MFAT has updated its travel advisory for the US, but stresses that the review was routine ‘and was not triggered by any request for assistance’.
Accounts of travellers, including New Zealanders, being detained at the US border have hit the headlines internationally. Closer to home a respected member of the Kiwi travel and tourism industry has told Travel Today she is among the eight New Zealanders that MFAT has stated were detained at the border. The industry leader is no shrinking violet, and travels to the US frequently for work. However, after her US border experience she says she’s rerouting her booked flights to avoid the US. However, at the same time, another industry veteran says he sped through the US border checks in 10 minutes last week using the on-line US Customs and Border Protection’s Mobile Passport Control app (available to Kiwis entering under the US’ visa waiver program.) Regardless, it may pay for agents to ensure that their US-bound clients are aware of the widespread reports of a crackdown at the US border.
. . . The Advice
MFAT’s updated advice continues to urge travellers to teh US to exercise caution. But the government agency adds that ‘the US government has strict rules for entering and staying in the country’. On arrival, it points out that Kiwi national’s ‘travel documents, reasons for travel, or belongings (including electronic devices) may be subject to scrutiny and inspection’. “You should comply with all entry, visa and other conditions of entry and expect strict enforcement. Penalties for violating these rules can include detention, deportation and ban from re-entry.” General advice on US entry and visa requirements can be found HERE. The Safe Travel website also has specific advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers; see that HERE.
