Passport Validity Requirements
To enter New Zealand, your passport must meet the following conditions:
- Australian and New Zealand citizens or residents: Your passport must be valid on the day you enter and depart New Zealand.
- All other travellers (including tourists, students, or workers):
- Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date, or
- At least 1 month beyond departure if your country has consular representation in New Zealand that can issue or renew passports.
- Your passport must be in good condition, undamaged, and readable.
- If required, it must contain a valid visa or permit for your stay.
For the latest passport validity information by country, visit the IATA Travel Centre.
Do Australians Need a Visa to Enter New Zealand?
No visa is required if you are:
- An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport, or
- An Australian permanent resident with a valid residence visa or resident return visa.
⚠️ Note: If you hold a temporary or provisional Australian visa, you must apply for a Visitor Visa before entering New Zealand.
How Long Can Australians Stay?
Australian citizens and permanent residents (without specific criminal convictions) may visit, live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement. There is no need to apply for residency before arrival.
Visa-Free Entry for Other Countries
Travellers from over 60 visa-waiver countries—including the United States, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and most of the EU—may enter New Zealand without a visa for up to 3 months. UK citizens may stay up to 6 months.
To qualify, you must have:
- A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond departure (or 1 month if consular support is available in NZ),
- An onward or return ticket to a country you’re permitted to enter,
- Sufficient funds—approximately NZ$1,000 per month per person, or NZ$400/month if accommodation is prepaid.
If you’ve previously visited New Zealand for up to three months, a visa may be required for future visits.
You can check your eligibility via Immigration New Zealand.
Understanding the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)
What is the NZeTA?
The NZeTA is a mandatory electronic travel authority required for:
- Citizens of visa-waiver countries,
- Australian permanent residents, and
- Cruise ship passengers from visa-waiver countries.
It must be obtained before you travel and remains valid for 2 years (or 5 years for airline and cruise crew members). An NZeTA request costs NZ$17 on the Immigration NZ app, or NZD $23 if completed online.
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
When applying for an NZeTA, most travellers are also required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
- The IVL costs NZD $100, and payment is made at the same time as your NZeTA application.
- The levy is used to support New Zealand’s conservation efforts and tourism infrastructure, helping preserve the natural beauty that visitors come to experience.
- The IVL applies to most international visitors, including those on working holiday visas.
Who is exempt from the IVL?
The followwing do not need to pay the IVL:
- Australian citizens,
- Citizens from many Pacific Island nations, and
- Travellers holding a valid New Zealand visa (e.g. permanent residents)
Make sure to check your exemption status before applying.
Who Doesn’t Need an NZeTA?
You are exempt from the NZeTA if you are:
- A New Zealand citizen, travelling on a New Zealand passport or foreign passport with a New Zealand citizen endorsement,
- An Australian citizen with an Australian passport,
- A holder of a valid New Zealand visa (including permanent residency),
- Involved in a scientific programme under the Antarctic Treaty,
- Part of a visiting defence force or related civilian staff travelling for duty.
How Long Can You Stay with an NZeTA?
Travellers entering under an NZeTA may stay for:
- Up to 3 months, or
- Up to 6 months for UK citizens.
You must still meet all entry requirements (passport validity, proof of funds, and onward ticket).
When You Need a Visitor Visa
You will need to apply for a Visitor Visa if:
- Your country is not on the visa waiver list, or
- You intend to stay longer than the allowed 3–6 months, or
- You do not qualify for the NZeTA.
Applications can be submitted online via the Immigration New Zealand website, where you’ll also find downloadable forms and detailed visa conditions.
For more information please visit this website or contact +64 9 914 4100 (Available Monday to Friday, 08:00–22:00 NZT).
Passport Application & Renewal Info
For Australian Citizens:
- Apply or renew through the Australian Passport Office or at your local Australia Post.
- Standard processing takes about 3 weeks; faster turnaround is available via Priority Processing (additional fees apply).
- If your passport expired less than 24 months ago, you may be eligible to renew online.
For New Zealand Citizens Abroad:
- Australian and UK-based New Zealand citizens should contact the NZ Passport Office in Sydney or London.
- Citizens in other countries can contact their nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate.
Online Traveller Declaration & Arrival Cards
All travellers must complete a Passenger Arrival Card, which is usually distributed on board during your flight. Alternatively, you can complete an online traveller declaration prior to arrival.