Each year, the British High Commission issues 12,000 visas for New Zealand citizens heading off to the UK. That's not counting the thousands who also hold British passports. A stint in Britain is a Kiwi rite of passage - so here's a few helpful tips to answer some of the most common questions we get asked.

Do I get taxed for importing my things into the UK?

If you are moving your normal home to the UK you are able to bring in your belongings or vehicle free of duty and tax so long as you have lived for the past 12 months continuously outside the European Community, have owned them for at least 6 months, and will keep them for your personal use and not dispose of them within 12 months of arrival.  Goods can be sent before you arrive, but no more than six months beforehand. If you import your things more than 12 months, then you will have to pay tax and duty.

What sort of things can I bring into the UK duty-free?

The duty-free allowances for New Zealand travellers arriving in the UK from outside the European Union are:

200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco
2 lites of still table wine
1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22% volume, or two litres of fortified or sparkling wine
60cc of perfume
250cc of eau de toilette
GBP145 worth of all other goods, including souvenirs.

Further information is available on the HM Revenue & Customs website.

Can I drive in the UK on my New Zealand licence?

The holder of a New Zealand driving licence or International Driving Permit may drive in Great Britain for a period of 12 months. If you're resident in the UK, the 12 months extends from when you took up residence. If you're visiting, it extends from the date you last entered the UK. If you have a heavy vehicle licence, you can only use your licence to drive a vehicle you have actually driven into the country.

After the 12 months is up, you need to exchange your New Zealand licence for a UK licence. To do this, you need to get a D1 application form from a Post Office branch in the UK, which you then need to send into the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea. The New Zealand licence will be returned to the issuing authority.

UK driving licences are valid for a maximum of 10 years, although your actual driving entitlement will normally be valid until your 70th birthday.

For further information contact:

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Longview Road
Morriston
Swansea SA6 7JL
WALES

0044 1792 782 341 (General)
0044 8702 400 009 (Driver)
0044 8702 400 010 (Vehicle)

Website: www.dvla.gov.uk

Can I bring  firearms into the UK as part of my personal belongings?

Individuals wishing to import firearms and/or ammunition before taking up residence in the United Kingdom must apply for a British Visitor’s Firearms Permit.

The importation of firearms into the UK for the purpose of sport or hobby shooting is permitted but is subject to the regulations outlined below. Please note that personal security is not a valid reason for bringing firearms in the UK.  Certain weapons are prohibited from import. A complete list of the prohibited weapons and ammunition is available on the Metropolitan Police website.

You should also check with your airline whether they are willing to carry any firearms on board.

On arrival in the United Kingdom, individuals must declare to HM Revenue & Customs officers any firearms and/or ammunition in their possession. If a Shotgun or Firearms Certificate has been obtained, then the items can be imported into the UK. If a Certificate has not been obtained, HM Revenue & Customs can impound the firearms for up to three months while a Certificate is obtained.

Anyone attempting to enter the UK without declaring firearms and/or ammunition to Customs may face court proceedings.

I'm a New Zealander now living in the UK - am I covered by the public health system?

New Zealand and the UK have a reciprocal social security agreement, which covers health services. However it applies in different ways.

New Zealanders in the UK are covered by the National Health service for medical care. Known conditions and elective surgery are not included. You can get the full range of treatments available under the NHS. These are all free of charge, although there are some charges for medicines, dental treatment, glasses and some medical appliances.

Can my pets come to the UK with me?

The Pet Travel Scheme allows cats and dogs to enter the UK from New Zealand without needing to be quarantinesd.

To travel to the UK from New Zealand under the PETS scheme, the pet must:

1. Be fitted with a microchip
2. Be vaccinated against rabies
3. Be blood tested to show a satisfactory level of protection against rabies
4. Be treated against ticks and a type of tapeworm
5. Have a declaration of residency completed by the owner
6. Be issued with an official PETS certificate
7. Be issued with an Animal Welfare Export certificate

The whole process will take a minimum of about seven months, as the blood test for the level of rabies protection must be taken at least six months prior to entry into the UK.

Certain breeds of dogs are banned from the UK such as Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brasilieros or any animal which appears to have been bred for fighting, will not be allowed entry.

For further information:
http://www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/exports/animals/uk-pets-scheme.htm