nz tourist visa length

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

New Zealand Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa): Eligibility, Requirements and Application Process

Published: February 16, 2024

The New Zealand Visitor Visa is the general tourist visa available to non-visa-waiver nationalities.

Applications can be lodged either online or on paper. It’s cheaper and simpler to do it online as you won’t have to pay fees for a Visa Application Center and couriers. It’s also recommended by the New Zealand Immigration.

Quick summary:

• Eligibility: All nationalities are eligible
• Validity: Valid for 6 months if single entry, or 3-5 years if multiple entry
• Multiple entries: Not more than 6 months in any 12-month period
• Single entry: 9 months
• Visa fee: Up to 246 NZD (if applied online)
• Processing time: 80% of applications are processed within 4 weeks

If you haven’t already, read the New Zealand Visa Guide to familiarize yourself with available visa types for tourists, requirements, eligibility and procedures at the airport.

Table of Contents

Understanding new zealand visitor visa.

Visitor visa validity

In most cases, the New Zealand visitor visa is valid for 3 years with multiple entries.

For Chinese passports, the visa is valid for 5 years, whereas for US passports, the validity is 4 years.

Single-entry visitor visas have 6 months validity.

If your passport expires before that, you are allowed to transfer your visa to your new passport. 

Duration of stay

Multiple-entry visas let you visit New Zealand for up to 6 months at a time. You can spend a maximum of 6 months within any 12 months. 

For example, if you stay in New Zealand for 4 months from January 1 to May 1, then leave and come back on June 1, you will only be allowed to stay 2 more months, i.e. until August 1. Afterwards, you can return to New Zealand no earlier than January 1.

Single-entry visas allow you to stay a maximum of 9 months. This visa cannot allow you to stay in New Zealand for more than 9 months within the last 18 months, for example, if you had another visa before that.

Allowed number of entries

Most New Zealand Visitor visas allow multiple entries.

Single-entry visas are issued if you express your need to stay in New Zealand for longer than 6 months.

Allowed ports of entry

You can enter through any international airport or port.

If you arrive in New Zealand in a different location by private yacht or private aircraft, you must report to a customs port or airport without delay and complete an arrival card there. 

When to apply

• Earliest: 3 months before you travel
• Latest: 1 month before you travel

New Zealand Visitor Visa Requirements

Who requires a visitor visa.

The New Zealand Visitor Visa is required for all nationalities who want to travel to New Zealand for tourism, EXCEPT for:

• Australian passport holders
• Travelers from visa-waiver countries (they must obtain an NZeTA )
• Transit passengers through Auckland International Airport not leaving the transit area (must obtain NZeTA or Transit Visa depending on eligibility)

Documents required

Include as many documents to support your application as you can. You have to satisfy New Zealand Immigration that:

• You are who you say you are
• You won’t be a risk to public health
• You are of good character without a substantial criminal record and not a threat to the public
• You have enough money to support yourself
• You are a genuine tourist visitor who will not overstay or work illegally.

To do this, attach the following documents:

Identity Documents

• Valid Passport or certificate of identity (valid for at least 3 more months after the intended departure date from New Zealand)
• 1 acceptable photo (for online applications)
• Residence Permit or Visa (if you live in a country different from your citizenship)

Health Documents

• normally nothing required
• Chest X-ray but only if you come from or have spent at least 3 months in the past 5 years in a country that doesn’t have a low incidence of tuberculosis .
• Chest X-ray regardless of where you come from
• Medical Certificate

Character Documents

• Normally nothing required
• You must disclose any criminal record or character issues

Proof of Funds Documents

Include documents that show you have at least 1000 NZD per month, or 400 NZD per month if you’ve already paid for your accommodation. For example:

• Bank statements
• Credit card statements
• Traveler cheques
• Proof of booked and paid accommodation 

Genuine Visitor Documents (Bona-fides)

• Explanation of the reasons for your trip
• Hotel bookings
• Tickets for attractions or events
• Transportation tickets
• Passport pages with entry and exit stamps
• Copy of the letter from that country’s immigration authority declining your application (OR)
• A written explanation of why your application was not successful if the original letter is not available.
• Citizenship statuses
• Evidence of Employment, e.g. leave approval letter from employer with expected return date and pay slips
• Evidence of Study, e.g. university letter, student identity card
• Evidence of Relationships, e.g. family register, marriage certificate
• Evidence of Assets, e.g. deed of ownership for property, proof of business ownership
• Evidence you receive a pension, e.g. retirement certificate, pension slips

Photo requirements

For online applications , your photo must be:

• between 500 KB and 3 MB
• between 900 x 1,200 pixels and 2,250 x 3,000 pixels
• JPG or JPEG format.

For paper applications , your photo must be:

• 35 mm wide and 45 mm high

All photos must:

• Be in portrait, not landscape
• Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
• Be in color, showing natural skin tones
• Be in focus, not blurry
• Not contain red-eye
• Be an unedited original
• Not be a selfie
• Be taken 1.5 meters from the face
• Be taken against a plain, light-colored (but not white) background with no patterns or objects
• Only contain plain clothing patterns
• facing straight to the camera
• Keeping your eyes open and mouth closed
• Not smiling or frowning
• Having long hair tucked behind the ears
• Not wearing any sunglasses or hats (prescription glasses are allowed if there is no reflected light or glare)
• Religious head coverings are allowed as long as your face and hairline are visible

Visit this page for examples of acceptable photos .

Visitor visa fee

The Visa fee for paper applications depends on your country and the Visa Application Center (VAC) you apply at. You will also have to pay a VAC processing fee and for courier service.

If you apply online, the visa fee for most nationalities is 246 NZD. This includes the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of 35 NZD.

Citizens of the following Pacific Island Nations pay 171 NZD.

• Federated States of Micronesia
• Marshall Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Solomon Islands

Processing time

As of the time of writing, 80% of all applications are processed within 4 weeks.

New Zealand Visitor Visa Application Process

How to apply for visitor visa.

It’s both easier and cheaper to apply online. As such, the following procedure is for online applications.

Follow these steps:

• Go to the New Zealand Immigration website
• You will be redirected to RealMe to create an account
• Start a new application
• Fill in your personal information and attach a photo (the system will check the photo for eligibility)
• Answer questions about your reasons for visiting New Zealand, your character, health, employment history and relationships
• Attach as many documents as you deem necessary
• Pay the visa fee
• Submit the application

Track visitor visa status

You can track your visa status in the dashboard of the application webpage.

Download approved visitor visa

If you made an online application, you must print your eVisa and carry it with you when you travel to New Zealand. You will get a visa label when you make a paper application, in which case you do not need to print anything. 

Visitor visa customer service

For additional help, check the Resource Library or make a complaint .

Procedure at the Border

When you arrive in New Zealand, you must complete a Traveler Declaration and seek entrance permission.

