Travel Rules for New Zealand
Visa Waivers:
Visitors from over 50 countries don’t need a Visitor's Visa to New Zealand for stays up to three months.
However, you will require the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) and travellers need to request theirs via the official mobile app or website. Approval can take up to 72 hours, so get yours before you go. The NZeTA is payable at the same time as your International Visitor Levy [IVL]
Read our comprehensive guide to the NZeTA
Apply for your NZeTA online via Immigration New Zealand (this is the only official site: beware of impostors!)
Passports
Make sure before you arrive that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date or one month past the date you intend to leave if the government issuing your passport has consular representation in New Zealand. You’ll also need to check if you need a New Zealand Visa.
Visa Exemptions
You don’t need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are:
- A New Zealand citizen or Resident Permit holder
- An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport
- An Australian resident with a current Australian resident return visa
- A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand (you can stay for up to three months)
- A UK citizen and/or passport holder (you can stay for up to six months)
Visa Waivers
Visitors from over 50 countries don’t need a Visitor's Visa to New Zealand for stays up to three months.
You do need:
- An onward or return ticket to a country you have permission to enter
- A passport that is valid for at least three months after your intended departure date from New Zealand
- Enough money to support yourself (about NZ$1000 per month, per person)
- If you have stayed in New Zealand for up to three months previously you may need to apply for a visa
The following are visa waiver countries:
Andorra | Finland | Lithuania (citizens only) | San Marino |
Argentina | France | Luxembourg | Saudi Arabia |
Austria | Germany | Macau (with a Macau Special Administration Region Passport) | Seychelles |
Bahrain | Greece | Malaysia | Singapore |
Belgium | Hong Kong (residents with HKSAR & British Nationals with Overseas passports only) | Malta | Slovak Republic |
Brazil | Hungary | Mauritius | Slovenia |
Brunei | Iceland | Mexico | Spain |
Bulgaria | Ireland | Monaco | Sweden |
Canada | Israel | Netherlands | Switzerland |
Chile | Italy | Norway | Taiwan (Permenant Resident) |
Croatia | Japan | Oman | United Arab Emirates |
Cyprus | Korea (South) | Poland | United Kingdom (with UK/British passport) |
Czech Republic | Kuwait | Portugal (with right of permanent abode in Portugal) | United States |
Denmark | Latvia (citizens only) | Qatar | Uruguay |
Estonia (citizens only) | Liechtenstein | Romania | Vatican City |
Please visit New Zealand Immigration Services website to find out more.
Visa Applications
If you’d like to stay longer than three months or if your country is not on the visa waiver list, you will need to apply for a New Zealand Visitor's Visa. Your airline or New Zealand Embassy can help with this. Or download application forms here from the New Zealand Immigration Service website.
Travelling via Australia
If you are travelling through an Australian airport on your way to, or from, New Zealand, you may need to apply for an Australian transit visa before travelling. Find more information here.
More articles to help you plan your trip to New Zealand
Getting to New Zealand
What is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?
Smooth as possible on arrival to New Zealand
Travel Insurance for New Zealand
Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound?
Which New Zealand Glacier to Visit?
Driving in New Zealand
Safety in New Zealand's Great Outdoors
What to Pack for a New Zealand Holiday
New Zealand Accommodation Guide
New Zealand's Need to Know Facts
What do things cost in New Zealand
Ready to Start Planning Your Trip to New Zealand?
The options for exploring New Zealand are endless. Check out our most popular self-drive ideas or get in touch with our Travel Designers who will be happy to arrange a private guided tour with everything tailored exactly as you wish.