Planning a trip to New Zealand? Our Frequently Asked Questions page covers everything from booking tours and transport options to what to pack and when to visit. It’s your go-to guide for clear, reliable answers that help take the stress out of organising your holiday. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with a group, you'll find helpful tips to make your Kiwi adventure run smoothly.
Visa requirements for New Zealand depend on your nationality.
Australian citizens do not need a visa or an NZeTA to visit New Zealand. You generally only need to present a valid Australian passport on arrival.
Citizens of visa waiver countries do not need a visa but must hold a valid NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travelling.
If your country is not on the visa waiver list, you likely need to apply for a Visitor Visa before you travel. You can verify your specific requirements and apply directly via the official Immigration New Zealand website.
Note for Chinese & Pacific Island Nationals: You may be exempt from the Visitor Visa if you travel directly from Australia with an eligible Australian visa. You may only need an NZeTA.
Most travellers apply online via Immigration New Zealand. It is faster and cheaper than paper applications.
Note for Australian Travellers: You do not need a visa or NZeTA.
Note for Chinese & Pacific Island Nationals: You may be exempt from the Visitor Visa if you travel directly from Australia with an eligible Australian visa. You may only need an NZeTA.
Visa costs depend on your nationality and the type of visa you need. Most travellers will pay two separate fees: the visa processing fee and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
1. Visa Waiver Countries (e.g. USA, UK) You likely need an NZeTA.
2. All Other Countries (e.g. China, India) You likely need a Visitor Visa.
Important Note: Citizens of many Pacific Island nations are exempt from the IVL and may have lower visa fees.
Always check the official Fee Finder tool for the exact cost for your passport.
Processing times vary depending on the visa type and the current workload at Immigration New Zealand.
Standard Visitor Visa
Important Note: Do not commit to non-refundable travel arrangements until your visa has been approved.
For the most up-to-date timeframes, check the official Immigration New Zealand website.
To travel to New Zealand, you must have a valid passport that meets New Zealand's entry requirements. Australian and New Zealand passport holders generally only need a passport valid for the period of their stay, while most other travellers should have a passport valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure date. Always check the latest requirements before you travel.
Passport validity requirements depend on your nationality and immigration status.
Australian and New Zealand passport holders, along with New Zealand residents and eligible Australian permanent residents travelling under current travel arrangements, generally need a passport that is valid on the date they enter and leave New Zealand.
Most other international visitors, including tourists, students and temporary workers, should have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure date from New Zealand. However, travellers from countries with diplomatic or consular representation in New Zealand that can issue or renew passports may, in some cases, only need a passport that is valid for one month beyond their intended departure date.
Find out here whether Aussies need a passport to enter New Zealand and ensure yours is valid and in good condition before travelling.
Your passport should be in good physical condition and free from significant damage. A passport that is torn, water damaged, excessively worn, altered or missing pages may not be accepted for international travel.
If your passport is damaged or close to expiring, contact your passport issuing authority before making travel arrangements.
Passport and visa requirements are separate, so make sure you meet both before departing for New Zealand.
Passport and entry requirements can change, so it is always best to confirm the latest information with the IATA Travel Centre before travelling.
The length of validity of a New Zealand visa depends on the type of visa you have. Here are some of the most common types of visas and their validity periods:
The validity period of your visa will also depend on the country you are from. For example, citizens of some countries may be eligible for a longer validity period than citizens of other countries.
Staying in New Zealand after your visa expires is against the law and carries serious consequences. It results in restrictions such as the inability to work, study, or access healthcare. If you overstay for 42 days or longer, you may be barred from re-entering New Zealand in the future. There is also risk of detention and deportation.
Additionally, those who assist you in remaining in the country may also face legal repercussions and put their own immigration status at risk. It is crucial to comply with immigration laws and ensure you have valid authorization to stay in New Zealand.
Citizens from Visa Waiver countries can enter New Zealand for short holidays without applying for a full visitor visa.
Eligible Countries
This list includes the United States, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and many European nations.
Entry Requirements
Although you do not need a physical visa, you must hold a valid NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before you travel. You will also need to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time.
At the border, you must satisfy officials that you have:
Exceptions
Check the official list of visa waiver countries to confirm your eligibility.
If you are in New Zealand and need to stay past the date your visa expires, you cannot extend your visa — instead, you must apply for another visa or a temporary visa before your current one expires.
To apply for a temporary visa in New Zealand, the general requirements include being in New Zealand and holding a current visa that is not a limited, interim, or transit visa. It is advisable to apply for another visa at least one month before your current visa's expiry date to ensure sufficient processing time.
The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is a security clearance that eligible travellers must hold before boarding their flight or cruise to New Zealand.
Who needs it?
Validity & Timing
Important: The NZeTA is not a visa. It does not guarantee entry; you must still satisfy border officials that you meet entry requirements.
