Planning an overseas trip this year? You may need to check that you have more than just your passport before you fly - and that you're on top of the latest rules for the country you're heading to.
Experts are reminding Kiwis that overseas travel requirements can be more complicated than many expect.
Passport rules, visa requirements and electronic travel authorisations vary between countries, and getting it wrong can see travellers turned away before they even board their flight.
So what documents do you need before heading overseas?
A valid passport
A valid passport is the most essential requirement for international travel - but it's also a common reason travellers run into trouble at immigration.
Many countries around the world require a traveller’s passport to be valid for at least six months beyond their planned return date, even for shorter trips.
Passports must also be in good physical condition to travel, with damage such as torn pages or water exposure potentially leading to denied entry from immigration.
Some destinations have strict rules about passport nationality - including the United Kingdom, which now requires dual British-New Zealand citizens to enter the country on a UK passport rather than a New Zealand one.
Flight Centre's Air and Traffic Manager Jen Staples said the UK isn't the only nation with the rule, with similar passport rules for Canada and South Africa often stumping Kiwis.
"If you're a dual citizen, then you need to enter South Africa on your South African passport, and the same goes for Canada," Staples said.
To avoid any unwanted surprises at the departure gate, Staples said the recommendation for travellers was to check the rules of their destination four weeks ahead of travel.
"Travel rules are changing all the time, so it’s really important to check the rules of your destination with your travel agent before you fly."
With many New Zealand passports set to hit their 10-year expiry this year, Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden last month urged Kiwis to be aware of their passport expiry dates.
"The Department of Internal Affairs is forecasting a surge in applications due to the anniversary of the ten-year passports," van Velden said. "Don’t let an expired passport get in the way of your travel."
Visas and travel authorisations
Many countries require New Zealand passport holders to apply for a visa or an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before travelling.
Visa requirements vary depending on the destination and the purpose of travel. Some destinations require travellers to apply before they fly for:
- A visitor visa
- An electronic travel authorisation
- A work, study, or long-stay visa
Kiwis heading to US must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before departure, while the UK now requires many visitors to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation prior to arrival.
Staples said travellers should be checking entry requirements for all countries on their itinerary - including any transit destinations, even for short stopovers.
"Transit destinations very often catch people out," she said, particularly for Kiwis taking travel stopovers in the US.
"If you're going through the USA to get somewhere else, you are technically entering America, so there is no differentiation on the rules."
Proof of onward travel
Immigration authorities in some countries may also require visitors to show proof they intend to leave within the permitted timeframe.
This usually means having a return ticket home, or an onward flight to another destination, before being allowed to board or enter the country. In some cases, travellers may also be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for their stay.
Kiwis travelling to destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia (including Bali), the Philippines and Singapore are frequently asked to provide proof of onward travel, even when visiting visa-free.
Additional documents
Depending on where you’re going and how long you’re staying, you may also need:
- Vaccination certificates
- Valid comprehensive travel insurance (in case of a medical emergency)
- Copies of accommodation bookings
- Work or study permits
- Evidence of onward employment or enrolment
Travellers are advised to keep both digital and physical copies of important documents in case of loss or theft.
What if I lose an important travel document while overseas?
If a passport or important travel document is lost while overseas, travellers are advised to contact the nearest New Zealand embassy or high commission as soon as possible.
In some circumstances, a temporary emergency travel document can be issued to allow limited travel or a return to New Zealand.
Officials recommend travellers check official government travel advice before departure and allow extra time to organise documentation, as entry requirements can change at short notice and processing times for passports, visas and travel authorisations can vary.
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