As the UK prepares to roll out a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) is encouraging brokers to advise their New Zealand clients to confirm their visa and passport details early to avoid complications.
Beginning Jan. 8, New Zealand passport holders visiting the UK without a visa will need to apply for an ETA. Applications for the digital authorisation have opened on Nov. 27.
SCTI’s chief customer officer, Jess Strange (pictured), highlighted the importance of early preparation, noting that processing times may vary despite the simplicity of online systems like ETA and the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
“If you’re scrambling to apply at the airport while you’re standing in the check-in line, you might be stuck waiting with your fingers crossed hoping for a miracle,” she said.
Insurers and brokers are encouraged to remind their clients to check their passport’s expiration date and overall condition well before their departure. Expired or damaged passports are among the leading causes of travel disruptions and denied insurance claims.
Strange pointed to various cases where damaged passports – whether chewed by pets, discoloured by spills, or otherwise compromised – resulted in denied entry at border controls.
“Once damaged, your passport is unlikely to be accepted by any country’s passport control – as they may suspect it’s fraudulent,” she said.
Between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024, SCTI declined 75 claims from New Zealand travellers due to issues involving passports or visas. These represented 7% of the company’s declined claims during the period. Key reasons for claim denials included:
For overseas visitors to New Zealand, SCTI reported similar challenges, declining 17 claims over the same period. Common reasons included travellers misunderstanding visa requirements or providing inaccurate information during their applications.
SCTI noted that New Zealanders planning travel to Europe will face additional changes starting in 2025 when the European Union introduces its ETIAS digital border system. Travellers from over 60 visa-exempt countries will be required to complete this pre-authorisation for entry.
The insurer encourages travellers to research destination-specific requirements early and consult resources like safetravel.govt.nz or travel agents for up-to-date information.
Beyond passport and visa issues, SCTI’s recent claims data underscores broader risks faced by New Zealanders abroad. Medical emergencies, lost belongings, and rental car incidents are among the most frequent issues.
Southeast Asia, Australia, and Japan remain popular destinations, but each carries unique risks. For example, foodborne illnesses in Bali and skiing-related injuries in Japan have generated significant claims. One recent skiing accident cost over $19,000, highlighting the need for travellers to confirm coverage for specific activities.
Strange recommended that travellers ensure their documents are in order, verify entry requirements, and take precautions to reduce the risk of claims being denied.
