I just entered New Zealand as a Pet Sitter for 2 sits and the entry was a bit of an experience.
I’ve been globally pet sitting for 18 months now. So I am considered an perpetual traveller. When entering New Zealand that has given me a grand show.
I was asked many questions by immigration and then passed into customs where I was help for about 1.5-2 hours whilst the very friendly officer (I must say) inspected EVERY SINGLE ITEM IN EVERY SINGLE BAG I had on my body, incl. Dogs, drug swap tests, and questioning. Obviously, nothing has been found and I am happily in my pet sit in one of the most beautiful locations I have ever seen.
But yeah, just sharing my experience as this was the first time ever.
They told me that the computer picks one passenger every flight for screening. This time I got the lucky card. I am unsure if this was targeted based on my travel history or really an unlucky loss in the Russian roulette but I wanted to share that experience.
They even called my host to make sure that I was actually saying the truth.
It was all fine in the end, but I rather not like to do that again.
@Romina_Flummi if you mentioned you are petsitting consider yourself lucky. NZ considers petsitting to be work.
[NZ Visitor Visa]or [NZ Visa Waiver Visitor Visa]
You cannot work on a visitor visa. This includes paid work or work in return for non-financial benefits such as reduced rates or free accommodation, food, or transport.
There are border security shows that mention that various countries look for frequent or recent travel, especially to what are considered drug source countries. Those travelers often get extra screening. They often are asked how they can afford frequent trips, so it can help to be able to explain that.
Irrespective of THS PR then housesitting is legally considered employment with in-kind compensation in many countries. Given low historicalattention then we perceive that enforcement has been mostly lax, until recently. Reason why you were selected in NZ could be a range of factors. Thankfully worked out ok.
Hope that you enjoy a wonderful time in NZ. Sounds pretty fantastic, especially at this time of year. We looked at several NZ listings as part of a potential 2-3 month adventure but alas it did not work out. Enjoy the experience!
Yes, I think that was the reason. The declaration of form asked in which country I was fit 12 months and I did say Indonesia. I guess that’s what it was.
Ah wow! Yes, I consider myself very lucky. I actually did say that I am looking after a pet for a friend whilst she’s on holidays and I did mention THS. They seemed fine with this information though and called my host to verify the information. I also mentioned that I work online, which seems allowed since January 2025 as long as it’s a company outside NZ.
In having said this, the extra screening in Australia and New Zealand are making me a nervous. I am avoiding the US like the plaque to avoid that issue and now here we are.
It’s been worth the trouble as both destinations are amazing, but unsure what to think about it moving forward. I may just stay around Asia and Dubai as they don’t really care too much.
