Overview
Singaporeans travelling overseas including to New Zealand are advised to eRegister with MFA, be vigilant, monitor local news and follow the instructions of local authorities.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority: Singaporeans can visit New Zealand for up to 90 days without a visa. Passports must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from New Zealand.
All visitors need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling to or transiting in New Zealand. The NZeTA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into New Zealand. On arrival in New Zealand, visitors must still meet all existing entry requirements, such as holding an onward travel ticket, being a bona fide visitor and being in good health. Visitors should apply for an NZeTA well in advance of their trip, as it can take up to 72 hours to process. Singapore passport holders with a valid New Zealand visa do not require an NZeTA.
Singaporeans are advised to contact their travel agent or refer to the New Zealand Immigration website for the latest information on visa and entry requirements. For further information, you may also contact the nearest High Commission of New Zealand. Please note that New Zealand’s immigration rules are strict, particularly regarding employment. Anyone wishing to work, including on ad hoc assignments, will need a visa allowing employment.
New Zealand Traveller Declaration: All travellers to New Zealand must submit a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). The earliest you may submit your declaration electronically is 24 hours prior to arrival.
Quarantine and bio security: New Zealand has very strict bio-security regulations, and instant fines are issued for failing to declare items for quarantine on arrival. It is illegal to import most foodstuffs (meat and meat products, honey, fruit, dairy produce) and strict penalties are handed out to those breaking these rules. If in doubt, declare items to a Ministry of Primary Industries official or dump them in one of the bins available at the airport.
Medication: There are some restrictions on bringing medication into New Zealand. Visit the New Zealand Customs website for more information. If you arrive in New Zealand with any prescription medicines, you must declare it on your passenger arrival card.
Crime: Crime levels are generally low, but street crime occurs in major towns and cities. Theft occurs from hotel rooms, tourist sites, recreational areas, and especially in unattended vehicles. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.
Road Travel: You can use a Singapore driving licence to drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months. You are advised to bring your physical driving license as proof of license. More information can be found on the New Zealand Transport Agency website.
Travel times by car are easy to underestimate, as roads can be hilly, narrow and winding. Weather conditions can change quickly, particularly during winter. Landslides caused by heavy rain can block or wash away roads. Mountain roads, including those leading to ski hills, may be narrow, unpaved and without safety barriers. Read a copy of the Road Code - the official guide to traffic rules and traffic safety - before driving. The New Zealand Transport Agency and the New Zealand Automobile Association also regularly publish information on road closures and warnings.
You should take out private motor vehicle insurance and ensure that you have adequate travel and accident insurance. Accident victims do not have a legal right to sue a third party in the event of an accident in New Zealand. Instead the Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) helps pay for your care if you are injured as a result of an accident. However, the ACC only covers the cost of treatment in New Zealand. Delayed travel or loss of income in a third country is not covered.
Adventure Activities: Although many tourists participate in adventure activities in New Zealand without problem, serious accidents have occurred. Make sure to choose a reputable operator. It is your responsibility to ensure that your comprehensive travel insurance policy covers all your activities. If you are visiting remote areas, check with local tourist authorities for advice before setting out. Make sure you register your details with a visitor information centre or leave details with family or friends. Weather conditions can quickly become treacherous in some areas. Keep yourself informed of regional weather forecasts
It is an offence under the New Zealand Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 to use, possess, cultivate or traffic (deal) in illegal drugs.
Weather: In New Zealand, weather conditions can change quickly and severe weather is sometimes experienced. Weather conditions, forecasts and warnings can be monitored at www.metservice.co.nz.
Natural Disasters: New Zealand is in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes and potentially tsunamis. Strong earthquakes and aftershocks have been recorded throughout the country in recent years. There are also a number of volcanoes and active thermal areas in New Zealand. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System. Ongoing updates and advice in the event of any natural disaster response can be found at the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management website. Exercise caution, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services in the event of a natural disaster. To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, visit the New Zealand Earthquake Commission and Get Ready websites.
Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]
Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.
Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.
When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.
For those planning to travel, here are some tips:
Before travelling
While travelling
Advisory: Email Scams
There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.
MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.
