18122 (2026). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

18122 (2026). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: When was New Zealand's SafeTravel advisory for the United States last substantively updated, and does the Minister consider that the current Level 2 ("Exercise increased caution") advisory adequately reflects the risks now facing New Zealand travellers and residents in the United States?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's travel advisory for the United States was last updated on 22 December 2025 and remains current. The Ministry keeps all of its travel advisories under close review. The Ministry's travel advice notes that the US government has strict rules for entering and staying in the country and encourages all New Zealanders to contact the US government for specific advice about their own personal circumstances. The advisory also notes other considerations that the Ministry recommends travellers take account of when they are in the US. Travel advisory determinations are made by - and an operational decision for - the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Ministry does not consider that the issue raised rises to a level commensurate with a Level 3 advisory setting ('avoid non-essential travel'). Only 12 countries carry this advisory on SafeTravel, including many that have recently experienced armed conflict, terrorist attacks or sustained violent civil unrest. The Ministry's advisory setting for the US is consistent with, or set above, the approach many other countries take in their travel advice for the US.