Approach an Immigration Officer

You must be able to produce evidence that you will meet the conditions of your visa. Officers usually ask to see:

• Onward travel ticket
• Booking confirmations

Clear Customs

Be extremely careful with the customs declaration you submit. Declare all items or goods listed on the form. Failure to do so, even if the items are benign, may lead to instant fines or even the cancellation of your visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is new zealand tourist visa easy to get.

The New Zealand Tourist Visa is easy to obtain if you submit all the necessary documents and enough proof that you intend to visit the country as a genuine tourist.

Is there an interview for New Zealand tourist visa?

In most cases there is no interview for the New Zealand Visitor Visa. Immigration may ask you to submit more documents to explain your circumstances. In very rare cases, you may be invited for an interview.

Is return ticket required for visitor visa to New Zealand?

Yes, a return ticket is a mandatory condition to enter New Zealand.

How much bank balance is required for New Zealand tourist visa?

The minimum bank balance required for a New Zealand tourist visa is 1000 NZD per month of intended stay. If you can prove that you’ve already paid for accommodation, the required amount drops to 400 NZD per month.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

06. Get your zero-fee ATM card

You can manage money internationally in over 70 currencies using  Wise . With a Wise card, you can store and withdraw cash in 40 currencies with zero ATM fees. 

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

MORE VISA GUIDES

UNITED KINGDOM

VIEW ALL VISA GUIDES

• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel Reservation
• Travel Insurance
• Onward Ticket
• Testimonials

Search this site

Visas and entry requirements

Visas, New Zealand

By Tourism New Zealand

Learn more about the available visa options and entry requirements into Aotearoa New Zealand, including the New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

Aotearoa New Zealand enjoys welcoming visitors (manuhiri) to our beautiful country.

Having a valid passport, the right visa and completing the entry requirements are key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand.

Your passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa .

On this page, you'll find helpful information on:

• Arriving in New Zealand
• Visitor visa for a holiday
• Working holiday visa
• Transit visa (through New Zealand or Australia)

New Zealand visa options

Visiting new zealand for a holiday.

You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are:

• A New Zealand citizen travelling on a New Zealand passport or on a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement
• An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport
• A foreign passport holder with a valid visa for New Zealand - including a Permanent Resident visa

If you plan to visit New Zealand for a short period, you need to request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (opens in new window) (NZeTA) before you travel if you are:

• A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver (opens in new window) agreement with New Zealand (you can stay up to three months)

If you don’t meet the above, then you’ll need a visitor visa. The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visitor visa (opens in new window) is online.

Before travelling to New Zealand, you need to make sure your passport is valid for at least three months longer than your expected departure date.

Be sure to request your NZeTA (opens in new window) , or apply for your visitor visa well in advance of travel to avoid delays, and only use the official NZeTA website to request your New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority.

For more information on cost and processing times, visit the official NZeTA website .

If you have a biometric ordinary passport (or electronic passport) and are over 12 years old, you may be able to use New Zealand Customs eGate service. This allows you to complete your Customs and Immigration checks faster so you can get on with enjoying your visit to New Zealand.

Essential travel information

Working holidays.

Working holiday visas (opens in new window) are available to young people, usually aged 18-30 (but 18-35 for a select few nationalities). They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months if you’re from the UK. To apply you’ll need to meet the visa requirements, and have:

• A return ticket, or enough money to pay for one; and 
• Be coming mainly to holiday, with work being a secondary intention.

Back to the top

Work visas and staying permanently

If you’re thinking of coming to New Zealand to work for a few years, or maybe even to settle, you’ll need a work or resident visa. To get that – you’re likely to need a job.

For information about working in New Zealand, including industry profiles, tips on job hunting, and a list of job sites to check out, visit New Zealand Now. (opens in new window)

Transiting through New Zealand or Australia

If you are travelling to New Zealand via an Australian airport, you may also need an Australian visa – consult your travel agent or airline if you are unsure.

Transit visas (opens in new window) will also be needed for all people travelling via New Zealand, unless they are specifically exempted by immigration policy.

More information about visas

The visa and immigration information on this page is just a summary. For everything you need to know about coming to New Zealand, visit Immigration New Zealand. (opens in new window)

Find out if you need a visa

Arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand

Everyone entering New Zealand needs to complete a  New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) (opens in new window)  including babies and children.

Traveller Declaration requirements (opens in new window)

It’s free and you can complete it on the NZTD website or by downloading the NZTD app ahead of your travel.

You can start your NZTD at a time that suits you. If arriving by plane, the earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before you start your trip to New Zealand. An NZTD needs to be submitted by the time you reach New Zealand passport control.

If arriving by boat (including cruise ships), the earliest you can submit your NZTD is 24 hours before departing the vessel’s last foreign port prior to arriving in New Zealand.

It needs to be submitted by the time the vessel has berthed at its first port in New Zealand. ​

If you apply for a visa or NZeTA, you still need to complete an NZTD (opens in new window) .

Here's how to complete your declaration online. 

The form is available in English and Te Reo Māori, as well as simplified and traditional Chinese Mandarin. 

From April 2024, the form will be in 12 more languages: Hindi, Samoan, Fijian, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Tagalog, Tamil, Tongan, and Portuguese.

Paper NZTD forms will be available for travellers who cannot complete it online.

Fill out your NZ Traveller Declaration

What you can bring into New Zealand

After you’ve cleared passport control, you should collect your baggage and proceed through customs and biosecurity checks. In order to protect New Zealand and its environment, certain items are not allowed to be brought into the country, have restrictions for entry or must be declared if they are deemed to present a biosecurity risk. These include food, plants, animal products and outdoor recreational equipment.

Your baggage may be sniffed by a detector dog and/or x-rayed, and it may be searched to identify any risk goods you might be carrying.

To avoid penalties it is best to familiarise yourself with these guidelines prior to travel. For a detailed list of prohibited, restricted or declarable items, please visit Ministry for Primary Industries (opens in new window) (biosecurity agency).

Allowances and duty free concessions

As a visitor to New Zealand you may be entitled to various concessions and duty free entries on some of your goods. If you are 17 years or older, you are entitled to allowances for alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco. For detailed information on allowances and duty free concessions, please visit New Zealand Customs (opens in new window) .

• Share on Facebook
• Share by email

Where to Next?

Travelling to NZ long-arrow-right

Travel agents and agencies long-arrow-right

Flights to New Zealand long-arrow-right

Home » New Zealand Visas » New Zealand Visitor Visa

New Zealand Visitor Visa

Related posts.

• Everything You Need To Know About NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)

Do You Need a New Zealand Visitor Visa to Enter the Country?

• You do not belong to a visa-waiver country
• You plan to spend more than 3 months during your visit to New Zealand (this term is 6 months for travellers from the UK)
• You have a criminal background
• You have health issues than can endanger public health or turn out to be expensive for New Zealand’s public health services

You need to get either a New Zealand visitor visa or an NZeTA, not both! If you are not sure about the right option in your case, book a consultation with our immigration experts who have helped scores of clients visit New Zealand without landing into travel visa issues.

