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Taking a trip to New Zealand is the perfect opportunity for adventure-junkies, nature-lovers and people looking for a unique experience.
Travel insurance isn't mandatory, but it's recommended
Looking for New Zealand travel insurance requirements? New Zealand requires applicants for certain visas to provide proof of travel medical insurance. If you're going to New Zealand to live or work, for example, you'll need to purchase travel insurance. For all other visitors, travel health insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
COVID-19 in New Zealand
If you have to travel, here are some Covid safety precautions to take. For the most up-to-date information on Covid restrictions for traveling, please follow CDC guidelines.
If you have to visit the country, consider Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance so that you may recoup some of your costs if you need to cancel, postpone or cut short your original travel plans for any reason, including COVID-19-related concerns.
Buy Covid Travel InsuranceCovid information for your trip
Do you know the Covid situation for your destination? Keep up with country-specific advisories and notifications.
Health & safety
New Zealand is a fairly safe country, but it's always a good idea to be cautious. Don't carry large amounts of cash or walk down dark streets at night. Also, never leave a drink unattended and try to avoid accepting drinks from strangers that you didn't see the bartender make. For more safety tips, check out the New Zealand Police's website.
Necessary vaccinations
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before your trip. Here are some common vaccination recommendations for New Zealand.
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (influenza)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Pneumonia
- Hepatitis A
- Meningitis
- Rabies
- Hepatitis B
- Shingles
For the most up-to-date information on required vaccinations and other health requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
Visas & documentation
You will not need a visa if you are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand, Australia, the U.K., the U.S. or any of the other countries listed on New Zealand's website. Even if you come from one of these countries, however, you will need to acquire a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
If you're not from one of those countries or you are planning to stay in New Zealand for more than nine months, you will also need to apply for a visa. There are a number of different visas that can be very particular depending on what you plan to do while in New Zealand. You can learn more about these visas and which one you will need on New Zealand's official website.
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