New Zealanders overseas
If you need help
If you are a New Zealand citizen abroad you can get emergency consular assistance. You can access support for situations like lost or stolen passports, death, health issues and law infringements.
Consular staff in New Zealand cannot influence or guarantee another country or airline’s entry, exit or transit requirements. We also cannot book a space in MIQ or a flight to New Zealand for you.
Get emergency consular help by calling:
- +64 99 20 20 20 if you are outside New Zealand
- 0800 30 10 30 if you are in New Zealand.
Who can travel to NZ
The New Zealand borders are closed to almost all travellers to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The travel restrictions apply to all arrivals into New Zealand by air or sea.
Check if you can travel to New Zealand
Check your eligibility to travel to New Zealand at Immigration NZ.
Reasons you can travel to New Zealand | immigration.govt.nz (external link)
New Zealand citizens and residents
You have a legal right to come to New Zealand if you are:
- a New Zealand citizen
- a New Zealand resident with valid travel conditions.
If you are travelling from a 'very high risk' country
Travel from very high risk countries is temporarily restricted to New Zealand citizens, partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens, and parents of dependent children who are New Zealand citizens.
The following countries currently meet the threshold of being very high risk:
- Brazil
- Fiji
- India
- Indonesia
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
Travel restrictions for very high risk countries
You have a critical purpose to travel
You may be able to travel to New Zealand while the border is closed if we consider you have a critical purpose to travel.
Critical purpose reasons to travel | immigration.govt.nz (external link)
Most people who are not New Zealand citizens or residents legally must get approval from Immigration NZ before travelling to New Zealand. Some people do not need to request to travel.
Information from Immigration NZ:
You are travelling quarantine-free
New Zealand has quarantine-free travel arrangements with some countries. Travelling quarantine-free means you do not have to enter managed isolation. Normal immigration rules apply for quarantine-free travel.
Travel quarantine-free to New Zealand from some countries
Exceptions for some vessels
There are exceptions for some vessels. These include cargo ships, fishing vessels unloading catch, and ships coming from Antarctica.
Guidance for the maritime sector | health.govt.nz (external link)
Border controls on arrival
It is important people returning to New Zealand do their part to stop COVID-19 spreading in New Zealand.
Managed isolation or quarantine
If you are returning to New Zealand you legally must complete at least 14 days of managed isolation or quarantine, unless you are arriving under quarantine-free travel. You will also be tested for COVID-19 during your stay in a facility.
Managed isolation and quarantine
Secure your place in managed isolation
You are legally required to have a voucher before flying to New Zealand. Your voucher allocates you a place in a managed isolation facility.
Airlines will not be permitted to board you if you do not have a voucher, unless you are exempt from using the Managed Isolation Allocation System.
Register for a voucher for managed isolation (external link)
Request an emergency allocation
The emergency allocation process exists for limited situations that require urgent travel to New Zealand within the next 14 days.
You can apply for an emergency allocation if you cannot book your preferred date in the Managed Isolation Allocation System, and you meet the eligibility criteria.
You can request an emergency allocation if:
- you are legally entitled to enter New Zealand under our current border settings
- your travel is time-critical — within the next 14 days
- you have registered in the Managed Isolation Allocation System and you have not been able to book an allocation for the date you require urgent travel
- your circumstances fall within 1 of the 2 categories permitted, and
- you have attached evidence to support your application.
The MIQ website has details about the travel categories permitted for emergency allocation, and what supporting evidence you need.
Very few emergency allocation requests will be granted. We encourage you to book in early to the Managed Isolation Allocation System, as this is the best way to guarantee your place.
Register with SafeTravel
The New Zealand Government is urging any New Zealanders currently travelling overseas to register with SafeTravel. If you register, you will receive notification of any changes made to travel advice for the country or region you are in. Remember to keep your details and travel plans up to date.
Register your details with SafeTravel (external link)
Advice for New Zealanders overseas during COVID-19 (external link)
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