• You have served prison time
• You have serious health problems
• You have been engaged in terrorist or criminal activities
• You have been deported from some country

What is the Length of New Zealand Visitor Visa?

• You require more time to finish your travel plan
• You are unable to leave New Zealand due to unavoidable circumstances
• This is the first time you have applied for New Zealand residence

Our licensed immigration consultants are standing by to offer you paid consultation to help you with your visitor visa extension.

What Other Conditions Are Imposed on New Zealand Visitor Visa?

• A valid ticket and travel documents proving you can visit that country; or
• An agreeable sponsor who is willing to pay for your travel from New Zealand to the country you are authorized to travel to.
• Visit your family and friends, partake in adventure activities, enjoy amateur sports and explore New Zealand’s landscapes.
• Add your dependent children, younger than 19 years, and partner as part of your visitor visa application.

New Zealand Visitor Visa Processing Time

How much does it cost to procure a visitor visa for new zealand.

Let our licensed immigration advisers help you get your New Zealand visitor visa at the earliest. Book an appointment with us to discuss your visa requirements.

Do you want to discuss your case with our licensed immigration advisers?

Book a consultation now.

Visitor visas and the NZeTA

Check if you need an nzeta or a visitor visa.

If you come to New Zealand on holiday, you’ll need to get either an NZeTA or a visitor visa — unless you’re an Australian.

How to apply for a visitor visa

If you come to New Zealand on holiday, you might need to apply for a visitor visa before you arrive. Work out what you need to do to apply.

How to request an NZeTA

Find out how to request an NZeTA (New Zealand electronic Travel Authority) and how much it costs. Allow 72 hours for your request to be processed.

How to pay the International Visitor Levy

Most people visiting New Zealand for a short period of time must pay the NZD$35 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

Utility links and page information

JavaScript is currently turned off in your browser — this means you cannot submit the feedback form. It's easy to turn on JavaScript — Learn how to turn on JavaScript in your web browser. If you're unable to turn on JavaScript — email your feedback to [email protected] .

Do not enter personal information. All fields are optional.

You must enable JavaScript to submit this form

Contact NZ government

• A-Z of government agencies
• Contact details by topic

About this website

• About Govt.nz
• Feedback about Govt.nz
• The scope of Govt.nz

Using this website

• Accessibility
• Terms of use

Date printed 11 April 2024

• facebook-official
• youtube-play
• pinterest-circled

NZ Tourist Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit New Zealand?

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, a guide to the tourist visa (visitor visa) and the nzeta for new zealand.

It’s no secret that the New Zealand borders are pretty strict. Nevertheless, the vast majority of visitors to New Zealand. i.e. people visiting to travel and explore, do not need to apply for a Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa) before arriving in the country. They do, however, need to pay for the NZeTA . Alternatively, there are certain nationalities that will need to apply for a Visitor Visa before arrival. Sounds complicated? We aim to break it down and make the visa process easier to understand in this guide to visas for visiting New Zealand.

What is a Visitor Visa For and How Long Can You Stay in New Zealand on a Tourist Visa?

“Visiting” New Zealand refers to someone temporarily staying in New Zealand without working in the country. The maximum time you can stay in New Zealand as a visitor depends on what country you are from. Read our quick guide below to find out what you need to visit New Zealand.

You Do Not Need to Get a Tourist Visa if…

If any of the following circumstances apply to you, you do not need to apply for a visitor visa (tourist visa) to New Zealand. Some of them are pretty darn obvious, but we will list them to cover all the bases.

• You are a New Zealand or Australian citizen
• You have a New Zealand resident visa
• You have a New Zealand permanent resident visa
• You have an Australian permanent residence visa
• You have an Australian resident return visa (excludes Australian temporary or provisional residence visa)
• You are from a visa-waiver country (see below).

There are also exceptions for people, for example, who are air flight crew, military, cruise ship passengers, etc. You can find more information about that on the Immigration New Zealand website .

Visa-Waiver Countries: Which Countries Do Not Need a Visa for New Zealand?

Some countries have an agreement with New Zealand and their citizens are allowed to come to New Zealand for three months to travel without having to go through the process of getting a visa . As you can see, there are heaps of countries on the visa-waiver list. We have listed them by continent to make finding your country easier.

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom (6 months allowance), Vatican City

North America

Canada, United States of America

South America

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay

Middle East

Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

Brunei, Korea (South), Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan

South Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius

List date: 2023. For the full list please refer to the official visa waiver countries page .

New Zealand Visitor Visa Requirements: Conditions for People from a Visa-Waiver Country

From a visa-waiver country? That’s great! This means you don’t have to apply for a visa before you come to New Zealand. However, there are a few things you should be aware of before arriving in the country.

You must make sure you:

• have paid the NZeTA and IVL (see section below)
• complete the “ Traveller Declaration ” during the flight to New Zealand or online 24 hours before travel
• have a passport that is valid three months beyond the date you intend to leave New Zealand
• have evidence for sufficient funds and onward travel (see the section below)
• stay in New Zealand for nine months or less in an 18-month period
• have no intention of studying or working in New Zealand (for that, you would need a working holiday visa or student visa , for example).

Please note that, as a citizen of a visa-waiver country, your visitor visa will be granted at the airport on arrival in New Zealand. It will usually be electronic, meaning that you may not get a visa stamp or label on your passport.

The NZeTA and IVL

Travellers from visa-waiver countries might not have to physically apply for a visitor visa for New Zealand but they do have to request and pay the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) and IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) before arrival.

How Long Does it Take to Get an NZeTA?

It is best to request them as soon as possible, as it can take up to 72 hours for an NZeTA approval.

How to Get an NZeTA

There are two ways of paying for the NZeTA and IVL:

• Through the Immigration New Zealand Android or Apple App
• Through the Immigration  New Zealand website form .

How Long is the NZeTA Valid?

The NZeTA and IVL are valid for multiple visits and transits to New Zealand for up to two years.

For more information on the NZeTA and IVL, take a look at the  What You Need to Know About the New Zealand ETA & Visitor Levy and the 10 Things You Need to Know About the NZETA .

Evidence of Sufficient Funds and Onward Travel for Visitors and Tourists

Whether you have a New Zealand tourist visa (visitor visa) or an NZeTA, you will need to prepare some documents to present to the immigration officer on arrival in New Zealand. It’s true that these documents are not always asked for, but the time you risk it will no doubt be the time that you need the documents. You will need evidence of onward travel and evidence of sufficient maintenance funds while you are in the country.

What Type of Onward Travel Evidence is Accepted?

• Travel tickets (can be confirmed or open-dated) out of New Zealand.
• Written confirmation from an airline or travel agency that onward travel is booked and paid.
• Anything that demonstrates a confirmed departure from New Zealand , like a yacht or private aircraft departure.

How Much Funds Do You Need to Visit New Zealand?

In other words, how much money do you need in your bank account to go to New Zealand? You need to provide evidence to show you have either NZ$1,000 per month that you intend to stay in New Zealand or NZ$400 per month with evidence that you have paid for accommodation. ( Learn more about the New Zealand currency here ).

