Travel to the USA

The USA Government has issued an executive order that includes increased scrutiny of all travellers to the United States of America.

The media have reported that researchers and academic staff have been targeted, particularly if their research might be perceived as politically sensitive or contrary to the views of the current administration. Transgender and gender-diverse travellers have also been targeted by US border officials, as have travellers from certain countries nominated by the current administration. 

Please exercise caution and plan ahead if booking travel to the USA, or transiting via a USA airport. Note that officials at the border have authority to inspect information on all your electronic devices, including online profile and posts, searches, downloads, research publications, public commentary, and affiliations. 

See more information on inspection authority from the U.S Customs and Border Protection and the Transportation Security Administration. 

The Society recommends that if you do plan to travel to the USA, you should first advise your employer and register with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade via their SafeTravel page.