Immigration requirements for visitors to New Zealand

The information below is a basic snapshot of the immigration requirements when entering New Zealand for a holiday.

Please note that our team can not advise you on any specific prerequisites.

1. Visa or travel authority, which one do you need?

The first step is determining whether you need a full Visitor Visa or whether you’re eligible to travel under the simpler New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

• If you hold a passport from a visa-waiver country, you may not need a full visitor visa; you may be able to travel under the NZeTA.
• If you’re from a country that does not have visa-waiver status, or you intend to stay for more than three months, or you have special circumstances (e.g., you’ll be doing paid work) then you’ll most likely need to apply for a full Visitor Visa. 

There’s a handy official tool: “Check if you need an NZeTA or a Visitor Visa” on the government site. 

 
2. The Full Visitor Visa: What it covers & what you can do

If you apply for the full Visitor Visa via Immigration New Zealand (INZ)

What the Visitor Visa lets you do

• Stay in New Zealand for either up to 6 months (in a 12-month period) or up to 9 months in an 18-month period, depending on your visa type. 
• Visit for tourism, to see family/friends, or general visiting purposes.
• Study for up to 3 months under the visitor visa.
• Include your partner and dependent children in the application (if eligible).

What it doesn’t normally allow

• You cannot take up paid work for a New Zealand employer. 
• You must plan to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay. 

Special cases & things to note

• If you will stay for more than 6 months (or your passport is from a country with certain health risks), you may need a medical or chest X-ray. 
• The time you’re granted (6 or 9 months) depends on the individual assessment. 

3. Step-by-step: How to apply for your Visitor Visa (or NZeTA)

Here’s a clear path for your audience to follow, with links to the official sites (as of 2025). 

Step A: Check your eligibility

Visit the official check-tool: Make sure you understand your passport status, your planned stay, and purpose. 

Step B: Choose your application route on the Immigration New Zealand website

• If you need a Visitor Visa: Use the “Visitor Visa” page on INZ’s website (online is fastest). 
• If you’re eligible for an NZeTA: Apply for that via the official link. 

Step C: Gather your documents

You’ll need:

• Valid passport (typically valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure).
• Colour photo(s) if applying via paper or as required. 
• Evidence of funds / that you can support yourself (or have a sponsor) while in NZ. 
• Proof you intend to leave NZ at the end of your visit.
• If required, medical/health evidence (for longer stays or certain nationalities).
• If required: translated documents into English. 

Step D: Submit your application & pay the fee

• Online applications are generally faster and cheaper.
• Visitor Visa fees are listed on the INZ website; refunds are not given if the application is declined.
• Avoid booking non-refundable travel until your visa is approved. 

Step E: Wait for decision and then plan your trip

• Once approved you’ll get a visa label in your passport (or advice of approval) with conditions and expiry date. 
  After approval you can go ahead and book your flights/tours with confidence.
• Don’t forget to complete any arrival requirements (see next section).

4. Arrival & what to expect in New Zealand

Once you’re approved and all is set, here’s what to know for landing in NZ.

• Before travelling: make sure your passport is valid, you’ve met immigration/health requirements.
• At the border: You’ll need to show valid visa/travel authority and that you meet entry conditions.
• Every traveller must complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) (free) before arrival.
• While in NZ: You must adhere to your visa conditions (eg: no paid work unless a specific visa allows it) and leave on or before expiry date unless you apply for a new visa.

 5. Final checklist for your travel-ready mindset

Before you press “book” on your dream New Zealand vacation, make sure:

• Your passport has adequate validity (at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from NZ).
• You’ve used the official check-tool to see if you need an NZeTA or Visitor Visa.
• If applying for Visitor Visa: you’ve gathered all documents, uploaded them (or have paper copies) and submitted your application.
• You haven’t booked lots of non-refundable travel until visa is approved.
• You’ve read and understood your visa conditions (length of stay, no paid work unless allowed).
• You can complete your NZTD (NZ Traveller Declaration online 24 hours prior to your flight, or bring a pen to complete a physical version on the plane.