What Types of Fund Evidence are Accepted?

• Bank drafts
• Bank statements in your name
• Letters of credit
• Photocopies of travellers’ cheques.

Not from a Visa-Waiver Country?

… then you will need to apply for a new zealand tourist visa (visitor visa) before arrival.

Sure, it’s a bit more hassle, but nothing that a bit of forward planning can’t handle.

How to Get a New Zealand Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa)

Those from countries not listed on the visa-waiver list must print and fill out the Visitor Visa Application (INZ 1017) form and send the paper application to your nearest Immigration New Zealand office. You can find the address on the Office and Fee Finder . Your visitor visa must be accepted before you enter New Zealand.

In order to complete the visitor visa application form, you need the following:

• The appropriate fee (see the Office and Fee Finder )
• Two passport-sized coloured photos
• Your passport or travel document
• If required, a medical and x-ray certificate (in most cases it is not required)
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay (see the section above)
• Evidence of onward travel (see the section above).

Note that those who have to apply and pay for a visitor visa are not required to pay the NZeTA and IVL .

How Long Does it Take to Get an NZ Visitor Visa?

Processing times for visas fluctuate but Immigration New Zealand is known for processing 90% of Visitor Visa applications within 37 weekdays. See the latest processing time on this page of the Immigration New Zealand website .

More About the Visa to Visit New Zealand

That’s it for our complete guide to the New Zealand tourist visa and NZeTA. For more advice on visiting formalities, check out the following guides:

• Arriving in New Zealand: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process
• The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa : Everything You Need to Know!
• Which Visa Do You Need to Study in New Zealand?

Finally, find more essential travel advice in the 31 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand and   The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

Was this article useful?

Related posts, how to create the perfect new zealand road trip itinerary 🏔️ [2024], 30 reasons to travel in the shoulder and low seasons in new zealand, disability & backpacking in new zealand, 10 ways to experience new zealand from home, 20 essential must-dos before moving to new zealand 🥝, the best time to visit the north island, recommended for you, how to sell your car or campervan in new zealand, hitchhiking in new zealand: full guide 👍, the best ways to buy a backpacker cars & campervans in new zealand, destinations, travel tips, connect with us, accommodation.

Welcome/Kia Ora By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and terms of use within it which includes sponsored posts and affiliate links.

Connect with us

Welcome/Kia Ora! By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it.

© 2024 NZ Pocket Guide. Contact – Disclaimer – About Us – Our Standards

• Residence Visas
• Student Visas
• Visitor visas
• Business and Investor visas
• The Immigration and Protection Tribunal
• Evaluation of Overseas Qualification
• Book a Meeting
• Testimonials

Visitor visa

A visitor visa does not allow you to work in New Zealand.

A visitor visa allows you to stay in New Zealand as a visitor for a limited amount of time. A visitor visa allows a person to travel to the New Zealand border and, if they are granted permission to enter, it allows them to remain in the country.

It allows you to:

• Visit as a tourist
• Visit friends or relatives
• Play sport or perform in cultural events without pay
• Enter New Zealand to get married
• Undertake short-term study.

A visitor visa allows you to study one or more courses of up to a total of three months in each of the 12-month periods your visa is valid. School-aged visitor visa holders can attend a primary, intermediate, or secondary school for a single period of study of up to three months per calendar year provided the study finishes within that calendar year. You are also not permitted to study in term one of a school year if you held a visitor visa and undertook a single period of study in term four of the previous year. If you want to study for longer than three months, you will need to apply for a student visa.

It is an offence for an education provider to allow a person to undertake a course of study if that person is not entitled to do so. Your course of study and education provider must be approved by the Ministry of Education to offer places to overseas students. Your education provider must also be a signatory to the Ministry of Education’s Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (the Code) to be able to offer you a place. You can find out from the education provider whether they and their courses are approved. Visitors aged 13 and under who wish to study a course of up to three months at a Private Training Establishment (PTE), must also meet the guardianship requirements set out in the Code.

There are some special visitor categories which allow visitors to enter New Zealand for particular purposes – ‘Special visitor categories’.

Visa-waiver visitors:

If you are the holder of a current Australian permanent residence visa or a current Australian resident return visa, you do not need a visa to travel to New Zealand. You must apply for a resident visa on arrival. You will do this by completing an arrival card on the aircraft/ship on your way to New Zealand. Some other groups of visitors from overseas do not need a visa to travel to New Zealand:

• British citizens/British passport holders intending to visit for six months or less
• People travelling on a United Nations laissezpasser intending to visit New Zealand for three months or less
• People from a country on our list of visa-waiver countries (see below) intending to visit New Zealand for three months or less

Visa-waiver countries

Andorra Argentina Austria Bahrain Belgium Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Canada Chile Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Japan Korea (South) Kuwait Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Monaco Netherlands Norway Oman Poland Portugal Qaar Romania San Marino Saudi Arabia Seychelles Singapore Slovak Republic Slovenia Spain Swededn Switzerland Taiwan United Arab Emirates United States of America Uruguay Vatican City

If you are in one of these groups, you are a ‘visawaiver visitor’, and you do not need a visitor visa to travel to New Zealand. You need to apply for a visitor visa, but you will do this by completing an arrival card on the aircraft/ship on your way to New Zealand.

You must also:

• Hold a valid ticket out of New Zealand to a country you have the right of entry to
• Have enough money to support yourself during your stay
• Hold a passport valid for three months beyond the date you are leaving New Zealand.

The visa you are granted will allow a stay in New Zealand of no more than six months in a 12-month period. The 12-month period is calculated backwards from the last day you intend to be in New Zealand. For example, if you want to stay until 1 December 2017, you should count back 12 months, which would have been 1 December 2016. You must only visit New Zealand for the time granted to you on arrival.

If you wish to visit for longer, you will need to apply for another visitor visa. If you want to work, or study for longer than three months, in New Zealand you will have to apply for a work visa or a student visa.

Multiple entry visas If you are a frequent visitor to New Zealand and you want to leave and re-enter the country, you will need to hold a multiple entry visitor visa. Under general visitor instructions most applicants for visitor visas will be granted a multiple entry visa. If you are already in New Zealand and your visa does not allow you to leave and re-enter, then you will need to apply to have the conditions of your visa varied to allow travel. To be eligible you must not have been in New Zealand for more than nine months in the last 18 months. We will want to know the reasons you require a multiple entry visa, and we may ask you to provide evidence.

Under parent and grandparent instructions

You may be granted a multiple entry visa if you have family members in New Zealand and you are outside New Zealand. Under these instructions you may visit your child or grandchild several times over a three-year period. See ‘Special visitor categories’.

Applying for a limited visa

You can apply for a limited visa if you wish to come to New Zealand for a specific reason. Holding a limited visa restricts your immigration rights when you are in New Zealand. If you are granted a limited visa you are liable for deportation immediately when the visa expires, and you have no rights of appeal.

