New Zealand Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | No | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| EU | Yes | Yes | No/1 |
Passports
To enter New Zealand, a passport valid for at least one month beyond the intended period of stay is required by nationals referred to in the chart above.
Passport Visa Note
NZeTA: Citizens of EU countries, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and cruise ship passengers, among others, are required to obtain an NZeTA when travelling to New Zealand for the first time. The NZeTA can be applied for at least 72 hours before travel, either through New Zealand Immigration or via a mobile app. The application process typically takes 5–10 minutes to complete. Follow this link to check if you need an NZeTA or a visa.
The NZeTA is valid for two years and allows multiple entries during its validity period. Additionally, a Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZ$100 is charged alongside the NZeTA fee.
Visas
Visas for New Zealand are not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months with the following exceptions:
• (1) The visa waiver does not apply to people travelling on alien (non-citizen) passports issued by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
• UK nationals may stay for up to six months.
• Australian nationals may stay indefinitely, although Australian permanent residents will need an NZeTA.
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact their nearest New Zealand high commission or embassy to check visa requirements.
Types and Cost
Visitors from countries which have a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand do not need a visa for visits of up to three months (six months for UK visitors).
The visa fees are complicated so please refer to this PDF guide by New Zealand Immigration.
Validity
Visitor visa: maximum stay of nine months in an 18-month period.
Transit
Nationals which have a visa waiver agreement (including all those listed in the chart above) do not require a transit visa, nor do any travellers stopping at a New Zealand airport whose final destination is Australia. Some other nationals do require a transit visa however and should check with the nearest New Zealand embassy/high commission before travelling.
Application to
To apply for a visitor visa, go to your nearest New Zealand embassy/high commission or apply online through Immigration New Zealand (www.immigration.govt.nz).
Temporary residence
It is illegal to work on a visitor permit, except for Australians who can legally work without a visa or permit. All other nationalities must obtain a work visa, which allows you to enter the country, then a work permit, which allows you to work after your arrival. There are application forms available on Immigration New Zealand's website.
The exception to this rule are working holiday visas, which are available to a number of nationalities aged 18 to 30. The visa is valid for 12 months (or 23 months in some cases) and only issued to people genuinely interested in temporary employment.
Working days
Allow three to four weeks for visa processing. Online applications are usually faster. They are processed on average in 8 weekdays.
Sufficient Funds
All visitors making an application for a visitor permit need to demonstrate they have sufficient money to support themselves whilst in the country (typically NZ$1,000 per month).
Entry Documents
Extension of stay
You can extend visitor visas as long as the total time you spend in New Zealand doesn't exceed nine months in an 18-month period or, in some cases, you may be allowed to stay for a maximum of 12 months. Applications are looked at on an individual basis and visitors need to prove they have sufficient funds to continue their stay. You can apply at any Immigration New Zealand office.
Entry with pets
Pets need to undergo medical tests and must be given a microchip implant, a rabies vaccination and rabies titre test before entering New Zealand. Cats and dogs from some countries require a period of quarantine on arrival and an import permit is also required for all pets; download forms and check individual country requirements on the Ministry for Primary Industries website (www.mpi.govt.nz).
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
New Zealand Embassy in the USA
Telephone: +1 202 328 4800.
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com/usa
Address: , 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1600.
New Zealand High Commission in the UK
Telephone: +44 20 7930 8422.
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com/united-kingdom
Address: 80 Haymarket, New Zealand House, London, SW1Y 4TQ,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
British High Commission in New Zealand
Telephone: +64 4924 2888.
Website: http://www.gov.uk/government/world/new-zealand
Address: Thorndon, 44 Hill Street, Wellington 6011, ,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
