Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

News features

Outbreaks of Polio

Reviewed: 20 December 2022, 09:32 NZDT

Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus that can spread from person to person or through contaminated water or food. Many people who are infected don’t have symptoms, but a small proportion of those with symptoms develop paralysis. There is no cure, but it can be prevented through vaccination. The World Health Organization has advised of an increase in polio activity in areas which have previously seen eradication.  This includes...read more

Uganda: Ebola Virus

Updated: 4 November 2022, 12:26 NZDT

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) The Ugandan government has declared an outbreak of EVD caused by Sudan virus in Uganda. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals (such as fruit bats, porcupines and non-human primates). EVD is not easily spread between people but can be transmitted by direct contact with infected bodily fluids (such as blood, saliva, urine, vomit or faeces) and contaminated surfaces or materials (such as bedding and clothing)...read more

Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Indonesia

Updated: 20 July 2022, 12:33 NZST

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) recently announced that Biosecurity New Zealand is stepping up its work at the border with a campaign to ensure travellers do their part to protect farmers from foot-and-mouth disease. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious animal virus that affects cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and pigs (animals with cloven hooves). It is present in a number of countries in the world, especially in Africa and...read more

Top travel tips as Kiwis reconnect with the world

Updated: 5 March 2022, 00:25 NZDT

Kiwis will be excited to be able to travel again after the New Zealand Government announced the next steps to reconnect New Zealanders to the world. This includes removal of the need for vaccinated New Zealanders to self-isolate on return from any country, and dropping the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s global “do not travel” advisory which has been in place since March 2020. But before they go, travellers will need ...read more

Australia: Bushfires

Reviewed: 26 February 2020, 15:30 NZDT

Bushfires are a common threat in Australia during the summer period. If you are in or near an affected area, stay safe and follow the advice of local authorities. In the event of emergency, always call Triple Zero (000). Details of affected areas, health services, preparedness information, and evacuation centres can be found at the following sites: Australian Capital Territory:ACT Emergency Services Agency New South Wales:New South Wales Rural ...read more

Brexit: New Zealanders in the United Kingdom

Reviewed: 5 February 2020, 15:15 NZDT

New Zealand citizens who continue to live in the UK now that it has left the EU can: use the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website tool to seek guidance on visa status and rights to stay.  find more information in the UK's Department for Exiting the European Union: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-exiting-the-european-union. If you are a New Zealander who holds a European passport, or who has a E...read more

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