Who can you include in your application?

You can include your partner and your dependent children in your application. Their visitor visas will have the same conditions as yours – if they want to study or work in New Zealand they will have to apply for a student or work visa.

Your partner can be of the same sex or opposite sex, and can be:

• your partner by marriage
• your partner by civil union
• your partner in a de facto relationship.

Dependent children must be:

• Aged 19 or younger
• Single, and if they are aged 18-19, must have no children of their own
• Totally or substantially reliant on you or your partner for financial support, whether they live with you or not.

How much money do you need when you are in New Zealand?

You will need to show at the border that you can support yourself and anyone else included in your application financially while you are in New Zealand.

You will also need to show that you have tickets for your travel out of New Zealand (or the money to buy them).

Will you be eligible for publicly funded health care in New Zealand?

Visitor visa holders are not generally eligible for publicly funded health and disability services. People covered by New Zealand’s reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom are entitled to publicly funded health care for immediately necessary medical treatment only.

If you seek health care when you are in New Zealand, you should carry your passport so that health providers can check whether you are eligible for publicly funded health care. The INZ strongly recommends that you arrange comprehensive health insurance for your stay in New Zealand. For more information about health services, see the Ministry of Health website www.health.govt.nz.

Interim visas If you are currently in New Zealand, hold a valid temporary visa and have an application for a further visitor visa being considered by INZ, you may be eligible for an interim visa. The INZ will make a decision on whether to grant you an interim visa close to the day your current visa expires and will inform you by email or letter. You cannot apply for an interim visa and there are no fees or forms for interim visas. There is no guarantee that you will be granted an interim visa. Interim visas do not have travel conditions and are valid for a maximum of six months or until a decision is reached on your application – whichever is earlier.

If your dependent child is aged under 18, the INZ will probably not ask for evidence that they are dependent on you. If they are aged 18-19, the INZ may ask to see evidence that they are dependent on you/your partner.

How long can you visit for?

Unless otherwise stated under special instructions, visitors to New Zealand are limited to a maximum stay of nine months on a visitor visa. However, the INZ may allow you to stay a further three months if you have financially supported yourself and you have not worked, studied, or been sponsored during your stay. If you have recently visited New Zealand and you wish to visit again, you should be aware that the instructions allow a visitor to stay a total of no more than nine months in an 18-month period. The 18-month period is calculated backwards from the last day you intend to be in New Zealand. For example, if you want to stay until 1 December 2017, you should count back 18 months, which would have been 1 June 2016. However, if you have spent a total of 12 months in New Zealand as a visitor, you will have to remain outside New Zealand for 12 months before a further application for a visitor visa may be approved.

• You pick the destination, we have all the visa information ready

What are the New Zealand tourist visa requirements?

• Oceania Visas
• New Zealand visa
• New Zealand Visitor visa: Application Process

A New Zealand tourist visa is issued to foreigners who want to learn about the culture, scenery, and friendly people of New Zealand. Travelers under this visa can visit New Zealand for the following purposes:

• Business negotiation
• Sightseeing
• Visiting families and friends

This blog reviews essential details about New Zealand tourist visa requirements, fees to be paid, application procedure, and processing time.

Table of Contents

What is a New Zealand tourist visa?

As mentioned, all foreigners need a tourist visa to travel to New Zealand. However, people in some countries can travel to New Zealand without a visa. These countries are:

Video description

The links and extra information are explained in the video:

Immigration New Zealand website to apply for a tourist visa:

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/visitor-visa

Request for an NZeTA online:

https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/

Applying for a New Zealand visitor visa online:

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/visit/explore-visitor-visa-options

New Zealand visitor visa application form:

https://visalibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/New-Zealnds-application-form.pdf

A sample of cover letter:

Citizens of these countries must obtain an NZeTA instead of a visa ( New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).

As mentioned, this visa is issued to people who intend to enter New Zealand to visit this country as a tourist or meet their families or friends. In addition to these activities, the holder of this visa can study for up to 3 months. This visa is valid for nine months. You can include your partner and children to this visa. Applicants for New Zealand tourist visa must submit the following documents:

• Passport validity must be 6 months longer than the date of entry into New Zealand.
• Two photos with white background and dimensions of 35 by 45 mm
• New Zealand tourist visa application form: visa application form INZ 1017
• Cover letter explaining the intention to travel to New Zealand
• Applicants for a New Zealand tourist visa must prove their intention to return to their home country.
• Trip itinerary with plane tickets
• A bank statement that shows the amount of transaction during the last six months
• Income Tax Returns in the previous three years
• If the applicant is employed, he has to demonstrate the following documents:
• Salaries received over the past three months
• Leave letter issued by the employer
• If the applicant is the company owner or self-employed, he must show the following documents:
• Company registration documents
• Company financial documents

How to petition for a New Zealand tourist visa?

There are two ways to apply for this visa:

1. Online submission:

New Zealand tourist visa applications can be submitted online. Sending online can speed up the processing process. To submit an online application, you must visit the official website of the New Zealand government and create an account. Then send the documents along with your photo. You can pay your application fee by a credit card.

Once you send your application online, you will no longer need to track. The New Zealand government will review your documents, and you will be contacted if necessary.

You need to login by your RealMe® account to follow your request. If the status of your application is “Submitted,” it means that it is ready for processing. You need to login by your RealMe® account to follow your request.

2. Paper submission:

If you cannot apply online, you must submit your documents to the nearest New Zealand Immigration Office or Visa Application Center.

The following will be considered when processing the documents:

• The applicant can meet the requirements set out in the New Zealand Immigration Instruction.
•  Whether he/she is a genuine applicant
• The details of the documents indicating the kinship will be examined if the applicant has a relative or family member in New Zealand.

How much does it cost to get a tourist visa?

New Zealand tourist visa fees include the following:

• Application fees for a tourist visa range from  NZ$ 150 to NZ$ 190. However, the applicant must pay additional fees:
• Immigration Levy: The applicants must pay $NZ 21 as immigration levy. This cost is spent on improving the circumstances of immigrants in New Zealand. It also helps attract more immigrants to this country.
• International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy or IVL:  Payment of this fee by applicants for a tourist visa will help the New Zealand government to strengthen its tourism infrastructure. Applicants must pay  $NZ35 as IVL.

How long is this visa valid?

This visa is valid for nine months in 18 months. This period is calculated backward from the last day you intend to be in New Zealand.

How long does it take to assess the documents and issue a visa?

The New Zealand tourist visa processing time depends on the embassies’ workload and when the application is submitted. For example, between November to March, the number of submitted applications is high, so the processing time is longer. But on average, it can be said that 90% of completed applications will be processed within 36 working days.

How can this visa be extended?

In the following conditions, a New Zealand tourist visa holder can extend this visa for another three months:

• The applicant needs more time to complete his tourist trip.
• The holder of a tourist visa cannot leave the country for reasons such as illness or accident.
• The applicant has applied for residency for the first time.

