What dual citizens and permanent residents need to know before you travel

If you’re planning your next overseas adventure from the Nelson or Motueka region, it’s important to understand the rules around dual citizenship and permanent residency—especially when travelling internationally. We’re here to help you navigate these complexities so your journey is stress-free from take-off to touchdown.

As specialists in travel, we’ve put together this essential guide to help dual nationals and permanent residents prepare before they pack their bags.

What is Dual Citizenship?

A dual citizen or dual national holds citizenship in more than one country at the same time. New Zealand allows dual or multiple citizenships, but not all countries do. Some may even refuse to recognise your New Zealand citizenship if you’re also a citizen of their country.

Common ways you might hold another citizenship:

You were born in another country
You have a parent who is a citizen of another country
You married someone from another country
You applied for citizenship in another country

Many travellers don’t realise they may already have automatic citizenship through descent or birth. It’s crucial to check before you travel, especially to that country.

Travelling as a Dual Citizen

When you travel, the passport you use matters. If you enter a country using your non-New Zealand passport, that country considers you their citizen – even if you also hold New Zealand citizenship.

If you need consular assistance:

Use the embassy of the country whose passport you entered on.
If you entered on your New Zealand passport, contact a New Zealand embassy.
If you’re in your other country of citizenship, New Zealand may be limited in how they can help.

Some countries don’t allow dual citizenship and may not recognise your Kiwi status. They could even restrict services or treat you solely as their citizen – including applying local laws like compulsory military service.

Before you leave, always check:

If you’re eligible for public healthcare in that country
If there are legal or military obligations tied to your citizenship
Travel advice for your destination—visit safetravel.co.nz or ask our team

What About Permanent Residents of New Zealand?

A permanent resident has the right to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely, but if you’re not a New Zealand citizen, you won’t have access to New Zealand consular services while abroad.

If you’re a permanent resident and hold citizenship from another country:

You must seek help from your country of citizenship’s embassy if anything goes wrong overseas.
If you’ve had a child in New Zealand, check whether they qualify for New Zealand citizenship before you travel.

Top Travel Tips for Dual Nationals and Permanent Residents

At World Travellers Motueka, we want every travel experience to be smooth and secure. Here are our quick travel tips:

✅ Know your citizenship status – especially if you’re travelling to a country you’re connected to by birth or family.
✅ Use the right passport when entering and exiting a country.
✅ Understand local laws and obligations tied to citizenship, including military service.
✅ Sort out travel insurance, especially if you’re unsure about healthcare entitlements overseas.
✅ Register your travel at SafeTravel so the New Zealand government can contact you in an emergency.

Let Us Help You Plan a Safe and Inspiring Journey

At World Travellers Motueka, we’re more than just your local travel agency—we’re your travel partners. Whether you’re heading off on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, visiting family overseas, or exploring hidden corners of the world, we’ve got your back.

If you’re based in Nelson, Motueka, or Tasman, pop into our store or give us a call. We’ll help you tick off every detail, so your dual citizenship or residency status doesn’t become a bump in the road.

Let’s make your next adventure unforgettable—and stress-free.