No, an NZeTA is different from a visa. An NZeTA is an Electronic Travel Authority, which is a travel authorization that allows you to travel to New Zealand for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. A visa is a document that allows you to stay in New Zealand for longer than 90 days.
You need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) if you are travelling to New Zealand without a visa on a passport from a visa waiver country. Visa waiver countries are countries whose citizens are allowed to travel to New Zealand without a visa for up to 3 months. Here is a list of visa waiver countries for New Zealand.
If you are a citizen of a visa waiver country, you can apply for an NZeTA online or through the NZeTA app. The application process is simple and straightforward, and it only takes a few minutes to complete. You will need to provide your passport information, your contact details, and some other basic information.
The following people do not need an NZeTA:
If you are not sure if you need an NZeTA, you can check the New Zealand Immigration website.
The cost of an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) consists of a processing fee and a government tourism levy.
Fee Breakdown (2025)
Total Cost Most travellers will pay a total of approximately NZD $117 – $123 per person. You pay this in a single transaction when you request your NZeTA.
Who pays less?
The processing time for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is usually within 24 hours, but you should allow 3 days. However, it can take longer in some cases. If you need to travel to New Zealand sooner, you can apply for a Rush or Super Rush processing. You can apply for an NZeTA online.
As a visitor from a visa waiver country, you can generally stay in New Zealand for up to three months without a visa. This applies to citizens of most visa waiver countries. However, there are a few exceptions:
If you are a citizen of a country that is not a visa waiver country, you will need to apply for a visa before you travel. The type of visa you need will depend on your purpose of travel. For example, if you are planning to work in New Zealand, you will need to apply for a work visa. If you are in New Zealand without a visa, you will be considered an overstayer. Overstayers can be deported from New Zealand.
The easiest way to get a New Zealand visa depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. However, there are some general tips that can help you increase your chances of getting a visa:
Here are some of the easiest types of visas to get to New Zealand:
If you are not sure which type of visa you need, you can contact the New Zealand Immigration office for assistance.
Entry requirements for travellers arriving from Australia depend on your specific citizenship and residency status.
Australian Citizens
Australian Permanent Residents
Other Nationalities Travelling from Australia
If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, normal entry rules apply:
Note for Chinese & Pacific Island Nationals: You may be exempt from the Visitor Visa if you travel directly from Australia with an eligible Australian visa. You may only need an NZeTA.
Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit New Zealand. However, if you want to apply for a New Zealand tourist visa from Australia, you can do so online or at a New Zealand Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Here are the steps on how to apply for a New Zealand tourist visa from Australia:
If you are applying for a visa online, you will receive an email confirmation with your application number. You can track the progress of your application online.
If you are applying for a visa at a VAC, you will need to bring your passport, passport photo, and payment in the form of cash, credit card, or debit card. You will also need to complete an application form at the VAC.
Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit New Zealand for most short stays. To enter New Zealand, you will generally need a valid Australian passport and must complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration before arriving. If you are an Australian permanent resident but not an Australian citizen, different entry requirements may apply depending on your nationality.
If you are an Australian citizen travelling to New Zealand, you will generally need:
Most Australian citizens do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to New Zealand.
No. Australian citizens do not need a visa to enter New Zealand for holidays, business visits or most short-term travel.
On arrival, Australian citizens are normally granted permission to enter New Zealand provided they meet the entry requirements and satisfy New Zealand border and biosecurity checks.
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) is a free online declaration that all travellers must complete before arriving in New Zealand. It collects information required for immigration, customs and biosecurity purposes.
The declaration can be completed online or through the official NZTD mobile app before you pass through passport control on arrival.
You can find out full details of what passport validity requirements are for Aussies to enter New Zealand.
If you are an Australian permanent resident or temporary resident but are not an Australian citizen, the entry requirements may be different.
Depending on the passport you hold, you may need to obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or apply for a visa before travelling. Always check the entry requirements that apply to your nationality before booking your trip.
Entry requirements can change, so check the latest information with Immigration New Zealand or your airline before travelling.
You can stay in New Zealand indefinitely with an Australian passport. There is no visa requirement for Australian citizens to visit New Zealand. You can simply show your passport at the border, and you will be allowed to enter the country.
Yes. Australian citizens must have a valid passport to travel to New Zealand, even though they do not usually need a visa for short visits. Your Australian passport should be valid for your travel dates, including the day you enter and leave New Zealand. Australian permanent residents travelling on a non-Australian passport may have different passport validity and entry requirements.
Yes. Every Australian citizen travelling to New Zealand must carry a valid Australian passport when entering and leaving the country.
Although Australia and New Zealand have close travel arrangements, a passport remains a mandatory travel document. Australian citizens can usually travel to New Zealand without applying for a visa before departure, provided they meet New Zealand's entry requirements.
