While we endeavour to provide accurate up to date information and pride ourselves on assisting you to make the most of your journey, we do suggest you consult the government travel advisory website: www.safetravel.govt.nz

Flysmart (Without Liquids & Gels)
Transport Safety have officially launched Flysmart, a public awareness programme to inform the travelling public about security measures for taking liquids, aerosols and gels in hand luggage on all international flights leaving New Zealand. The details are at www.flysmart.govt.nz

Visa for USA
If you are visiting America, you will now need to check your passport in case you are required to obtain a Visa.
For most New Zealand passport holders there is no change and you will still receive a holiday visa as a stamp in your passport as you arrive into the USA. But if you are travelling on a non- New Zealand passport or if you have an older passport please check with your consultant. For those people who now need a Visa to enter the USA or if you are not sure, please contact the US Consulate in Auckland directly. A phone line (0900 878 472) has been set up to help. The first minute is free, charges apply after that.

** New ** USA ESTA pre-entry requirement via ESTA website
If you do not require a Visa, you still need to log in to the US Homelands security site, and register. This is Mandatory for all visitors to America. The site is - http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/ Frequently Asked Questions, a Factsheet and Video tutorial are all on the website. The service is free, and must be done at least 3 days before travel.

** Tip ** - If an applicant makes a mistake when completing ESTA, they can amend the following fields:
• E-mail address
• Telephone number
• Airline and flight number
• City where you are boarding
• Address while in the United States
For any other mistakes, wait 24 hours and redo entire ESTA. This will override previous data. ESTA authorities remain valid for 2 years and allow multiple visits to the USA.

On the ESTA website it states applicant does not need to print the authorisation. This is due to a “paper reduction” Govt act in the USA.
However we strongly recommend that applicants print their authorisation and take it with them.

Not all airlines will be able to tell from their system if the traveller has completed ESTA and may deny boarding without proof.
While travellers to the USA under the Visa Waiver Scheme must be entering with an airline or shipping company that is signatory to the Visa Waiver Scheme, not all airlines and no shipping companies appear on the ESTA website to select from. As this is not a compulsory field, traveller should not be concerned if their airline/shipping company is not listed. It is planned to have all of these listed on the ESTA website eventually. 10,000 ESTA are currently processed each day. 98.4% approved immediately. “Pending” applications are manually checked and approved by staff in the USA. 99.5% of applications are approved.

Avoid an Instant Fine
Biosecurity is about keeping New Zealand safe from pests and diseases. When returning from your overseas trip please remember to declare any items that may be restricted or need clearance. If you do not declare an item and it is discovered you could face an instant $200 fine.
These are the items that may not be allowed into the country, or at least must be checked by MAF: Fresh fruit & vegetables; Honey, pollen, or any honey products; animals, flowers, lei's; straw items; coral, ivory, snakeskin, turtle, clam or bone items. If in doubt - always declare it!

Travel Warnings
Click here to go to the governments travel advisory website - www.safetravel.govt.nz