Thus, the validity of this visa will be 12 months in 24 months. If you have recently visited New Zealand for 12 months, you must stay outside of New Zealand for 12 months before applying for another tourist visa.

Remember to leave the country before the visa expires. The expiration date of the visa permission is indicated on the visa label or in the visa letter.

Will a New Zealand tourist visa holder be allowed to work under this visa?

No. If you intend to work in this country, you must apply for a work visa appropriate for your circumstances. Also, if you plan to do business while you are in New Zealand, you must apply for a business visitor visa .

Which training courses are allowed for the tourist visa holders?

Applicants are allowed to choose courses that:

• The Ministry of Education must approve the training course.
• The provider of this course must be a signatory of the Ministry of Education’s Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.

Let ‘s sum up…

We tried to provide classified information regarding applying for a New Zealand tourist visa alongside the form, fees, and requirements. On the Visa Library website, you can learn about other New Zealand visas as well as ways to immigrate to other countries. In case you have some experience, please write it down in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences in comments is a great help for applicants.

How useful was this article?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 4 / 5. Vote count: 1

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this article.

Please I need your help. I want to apply for a New Zealand Visa I’m a Nigerian and I don’t get to go see the options . I want to apply on a tourist visa

All the information you need is provided on this page and in the video. Your question is not vague. Be more specific to get your answer.

Visa Library only provides information at the moment; sorry, be specific with your problem.

Before you can apply to become a teacher in British Columbia, Canada, or anywhere else in the country, you need…

Yes, it is indeed feasible to convert your current visa status in South Korea from student (D2) to dependent family…

Yes, you can practice dentistry or teach at dental schools in Malaysia after earning your Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree…

• Handyvisas.com >
• Visa Policy by Nationality >

New Zealand Visa Policy

Familiarize yourself with the visa policy of New Zealand and check requirements for your nationality.

Visa Policy for New Zealand

On this page, you can check the New Zealand visa policy and discover the requirements to travel to New Zealand for your nationality.

The NZ visa policy determines the requirements to visit New Zealand or stay in the country long-term as a foreign national.

The immigration policy of New Zealand varies depending on the traveler’s nationality, so you should check the New Zealand visa requirements for your country of passport before planning a trip.

Passport holders from around 70 countries around the world are able to travel to New Zealand visa-free for stays of up to 3 months.

To enjoy visa exemption, all citizens of these countries must pre-register for an NZeTA — a multiple-entry electronic Travel Authority — and receive approval before traveling to New Zealand.

This can be done in a matter of minutes by completing a quick online form . Once the NZeTA is granted, it is valid for 2 years, allowing multiple visits during this period.

The only exception is citizens of Australia , who do not need to obtain travel authorization or an embassy visa in advance and are deemed to hold resident status in New Zealand upon arrival, under the Trans-Tasman travel arrangement.

Foreign citizens not eligible for the NZeTA need a visa for New Zealand , from an embassy or consulate.

The same is true for any travelers who wish to visit New Zealand for periods of stay or purposes other than those permitted with an eTA. They must apply for one of the relevant types of visa for New Zealand from a NZ embassy or consulate.

No New Zealand visa bans for any nationalities are currently in place.

Discover the NZ travel visa restrictions for your nationality below, and do not forget to check this page regularly for any New Zealand immigration policy changes in the future.

Tourist Visa Policy for New Zealand

The New Zealand tourist visa policy depends on the nationality of the traveler and the length of the intended stay in the country.

Many travelers are visa-exempt for short stays for tourism and therefore must apply online for an eTA for New Zealand in advance.

The eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) is quick and easy to obtain online . It cuts out the need to go all the way to a diplomatic mission to submit visa paperwork. Applications for NZeTAs are processed within 3 business days at most — much faster than visas.

Visitors not eligible for the NZ eTA program are required to apply for a New Zealand visa for tourism from a NZ government diplomatic office in their country of residence.

Regardless of whether they require a visa to visit New Zealand or not, all foreign travelers to the country are required to have a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the period of intended stay.

Find out if you need to apply for one of the New Zealand visa options by browsing the map below.

New Zealand eTA Required

The visa policy of New Zealand states that citizens of around 70 visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) in order to board transportation bound for New Zealand and gain entry upon arrival.

A New Zealand eTA is a multiple-entry electronic visa waiver.

It became mandatory for visa-exempt visitors , as well as airline and cruise line crew of all nationalities, in October 2019.

The eTA for New Zealand is available through a simple online application. Once approved, it is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport.

There is no need to apply for a visa or travel authority in person. Simply complete the short form using a computer or device with an internet connection .

The eTA is often approved immediately , taking at most a few working days.

This saves a lot of time that would otherwise be spent going all the way to the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate, filling out the paperwork and providing supporting documents in person, and waiting much longer for an NZ visa to be processed.

An approved eTA New Zealand permits a stay of up to 3 months from the intended date of arrival.

British nationals with proof that you have the right to live in the United Kingdom are allowed to stay for a period of up to 6 months,with each entry.

An NZ eTA is valid for a total of 2 years from the date of issue. It grants travel authorization to visit the country for purposes of tourism, business, or transit .

The Electronic Travel Authorization for New Zealand for airline and cruise crew is valid for 5 years from the date of approval.

The NZ eTA is mandatory for eligible passengers who are in transit , on the way to a third destination, through Auckland Airport.

Below you can find a full list of nationalities for which an eTA is needed to visit New Zealand.

New Zealand eTA Required: Country list

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brunei Darussalam
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Guinea Bissau
• Ivory Coast
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Netherlands
• North Korea
• Palestinian Territory
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Republic of Cyprus
• Russian Federation
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• Switzerland
• Syrian Arab Republic
• Timor Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vatican City

Mandatory New Zealand IVL

Since July 2019, it has been necessary for all citizens requiring an NZ eTA to pay a small tourist tax — the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) — to enter New Zealand.

The IVL has been introduced by the NZ government as a way for foreign visitors to directly contribute to protecting the unique nature of New Zealand and the infrastructure they will enjoy during their visit.

The money raised by the IVL for New Zealand will be used to invest in sustainable tourism and conservation projects in the country.

The tax will automatically be added to the existing NZeTA fee during the application process and is valid for the duration of the travel authorization.

All foreign citizens not eligible for the eTA who are traveling to New Zealand on consular tourist visas, student visas, or work visas must also pay the New Zealand IVL fee .

Embassy or Consular Visa Required

New Zealand immigration requirements state that there are over 50 nationalities for which an embassy visa is required to travel to New Zealand, no matter the duration and purpose of the intended stay in the country.

The protocol for obtaining an embassy visa for New Zealand involves making an appointment at a NZ government diplomatic office. This may be a New Zealand embassy or consulate .

It is then necessary to submit an application alongside a range of different supporting documents depending on the type of visa requested.

When applying for a New Zealand embassy visa, it is necessary to indicate which of the visa options the traveler requires , whether for tourism or business, to study or work, or to transit through New Zealand to an onward destination.

