keep passports, travellers cheques and credit cards separate

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Importing illegal drugs could result in a prison sentence of up to 12 years.

LGBT+ travellers

New 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.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Extreme sports

British nationals have been involved in tragic accidents while doing extreme sports activities. If you’re taking part in extreme sports, check that:

• the company is well established
• your insurance covers you

Visiting remote areas

If you are planning to visit a remote area, check with the local tourist authorities for advice before you leave. Register your details with a visitor information centre or leave details with family or friends. Weather conditions can quickly become dangerous in some coastal and exposed areas. Monitor regional weather forecasts.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in New Zealand, see information on driving abroad and read the Road Code.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months. You can exchange an old-style paper licence if you need to.

Highways can be narrow, winding and hilly. Car rental companies should provide you with information, or read what’s different about driving in New Zealand.

Motor vehicle insurance

You should get private motor vehicle insurance. Accident victims do not have a legal right to sue a third party in the event of an accident in New Zealand. The Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) helps pay for your care if you’re injured as a result of an accident. The ACC only covers the cost of treatment in New Zealand but delayed travel or loss of income in a third country is not covered. Check you have adequate travel and accident insurance.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Natural 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.

Earthquakes

New Zealand is in a major earthquake zone. Tsunamis can happen along the coastlines. You should:

• familiarise yourself with safety procedures
• take note of instructions in hotel rooms, public areas and on your local emergency services social media pages
• monitor any warnings or updates from the National Emergency Management Agency

For more information about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, see the New Zealand government’s Get Ready advice for earthquakes.

If there is a tsunami warning, the Local Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups will have tsunami evacuation zone maps and advice.

Flooding

Flooding and landslides can happen, resulting in road closures and infrastructure damage.

Volcanic eruptions

There are several active volcanoes on the North Island of New Zealand. Get local advice when visiting remote areas about where there might be volcanic activity.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 111 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for New Zealand
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in New Zealand

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

You 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.

See New Zealand Customs for more information on restrictions on medication.

Healthcare in New Zealand

British nationals who live in the UK and who are on a short-term visit to New Zealand are eligible for urgent healthcare treatment under the reciprocal health agreement with New Zealand. This agreement does not extend to routine, non-emergency medical treatment including prescriptions.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in New Zealand.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in New Zealand.

COVID-19 healthcare in New Zealand

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you can get health advice and information by calling Healthline (free) on 0800 358 5453. COVID-19 tests and treatment are free of charge.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

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.

Emergency services in New Zealand

Telephone: 111 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact 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.

Refunds and changes to travel

For 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.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in New Zealand
• dealing with a death in New Zealand
• being arrested or imprisoned in New Zealand
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The 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.