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.

Passport and visa issues when travelling

Video transcript

Example of foreign interference: Passport and visa issues when travelling.

Foreign interference can affect Ethnic Communities in different ways. Recognising it helps communities be aware of the risks and protect themselves.

The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) defines foreign interference as an act by a foreign state, often acting through a proxy, which is intended to influence, disrupt or subvert New Zealand’s national interests by deceptive, corruptive or coercive means. However, normal diplomatic activity, lobbying and other genuine, overt efforts to gain influence are not considered interference.

Here is one example of foreign interference based on experiences shared by Ethnic Communities with the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.

Ethnic Communities in New Zealand often want to travel to their countries of origin to see their friends and families. To travel back, they might need to use that country’s consular services in New Zealand. These services are provided by a country’s embassy, high commission or consulate to its citizens abroad and include issuing passports, visas, travel documents, and handling other legal matters.

Members of an Ethnic Community in New Zealand were told by a foreign state’s consular staff that they would not receive passport renewals or visas if they associated with groups or individuals in New Zealand who criticised that foreign state’s government. This made the community feel unable to express their views, talk to certain people, protest, or join groups.

These kinds of restrictions can make communities in New Zealand feel trapped and controlled by foreign states. When people can’t travel to see their family and friends, it has a big impact on their families and their wellbeing.

This is just one example of how foreign interference can impact Ethnic Communities. Foreign interference is not always obvious. It can be subtle and difficult to recognise. If something doesn’t feel right or makes you uncomfortable pay attention to it.

Learn more on how to recognise foreign interference, safeguard yourself and your community, and how to respond by checking out our other resources. Together, we can protect what makes New Zealand strong.

Travelling overseas and foreign interference

  • people who have been targeted in New Zealand
  • community members who are known to have dissenting views or are critical of foreign states
  • community leaders, advocates and activists
  • community members who travel for family, community, or business reasons
  • community members who work for the New Zealand Government, local government councils or are elected officials in New Zealand
  • community members who work in other key sectors, for instance, critical infrastructure, academia, media
  • former refugees.

  • being unnecessarily questioned by local authorities, for example about travel plans, activities, or connections
  • being denied entry or exit, such as being refused boarding on flights or entry at border checkpoints
  • having travel or visa restrictions imposed, including limitations on movement within the country
  • having electronic devices searched, including phones, laptops, or other devices, which could involve accessing personal information or communications
  • targeted surveillance, detention, or imprisonment after arrival, which may include formal legal action
  • experiencing intimidation, harassment, or threats from local authorities
  • being subjected to questioning, harassment or intimidation by local groups, not just by law enforcement or authorities.

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 .

Download this information here

Find out more here

Pressure to return to country of origin

Learn how foreign states may pressure some individuals to return to their country of origin and what support is available.

Find out more

Your rights in New Zealand

Learn about your rights in New Zealand. This general information supports understanding and is not legal advice.

Find out more

Foreign interference in New Zealand

Foreign interference is when foreign states try to interfere with New Zealand to achieve their own goals. Learn how this can affect Ethnic Communities.

Find out more

How to report foreign interference

Ethnic Communities in New Zealand don’t have to tolerate foreign interference. Learn how to report concerns using the available options.

Find out more

Examples of foreign interference

Explore examples of foreign interference experienced by Ethnic Communities, based on real stories shared with the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.

Find out more

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