USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa required |
Australian | Yes | No | No |
British | Yes | Yes | No |
Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
Other EU | Yes | Yes | No/1 |
USA | Yes | Yes | No |
To enter New Zealand, a passport valid for at least one month beyond the intended period of stay is required by nationals referred to in the chart above.
New Zealand Health Care and Vaccinations
Title | Special precautions |
Diphtheria | No |
Hepatitis A | No |
Malaria | No |
Rabies | No |
Tetanus | Yes |
Typhoid | No |
Yellow Fever | No |
|
|
New Zealand has an advanced and sophisticated health care system; medical facilities, both public and private, are of a high standard and staff are well trained. Long-staying visitors with a valid permit to stay for two or more years and short-term British visitors are entitled to health care services on the same basis as New Zealand citizens. Comprehensive medical insurance is strongly recommended before travelling to cover any additional charges. Trips to the doctor will incur a fee, with prescription charges on top of that. Dentists and hospital services are also expensive. Visitors bringing in a quantity of medicines ought to ensure that they have a doctor’s certificate to avoid complications and potential problems at New Zealand customs.
Food and drink:
Mains water is considered safe to drink. Water from lakes, waterways and rivers ought to be boiled first to ensure that it is free from Giardia, a water-borne bacterial parasite that can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
Other risks:
Wildlife: Sandflies are found throughout the country but are especially common in the south, around Fiordland. Their bite isn’t poisonous but can cause an itchy irritant. Use environmentally friendly repellents to reduce the risk of being bitten
Natural disaster: Because of its location in a seismically active area of the world, New Zealand is periodically affected by natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. These events are generally rare but can have a dramatic and devastating impact. If visitors are caught in an earthquake, they should take cover under a table or stand in a doorway; if they are outside, they should keep away from buildings, trees and rock formations that might fall. Monitor local news for updates and warnings and follow any advice or directions given by local authorities.
Other risks: Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Due to a thinning of the ozone layer over New Zealand, sunburn can occur quicker than in other areas of the world and precautions should be taken; such as shortening exposure time to the sun, wearing hats and applying high-factor sun protection. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and the risk should not be underestimated.