Don’t get caught out. Check visa and passport requirements early
With the UK introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for New Zealanders, the Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) team is reminding all travellers heading overseas to check visa requirements well before their departure.
From 8 January 2025 the UK government is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). New Zealand passport holders travelling to the UK visa-free will need to apply for an ETA and can do so from 27 November 2024.
“Generally, applying for an ETA entry permit, or the U.S equivalent, an Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA), only takes a few minutes online – but it may take longer than that to land in your email inbox. An ESTA for the USA must be applied for at least 72 hours in advance of your travel. So, if you’re scrambling to apply at the airport while you’re standing in the check-in line, you might be stuck waiting with your fingers crossed hoping for a miracle,” says Jess Strange, Chief Customer Officer at SCTI.
It is also important to remind travellers to check their passport validity date and its condition far in advance of leaving. Travellers should check the Internal Affairs website, www.safetravel.govt.nz, or speak to their travel agent regarding the rules and regulations for their travel destinations.
“Over the years, we’ve had a number of cases where we had to decline claims for travellers who hadn’t taken the simple precaution of making sure their passport was up to date and undamaged before turning up at the airport.”
“We have also had people about to head off who have left their passport on the kitchen bench only for their always-hungry dog to have a chew or something’s leaked in their bag and discoloured their passport photo. Once damaged, your passport is unlikely to be accepted by any country’s passport control – as they may suspect it’s fraudulent.
“It also means that as the traveller has not played their part and kept their documentation safe, it’s highly likely any insurance claim will be declined. This can mean their investment in a longed-for trip is very much at risk – or they may have to fork out more for changes to their journey including things like airfares, accommodation, attractions and events.”
The stats
“From 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2024, we had 75 cases where we had to decline a claim relating to visa and passport issues. The claims and declinatures are spread across all ages – they do not appear to be confined to inexperienced travellers.
“We can say that 7% of all our New Zealand claims declined are related to passport and visa issues. If we extrapolate this across all Kiwis leaving Aotearoa between the same period (1 July 2022 to 30 June 2024) – that’s potentially around 18,000 travellers who could have had their plans affected by the same issues.
SCTI data reveals key areas where claims have been declined due to overlooked travel requirements.
|
Claims from New Zealanders travelling overseas related to passports and visas: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2024 |
|
| Issue | Declined Claims |
| Didn’t have a visa: Travellers were unaware they needed one or didn’t allow enough time to obtain it. This is particularly common for trips to Vietnam. | 40 |
| Visa refused: Some travellers had their visas declined due to misinformation provided by cruise staff or travel agents about visa requirements. Other issues included errors like incorrect dates of birth, passport numbers, or outdated details when flights were delayed or changed. | 20 |
| Didn’t have correct visa: Travellers fell victim to scams, such as using fake ESTA websites to obtain visas. |
2 |
| Passport issues: Passports that were expired, didn’t match names on boarding passes, or weren’t valid for the required duration caused problems |
13 |
SCTI also offers insurance for visitors to New Zealand, this can support travellers who face unexpected issues or healthcare needs when touring Aotearoa, or visiting family and friends1. That said, unfortunately over the same period (1 July 2022 to 30 June 2024) 17 claims were declined for similar visa-related reasons.
| Claims from visitors travelling to New Zealand related to passports and visas: 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2024 | |
| Issue | Declined Claims |
| Didn’t have visa: Travellers were unaware they needed as visa, or left insufficient time to apply. | 9 |
| Visa refused: For valid reasons, or because of incorrect information on visa, or because of miscommunication from officials. | 8 |
Strange says, “The upshot is – check and double-check that all your travel documents are in good order to avoid dramas at the airport, extra costs and disappointment!”
Key travel requirements for New Zealand travellers
New Zealand tourists can typically enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries and territories worldwide, with stays ranging from 30 to 90 days. However, visa requirements vary by destination, so it's important for travellers to check the specific entry rules before departure.
Check visa requirements early: Different countries have specific visa rules. Some visas must be applied for in advance, while others can be obtained on arrival. Even destinations that don’t require a visa for New Zealand passport holders may need other forms of documentation. These may be referred to as an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), or an Electronic System for Travel Authorizations (ESTA), or similar. Travellers should be aware of upcoming changes, such as the EU's planned 2025 introduction of a new digital border system. This will require travellers for over 60 visa-exempt countries to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): For many countries like the UK, USA, and South Korea, travellers will need to apply for an ETA or similar online travel authorisation before departure. These are typically quick to apply for but can take a few days to process.
Transit and entry rules: Some countries like the U.S or Canada, require an ESTA even if you're just transiting through the country. It’s recommended travellers using an ESTA to transit through the U.S apply as soon as their tickets are booked, and not less than 72 hours before their international flight is scheduled to depart. Travellers without an approved ESTA can be denied boarding, so don’t leave it to the last minute.
Visa on arrival (VoA, eVOA): In some destinations a visa may be issued on arrival, and there are often additional health, tax or customs forms to complete. Travellers heading to Bali must apply for an Electronic Visitor Visa (E-VOA) prior to arrival, complete the Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD) which will generate a unique code which must be presented upon arrival, pay a tourist tax levy, and fill out the SATUSEHAT Health Pass. If possible, completing this kind of documentation ahead of your arrival may help you avoid delays at customs.
Tourist cards: For places where you might not need a visa, you may need an entry permit. In Mexico this is called a Tourist Card (FMM) and is required in addition to your passport. These cards can often be applied for online or obtained upon arrival.
Passport validity and blank pages: Some countries, such as South Africa, may require your passport to have blank pages for entry stamps, as well as at least six months' validity from the date of entry into the country. A damaged passport may not be accepted for travel.
This information is not intended as a comprehensive guide; travellers are encouraged to verify visa requirements well in advance of their travel dates.
1Visitors to New Zealand are covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation if injured in an accident. ACC helps pay towards the cost of treatment for injuries, including GP services, dental treatment and services, physiotherapist treatment and chiropractor treatment. However, illness unrelated to an accident is not covered by ACC and must be paid for by the traveller – directly or through insurance.
