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NEW ZEALAND ENTRY VISA

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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.

  1. Step1For information about visas and COVID-19, visit the NEW ZEALAND ENTRY VISA Immigration NZ website.COVID-19 — Immigration NZ(external link)Find out if you need to applyIf you come to New Zealand on holiday, you’ll need to get either an NZeTA or a visitor visa — unless you’re an Australian citizen.Check if you need a visitor visa or an NZeTA
  2. Step2Choose how to applyApply for your visa online(external link)Visitor Visa Application (1017)(external link) — if you can’t apply onlineIf you don’t provide all the documents you’re asked for, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) returns your application. 
  3. Step3Find out what it costs and how long it takesWhat you pay for your visa depends on the method you use to apply — applying online is usually cheaper. Most people pay by credit card (Mastercard, Visa or UnionPay). Find out what applies to you and how long it will take to get your visa.Fees, decision times and where to apply(external link)Note: You will not get a refund of your fees if your application is turned down.
  4. Step4Gather documents for your applicationYou need to prove that you:
    • have a ticket out of NZ or money to buy oneare in good health and of good characterhave money to live on while you’re here or will be supported financially.
    Meeting the criteria(external link)
  5. Step5Prove your identityWith your application you need to:
    • provide a colour photo — or 2 if you’re using the paper form to applyhave a passport that’s valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand.
    Acceptable visa photos(external link)INZ will let you know if you need to send your passport to them before they approve your visa. For most online applications they don’t need it.
  6. Step6Prove you’re of good character and in good healthYou must tell Immigration New Zealand about any offences:
    • you’ve been charged withconvicted ofserved time in prison for.

Travel requirements to New Zealand

Use the search tool below to find out more about travel requirements to New Zealand from your country of origin, including regulations, visa requirements and health and safety guidelines. 

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 NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR VISITORS 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 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. If you come from a country that needs a New Zealand visa to enter, please be sure to apply in advance.

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.

Useful websites

  • Visa Information – Immigration New Zealand
  • Biosecurity Information
  • Customs 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.

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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)

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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.

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,

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,

  • Check if you need a visitor visa or an NZeTAIf you come to New Zealand on holiday, you’ll need to get either an NZeTA or a visitor visa — unless you’re an Australian citizen.
  • How to apply for a visitor visaIf 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 NZeTAFind 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 LevyMost people visiting NZ must pay the NZD$35 International Visitor Levy. You’ll pay the IVL at the same time you pay for your NZeTA or visitor visa.

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