Although visa waiver applicants do not need to apply for a visa for short stays for tourism, business, or transit, New Zealand visa waiver citizens are required to obtain an embassy visa for longer stays or for other purposes. Nationals of  visa waiver countries are able to submit an application for a student, work, or visitor visa or for a tourism purposes for a stay of up to 9 months.

The validity period of an approved NZ embassy visa depends on the purpose of the intended stay.

Browse the list below to discover if you require an embassy visa to travel to New Zealand for your nationality.

Embassy or Consular Visa Required: Country list

• Aland Islands
• American Samoa
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Christmas Island
• Cocos Islands
• Cook Islands
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• Isle of Man
• New Caledonia
• Norfolk Island
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Pitcairn Islands
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Helena
• Saint Martin
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• Sint Maarten
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• Svalbard and Jan Mayen
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United States Virgin Islands
• Wallis and Futuna

Visa and eTA Not Required

You do not need an NZeTA if you hold a visa for New Zealand, or are an Australian or New Zealand citizen.

New Zealand visa laws state that a visa is not required for citizens of Australia who wish to visit the country, nor is an electronic travel authority (eTA), under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement.

Australian citizens do not need a visa for New Zealand no matter the duration or purpose of the intended stay in the country. This is because of laws established under the 2009 Immigration Act, which permits a person to reside in New Zealand if they hold a residence class visa.

Under the Act, all Australian permanent residents and Australian citizens are considered to hold a residence class visa for New Zealand.

Therefore, Australian passport holders are automatically granted a free electronic visa on arrival for New Zealand to facilitate their entry to the country, without having to fulfill any formalities such as completing a visa application form.

The only restrictions to entry to New Zealand for an Australian national are if the traveler has certain criminal convictions with jail time served, if they have been removed or deported from any country, or if they are a member of a group designated as a terrorist entity.

An Australian citizen may also be denied a visa for New Zealand on arrival if they are deemed by the Minister of Immigration to be likely to commit an imprisonable offense or to be a threat or risk to the security or public order.

Visa and eTA Not Required: Country list

Transit visa not required through auckland airport.

Some foreign citizens do not need a visa to transit through New Zealand if they are passing through Auckland Airport for less than 24 hours and do not leave the transit area of the airport.

These include travelers with an NZeTA (see the list of countries above).

Citizens of the following countries may also apply for an NZeTA for transit through Auckland to avoid having to apply for a transit visa. These are transit visa waiver countries:

• The Marshall Islands
• The Solomon Islands

All foreign citizens who intend to transit through New Zealand at Auckland airport for more than 24 hours or leave the transit area, or who intend to transit through another airport in New Zealand , are required to obtain either an eTA online or a consular NZ transit visa in order to do so.

You must also apply for a transit visa if you are not from a transit visa waiver country; from a visa waiver country, or an Australian permanent resident.

This content has been reviewed by

Ekaterina Powell

Us immigration attorney.

Ekaterina Powell is a U.S. attorney licensed in the State of California, working in the area of U.S. immigration law for over 12 years . She has been featured as one of the top immigration lawyers in her state and city several times and has contributed to notable industry publications.

Visa requirements checker

Related news.

In today’s world, traveling has become an integral part of our lives. Be it for leisure or work, many of us find ourselves regularly on the move across borders. However, one integral aspect that you may overlook is the safety of your travel documents. Losing these critical papers can turn a dream holiday into a

Venturing abroad is an exciting experience, filled with new cultures to explore, foods to taste, and vistas to see. However, before immersing oneself in these novel experiences, one must navigate the labyrinthine process of obtaining a visa. While the general rule of thumb dictates that visa requirements ask you for a sober, straightforward exchange of

Traveling the world can be an enriching experience, opening doors to new cultures, customs, and unforgettable memories. However, not all countries are as welcoming to tourists, and obtaining a visa can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll explore the hardest countries to get a visa for, and the reasons behind their strict visa

A passport is the key to traveling abroad. However, some passports are considered to be “stronger” than others. The world’s most powerful passports are those that offer the greatest travel freedom. The strongest passports are those that allow the holder to enter the most countries easily, without extra entry requirements, such as visas. There are

Disclaimer Handyvisas.com is not owned by, or affiliated with any government agency. We are a private, online agency that provides assistance in submitting applications for tourist visits to different countries around the world. Applications can also be made directly through government websites.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

New Zealand tightens visa rules after migration hits ‘unsustainable’ levels

Net migration to New Zealand hit a near record high in 2023 after a new temporary work visa was introduced after the pandemic

New Zealand will tighten its visa rules for some migrants as the coalition government moves to overhaul the immigration system it says has led to “unsustainable” levels of migration.

Last year, annual net migration to New Zealand hit a near record high of more than 173,000 non-New Zealand citizens in the year to December, Stats NZ reported .

Immigration minister Erica Stanford announced on Sunday changes to the accredited employer worker visa (AEWV), the main temporary work visa, which was introduced in mid-2022 to help fill workforce shortages after the pandemic.

The government’s changes to the scheme would include introducing English-language requirements for low-skilled jobs and setting a minimum skills and work experience threshold for most employer work visas. The maximum continuous stay for most low-skilled roles will also be reduced to three years from five years.

The changes would be immediate, she said.

“The government is focused on attracting and retaining the highly skilled migrants such as secondary teachers, where there is a skill shortage,” Stanford said in a statement. “At the same time we need to ensure that New Zealanders are put to the front of the line for jobs where there are no skills shortages.”

New Zealand, which has a population of about 5.1 million, has seen a rapid growth in migrant numbers since the end of the pandemic, raising concerns last year that it was fanning inflation. A Reserve Bank-commissioned report released last month into the possible links between migration levels and inflation was inconclusive.

Stanford said the changes would also reduce the vulnerability of migrants to exploitation.

In February, the Public Service Commission released its review of the AEWV scheme, which former immigration minister Andrew Little ordered after complaints of exploitation. The commission found that a small number of “unscrupulous employers” targeted the scheme and took payments from people wanting to move to New Zealand.

“By having an English-language requirement migrants will be better able to understand their rights or raise concerns about an employer early,” Stanford said.

The government had scrapped plans to add 11 new roles to the Green List – a list of highly skilled roles that New Zealand is struggling to fill – including welders, and fitters and turners.

Neighbouring Australia, which has also seen a big increase in migration, has said it would halve its migrant intake over the next two years.

• New Zealand
• Asia Pacific

Most viewed

• Travel Updates

New Zealand’s huge visa crackdown after ‘unsustainable’ influx

New Zealand has tightened its visa regulations in the face of “unsustainable” net migration levels in an effort to further protect jobs for its citizens.

‘Fills an important gap’: Virgin’s new move

Tragic update in search for missing bushwalker

Epic pictures Aussie skiers need to see

New Zealand has tightened its visa regulations in the face of “unsustainable” net migration levels in an effort to further protect jobs for its citizens.

The nation of 5.1 million has made immediate changes to is Accredited Employer Worker Visa, introducing new language and skill criteria for potential migrants and shortening the duration of work permits.

