Visa requirements for New Zealand

As of 2025, citizens from several countries can enter New Zealand without a visa for short stays (typically up to 90 days), provided they obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) prior to travel. These countries include:​

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia (citizens only), Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (residents with HKSAR or British National–Overseas passports only), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia (citizens only), Liechtenstein, Lithuania (citizens only), Luxembourg, Macau (only if you have a Macau Special Administrative Region passport), Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal (if you have the right to live permanently in Portugal), Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (if you are a permanent resident), United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (UK) (if you are traveling on a UK or British passport that shows you have the right to reside permanently in the UK), United States of America (USA) (including USA nationals), Uruguay, and Vatican City.

The NZeTA can be obtained online through the official Immigration New Zealand website or via their mobile app. It’s recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your departure. The NZeTA is valid for multiple entries over a two-year period.

Australian citizens and permanent residents do not require a visa or NZeTA to enter New Zealand.

New Zealand does not currently offer Visa On Arrival.

E-Visa
For travelers from countries not eligible for visa-free entry, New Zealand offers an online visa application process. Applicants can apply for various visa types, including visitor, student, and work visas, through the Immigration New Zealand website. Processing times and requirements vary depending on the visa category.​

Extended Stays:
If you plan to stay in New Zealand beyond the duration allowed by your visa or NZeTA, you must apply for an appropriate visa extension or a different visa category. Options include:​

• Visitor Visa Extension: Allows tourists to extend their stay up to a total of nine months in an 18-month period.​
• Student Visa: For individuals enrolled in full-time study programs.​
• Work Visas: Including the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for those with job offers from New Zealand employers.​
  Resident Visas: Such as the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa for individuals with skills in demand.​

Cruise ship passengers who are citizens of visa waiver countries can enter New Zealand without a visa, provided they have obtained an NZeTA before arrival. Passengers from non-visa waiver countries must secure an appropriate visa prior to travel.​

For travelers requiring a visa, the following are generally needed:​

• A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended stay.​
• Completed visa application form.​
• Proof of sufficient funds to support the stay.​
• Evidence of onward travel or return tickets.​
• Health and character documents, if required.​

Additional documents may be required depending on the visa category.