A-Z Health Information | Te hāpori (Ngā kaupapa hauora) Travelling Overseas

Travelling Overseas

Advice for Travellers

Safe Travel is the official source of advice for New Zealanders traveling or living overseas.  Safe Travel includes advice on health aspects when you are traveling overseas.  Visit the Health and Travel page for more information.

Many diseases that are uncommon in New Zealand are still common in other countries.  Toi Te Ora Public Health strongly recommends that all New Zealanders traveling overseas are up to date with their standard New Zealand immunisations.  See which vaccines are free for adult New Zealanders. 

Talk to your doctor before you travel.  They will be able to tell you about health problems that are relevant to your destination, and make recommendations that can keep you safe e.g. vaccinations, current health issues.  


Exotic mosquitoes

Some mosquitoes are capable of carrying and transmitting infectious diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. Find out how to avoid being bitten while travelling.

Zika is a virus that is spread by mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that can spread Zika virus are not normally found in New Zealand, but they are found in many countries around the world. For more information visit the Ministry of Health's website.


Food and Drink

Most New Zealanders are fortunate enough to have a supply of safe food and drinking water.  In some parts of the world food and water may not be as safe to consume. 

Foods to avoid:
  • Raw vegetables
  • Raw fruit or fruit washed in unclean water
 Safer options:
  • Food that is cooked and served hot
  • Pasteurized dairy products

Drinks to avoid:

  • Water from lakes, rivers, open wells
  • Ice made from any of the above water
  • Unpasteurized milk
  • Note the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s warning about alcoholic drinks in South-east Asia.
 Safer options:
  • Water that has been boiled/treated
  • Bottles or cans of drinks with unbroken seals
  • Hot tea and coffee
  • Pasteurised milk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Washing

Remember that the water you use to bathe, shower and brush your teeth with may be contaminated.  Avoid swallowing any water while in the bath or shower.  Only use water from a safe source when brushing your teeth.


Local Yellow Fever Vaccinators / Practices

If Yellow Fever vaccination is required this may be arranged through one of these local Yellow Fever vaccination centres.

 

For more information

Updated 21 Apr, 2021