Minister of Immigration Erica Stanford announced the changes on Monday, emphasising the need to prioritise New Zealanders for employment, particularly in sectors where skill shortages do not exist.

This comes in the wake of 173,000 non-New Zealand citizens migrating to the country in 2023.

The government insists on prioritising employment for New Zealanders in fields without shortages.

Key modifications to the AEWV scheme include the introduction of a minimum English language proficiency requirement, a new minimum skill requirement that can be met through relevant work experience or qualifications, and a reduction in the maximum continuous duration of an AEWV from previously longer periods to now just three years.

Employers are mandated to ensure that migrants meet these new requirements before hiring. This includes declaring that no suitable and available New Zealand citizen applied for the position and justifying why any local applicants were not selected.

Additionally, employers are required to advertise job vacancies for a minimum of 21 days to give New Zealanders ample opportunity to apply.

Certain job roles, particularly in the transport and care sectors, will be exempt from some of these new requirements, acknowledging the unique demands and shortages in these areas.

The change comes after Australia implemented changes in 2023 for New Zealanders moving across the ditch to Australia.

Under the new legislation, all Special Category Visa holders will be able to directly apply for citizenship without becoming permanent residents first – provided they meet four-year residence and other eligibility requirements.

The changes will bring Australia’s treatment of New Zealanders in line with New Zealand’s treatment of Australians.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the change would further strengthen the long friendship between the two countries.

“Australia and New Zealand have a deep friendship, which has been forged through our history, shared values, and common outlook,” he said.

“As we mark the 50th anniversary of the trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, I look forward to strengthening our relationship.

“We know that many New Zealanders are here on a Special Category Visa while raising families, working and building their lives in Australia. So I am proud to offer the benefits that citizenship provides.”

Just days after Qantas announced a major shakeup to the Frequent Flyer program, rival airline Virgin Australia has a new change for members.

A 20-year-old woman was reported missing after she reportedly fell down a cliff while bushwalking.

It is two months out from Australia’s ski season and our biggest resorts are celebrating the first snowfall for the year.

• Logout Login
• Adventure Holidays
• Weekend Getaways
• Driving Holidays
• Travel News

Top Searches

Sikkim Travel

World Car Free Places

Jaipur Travel

New Zealand Visa Rules

India Longest Rivers

New Zealand tightens visa rules; will Indians be impacted?

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , NEW ZEALAND / Created : Apr 10, 2024, 14:00 IST

You're Reading

New Zealand tightens visa rules, emphasising English proficiency, skill requirements, and shorter stay duration for certain roles to address high migration numbers and prevent exploitation, aligning with Bestwick review recommenda … Read more

New Zealand tightens visa rules, emphasising English proficiency, skill requirements, and shorter stay duration for certain roles to address high migration numbers and prevent exploitation, aligning with Bestwick review recommendations amid concerns about inflation. Read less

More from Travel News

9 offbeat hill stations perfect for April getaways

Comments (0)

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Comments ( ) Sort: Newest UpVoted Oldest Discussed Down Voted closecomments

SIGN IN WITH

Or post without registration.

Visual Stories

Popular Galleries

Exploring Almora: 5 places to visit in the beautiful town of Uttarakhand

Best alternative destinations for a sunny European summer vacations TRAVEL TRENDS

Incredible car-free places around the world; India has one too! TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD

Trending stories.

Italy: Mount Etna releases perfect ‘smoke rings’ into the sky; see pictures

UNESCO added 18 new Global Geoparks; know what they are

Pursuit of happiness: 5 reasons that make Bhutan one of the happiest country!

India’s most magical alpine lakes to explore this summer!

• 1 New Zealand tightens visa rules; will Indians be impacted?
• 2 Indian Railways nearing milestone to become world’s largest green network
• 3 Chhattisgarh: Ram temple in Sukma reopens after being closed for 21 years
• 4 What is this mysterious tide? Millions of blue, alien-like creatures blanketing US beaches
• 5 Spain announces to scrap ‘Golden Visa’ program

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO DESTINATIONS, ITINERARIES, THINGS TO DO, RESTAURANTS, NIGHTLIFE and LOTS MORE!

FOLLOW US ON

Places to visit.

• Places to visit in Bangalore
• Places to visit in Mumbai
• Places to visit in Delhi
• Places to visit in Goa
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Jaipur
• Hotels in Shimla
• Hotels in Mumbai

Things To do

• Things to do in Goa
• Things to do in Mumbai
• Things to do in Bangalore
• Things to do in Delhi

Travel Inspiration

• Visa on arrival for Indians
• Honeymoon Places in india
• Hill Stations in India
• Weekend getaways in Mumbai
• Weather in Delhi
• Weather in Chennai
• Weather in Bangalore
• Weather in Mumbai

Best Beaches

• Goa Beaches
• Mumbai Beaches
• Pondicherry Beaches
• Kerala Beaches
• Restaurants in Bangalore
• Restaurants in Chennai
• Restaurants in Pune
• Restaurants in Jaipur
• Hill Station near Delhi
• Winter trip to Ladakh
• Places to visit in Kerala
• Winter Honeymoon Destinations
• UK visa guide for Indians
• Winter Trip to Manali
• Vaishno Devi Yatra
• Special Train Ticket Booking
• HP inter-state Bus
• Honeymoon Destinations India

Latest News

• Pursuit of happiness: 5 reasons that make Bhutan one of the happiest countries in the world!
• Indian Railways nearing milestone to become world’s largest green network
• Tokyo: Cherry blossoms reach full bloom, drawing tourists and locals in large numbers
• Scientists discover gigantic ocean 700 km beneath the Earth’s surface

Congratulations!

You have been successfully added to the mailing list of Times of India Travel. To complete the subscription process, kindly open your inbox and click on the confirmation link which has been emailed to you.

Share with friends

Thank You for sharing! Your friend will receive the article link on email mentioned.

• (For more than one recipient, type addresses separated by commas)

New Zealand tightens visa rules, emphasising English proficiency, skill requirements, and shorter stay duration for certain roles to address high migration numbers and prevent exploitation, aligning w...

• How long it takes to process an application

Wait times for NZeTA, visitor, student, work and other visas.

Waiting for a visa

• Checking your visa application status

Visitor visa and NZeTA wait times

Work visa and employer accreditation wait times, student visa wait times, resident visa wait times.

• Why some visa applications take longer to process than others
• Visa processing updates
• Fees, decision times & where to apply
• Request or change your personal information
• Escalation for urgent applications

Find out how long it takes us to process visa applications. You can find the wait times for visitor, work, student, resident and other visa types in this section.

To find out how we are progressing against our performance goals, check out our performance reporting page.

Performance reporting for Immigration New Zealand

Find out how long it takes us to process visitor visas and NZeTAs.

Find out how long it takes us to process work visas, employer accreditations and job checks.

Find out how long it takes us to process student visas.

Find out how long it takes us to process resident visas.