Travelling overseas and foreign interference
Learn how foreign interference can affect some people travelling overseas.
When travelling overseas some people may face foreign interference through additional scrutiny from foreign authorities, including from their security and intelligence agencies.
It is important to remember that most travellers may not experience this, and that scrutiny at borders is common worldwide, usually routine and not related to foreign interference.
Travelling overseas and foreign interference
New Zealand consular assistance
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) provides consular services to New Zealand citizens outside of New Zealand, even if they don’t normally live in New Zealand.
Consular assistance is not generally provided to New Zealand Permanent Residents.
New Zealanders overseas are subject to local laws in the other country, including that country’s laws governing detention, prosecution, or restrictions on travel.
Dual citizens
Holding dual citizenship may affect New Zealand’s ability to provide consular assistance. When in the country of other citizenship, local authorities may treat the person only as their citizen and not allow New Zealand involvement.
You can find more information on Safe Travel: Dual citizens and permanent residents
Refugees and former refugees
If you are a refugee outside of New Zealand, there are significant limitations to the support that the New Zealand Government can provide.
You can find more information on Safe Travel: Refugees and former refugees
SafeTravel NZ
SafeTravel NZ is the official MFAT website for New Zealanders travelling or living overseas, offering travel advice, consular services, safety tips, and a registration system for travellers.
Travellers should register with SafeTravel New Zealand before going abroad. This helps MFAT provide timely updates, contact travellers if needed, and offer assistance where possible .