A travel expert has expressed concern about NZ-British dual nationals attempting to "wing it" at the border ahead of changes in requirements to enter the UK – which come into force on Tuesday.
From February 25, those who are eligible for a UK passport, including the children of those who are eligible, are required to get one before entering the country. They can no longer enter on a New Zealand passport.
While the changes have left some people scrambling for last minute documentation, Travel Agents Association NZ chief executive officer Julie White said she is concerned about others "forging ahead" and potentially making a mistake which could turn out to be expensive.
White said many adult children of dual nationals may be gearing up for an OE or holiday in the UK this year before the European summer season – but warned they should prepare for the upcoming changes.
"When we're young and a little bit bulletproof, you're only really living in the moment. They may decide, 'well, look I'm just going to forge ahead'.
"Where the handbrake comes is, this may actually impact their right to get a Certificate of Entitlement to be able to work in the UK."
White said not abiding by the new rules could put any OE plans "in jeopardy".
"If you get caught, there's actually some processes that the UK can impose on you. They can obviously turn you around, or they can actually give you a stand down period on returning back."
While cases could vary, White said there would be consequences for those who do not get the proper documentation, including a potentially "stressful and very expensive" situation with UK immigration officials once they land.
Her warnings come despite the new requirements, which she said could cost travellers depending on their circumstances.
Compared with non-dual nationals who only need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, for £16 ($36), dual nationals without a British passport would need to apply for one, which would cost £94.50 (about $213).
Their only other alternative is to get a Certificate of Entitlement, or COE, which costs £589 ($1330). This will now be digital so will continue with each subsequent NZ passport a person has.
"[People] really need to know what documents they require, and unfortunately, it actually lands on the person travelling. It doesn't actually land on anyone else."
A 'settling period'
Earlier this month, RNZ reported a large volume of British passport applications have caused delays with NZ Post sending them to the UK.
White called this a period of settling in, which she expected to last for a while longer.
"I think there's going to be a round of three months settling in period. But then there's still going to be, I predict, and this is hearing from our membership, people may still get caught at the border."
White said this is an example of how technology is driving changes to entry requirements across different countries.
She said recently, the US and Bali had also changed some requirements, which has caught people out.
"Don't assume it's the same old, same old. My recommendation is to check and re-check, and always go to the authoritative homeland websites."
For people who are still unsure, White suggested checking in with a travel agent.
"A travel agent will have prompts and details and communication to their customers, informing them that they actually have to get their documentation in order."
Speaking to Breakfast, British High Commissioner Iona Thomas explained the changes which will affect overseas travel. (Source: Breakfast)
The British High Commissioner in New Zealand, Iona Thomas, told Breakfast last month the changes were designed to digitise the border process and make it easier for people.
"I would encourage people to apply early. There is a fee for applying for a passport but it does last for ten years. So it will enable people to be able to travel to and from the UK for ten years."
Thomas added she sympathises with British dual nationals who would now have to apply for a passport.
"Applications for passports are necessarily rigorous, but it's an important process to make sure those passports are secure.
"People will have to send photocopies of documents, application is online, and we do hope for the most part that is a pretty straightforward process."
Thomas said people who were unsure of the new requirements, or need to travel to the UK for an emergency should check online on the official government website.
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