Having trouble using SafeTravel?

A small number of SafeTravel users have been in contact regarding trouble they are experiencing registering on SafeTravel or receiving SafeTravel messages updating them on the Middle East situation. We know how frustrating this will be for those affected and are getting in direct contact with them. 

We have set out some tips below for any other users encountering similar difficulties. 

Due to registration numbers increasing daily, we will also be resending earlier messages to ensure new registrants receive important information from us. 

Trouble receiving SafeTravel messages?

In order to receive SafeTravel email messages from us:

• You must create a SafeTravel account by registering on SafeTravel;
• You must add a travel destination (i.e. country) to your account. You can do this through the 'Destinations' tab in your profile); and
• Include email as one of your contact preferences. Contact preference settings can be found under the 'Travellers' tab in your profile, and the options available are Email, Text message and Whatsapp. We recommend you select as many as possible. 

If you don't have an account or don't add your country location ('destination') with us, we will not be able to send messages to you. 

If you have previously completed the steps above, please check that your destination status is active. You may wish to renew your destination status by removing your current destination country and adding a new country. 

If you're still have difficulties: 

• Make sure you've checked the junk or spam folder in your email inbox. 
• Information published on our website and sent through SafeTravel messages will be published on our SafeTravel Facebook page. 

Guide to registration

Registering on SafeTravel is the quickest and easiest way to make sure you receive the most up-to-date information about your travel destinations from the New Zealand Government. Whether you’re already overseas, or have travel planned for the future, let us know about your plans through our SafeTravel registration portal.

Before registering

Registering is simple, and only takes a few minutes. Useful details to have on hand before registering include:

• Your passport details,
• Contact information,
• Your travel destination(s), date(s), and accommodation information,
• Details of your travel insurance policy.

Step one: Registration options

Go to www.safetravel.govt.nz/register. Select one of the two registration options available:

1.  Individual or family group – this is the option you should use if you are registering yourself and your family’s overseas travel.
2.  Groups – use this option if you are registering for an organised tour group, sports team or similar organisation.

Step two: Login methods

There are three login methods. You can only select one when registering. Choose the one that works best for your circumstances:

Option 1: Create a password. Note this needs to be a minimum of 16 characters.

Option 2: Link your RealMe account to SafeTravel. This means you would use your existing RealMe account to log in to SafeTravel. If you don’t have an account and still want to use this option, you can register for one on the RealMe website.  Be aware that RealMe can require multi-factor authentication which could require access to your New Zealand mobile to log in when overseas.

Option 3: Passkey (Face ID, fingerprint, or PIN number). You can set up a passkey for your SafeTravel account when you register. Note that passkeys are not supported on outdated operating systems (iOS 15 or older, Android 8 or older, Windows 8 or older) or devices lacking biometric/PIN hardware.

You do not need to select the RealMe account or passkey options. These options provide you with greater choice and different security options should you wish to use these methods.

If you want to change your login method once your account has already been set-up, you can do this under the ‘Manage your account’ menu when you log in.

Step three: Adding details

Before travelling overseas, log in to your account to enter details relevant to your travel, such as your destination(s), accommodation, contact details, and travel insurance information. You can add family members’ details to your account too, if they do not wish to register themselves.

Once you have completed this step, you are fully registered with SafeTravel.

You will only receive updates for destinations you have entered into your account.

Forgot your details?

If you have signed up using a password on SafeTravel (Option 1) but are having trouble logging in, resetting your password doesn’t take long.

Go to www.safetravel.govt.nz/login, and click ‘Have trouble logging in’. You’ll soon get an email prompting you to reset your password.

If you signed up with RealMe and have forgotten your password or you are locked out of your RealMe account, you will need to reset your password or unlock via the “Forgot Password” link on the RealMe website first. You can then log in on SafeTravel using your new RealMe password. 

Once logged back into your RealMe account, please ensure you have second factor security set-up (either authenticator app or mobile phone number) under the Settings tab before you access the SafeTravel Registration portal.  

If you are concerned that you may not be able to access your RealMe or Passkey systems while you are travelling (including multi-factor authentication), then you should select the password authentication option for your account.