** ATIA COMMUNITY **

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

Important information to communicate through to your clients travelling to New Zealand or MERS affected areas.

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)

The Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control has asked for the assistance of ATIA members in making sure more Australians know how to protect themselves from the risk of MERS, a rare but serious viral respiratory illness. The Centre advises that around 84% of MERS cases are reported from Saudi Arabia. MERS is thought to spread through contact with camels, camel products, or another person with MERS. So far there have been no cases in Australia.

A MERS information card is available for travellers which explains what to do during and after travelling to an area affected by MERS. For more information and to download the information card, available in a number of languages, please visit: www.health.gov.au/MERS .

New Zealand Traveller Declaration and changes to eGate eligibility

With an expected increase in travel to New Zealand in the coming weeks, it's important travellers are aware that everyone travelling into New Zealand needs to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). This includes babies and children.

The NZTD collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information. It's free, and can be started at any time. The earliest it can be submitted is 24 hours before a person starts their trip to New Zealand, and it must be submitted by the time they reach passport control in New Zealand.

The NZTD can be done online at www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz or on the NZTD app.

Recent changes mean 10-year-olds can now use Customs' automated eGates on arrival and departure from New Zealand.