Australian passports generally only need to be valid for your travel dates, including the date you arrive in and depart from New Zealand.
Even though six months' passport validity is not normally required for Australian citizens travelling to New Zealand, it is always worth checking your passport's expiry date well before booking your trip.
Yes. Australian permanent residents travelling on a passport issued by another country may have different passport, NZeTA or visa requirements based on their nationality. For more information, see our FAQ: What documents do Australians need to enter New Zealand?
Australian permanent residents travelling on a passport issued by another country should check whether they need a visa to enter New Zealand, as requirements vary by nationality.
Before travelling, Australian citizens should ensure they have the correct documents before travelling.
Before travelling, check Immigration New Zealand’s entry requirements and complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration.
No, Australian citizens do not need an NZeTA to visit New Zealand. However, Australian permanent residents who are not citizens do need an NZeTA to visit New Zealand.
The duration of stay in New Zealand with a non-Australian passport would depend on your specific nationality and the visa or entry permit you hold. Visa requirements and permitted lengths of stay vary for different countries.
To determine the allowed duration of stay for your specific nationality, you should refer to the official website of the New Zealand Immigration Service or contact the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate. They will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa requirements, entry permits, and the duration of stay applicable to your nationality.
Yes, you can have an Australian and New Zealand passport. This is called dual nationality, and it is allowed in both countries. In fact, there is a special reciprocal arrangement between Australia and New Zealand that makes it easy to become a dual national.
Australian citizens and permanent residents can live in New Zealand indefinitely. There is no visa requirement for Australian citizens to visit New Zealand. You can simply show your passport at the border, and you will be allowed to enter the country.
The length of your stay in New Zealand depends on the type of visa you apply for and the nationality of your passport.
For many countries, New Zealand has an agreement to allow citizens to visit for up to 3 months without a visa. UK passport holders can stay for up to 6 months, and Australian passport holders can stay indefinitely.
If you wish to stay longer than the visa waiver period, you will need to apply for a visitor visa. Visitor visas allow you to stay in New Zealand for up to 9 months within an 18-month period.
However, these regulations can change, so it is always recommended that you check the official New Zealand immigration website or consult with your local New Zealand embassy or consulate for the most current information.
Yes, Australian citizens are eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship. New Zealand allows for the acquisition of citizenship through various pathways, including through residency, birth, descent, and marriage. The specific requirements and processes for acquiring New Zealand citizenship may vary depending on individual circumstances.
New Zealand requires that your passport be valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country. This is less than the six-month validity requirement that some other countries have.
No, New Zealand citizens are not Australian residents. They are citizens of a different country, and they have different rights and responsibilities. However, New Zealand citizens do have the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely, and they are entitled to many of the same benefits as Australian citizens.
No, you do not need to be vaccinated to enter New Zealand. The New Zealand government has lifted all COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for entry into the country. However, you are still encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling to New Zealand. Vaccination remains a significant tool for preventing infection, reducing COVID-19 symptoms and severe illness.
The processing time for a New Zealand visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your nationality. For most visitor visas, the processing time is typically 2-3 weeks. However, it may take longer if your application is incomplete or if there are any queries. You can track the progress of your application online. If you have any questions about the processing time for your visa, you can contact the New Zealand Immigration office.
The 183-day rule is a tax residency rule in New Zealand that determines whether a person is considered a New Zealand tax resident. If you have been in New Zealand for more than 183 days in any 12-month period, you are a New Zealand tax resident from the first of the 183 days. The 183-day rule is based on the number of days you are physically present in New Zealand. It does not matter if you are here on a visa, work permit, or student visa. If you are physically present in New Zealand for more than 183 days in any 12-month period, you are considered a New Zealand tax resident.
You cannot live in New Zealand without a visa. If you are a citizen of a visa waiver country, you can enter New Zealand without a visa for up to 3 months. However, you will need to apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before you travel. If you are a citizen of a country that is not a visa waiver country, you will need to apply for a visa before you travel. The type of visa you need will depend on your purpose of travel. For example, if you are planning to work in New Zealand, you will need to apply for a work visa. If you are in New Zealand without a visa, you will be considered an overstayer. Overstayers can be deported from New Zealand.
There are a few different ways to stay in New Zealand for a year. Here are some of the most popular options:
The requirements for each type of visa vary, so you should check the New Zealand Immigration website for more information.
The amount of money you need to move to New Zealand will depend on a few factors, including your lifestyle, your destination, and your visa requirements. However, as a rule of thumb, you should budget for at least NZ$10,000 to cover your initial expenses.
The number of times you can visit New Zealand in a year depends on the type of visa you have.
It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. The exact number of times you can visit New Zealand in a year will depend on your individual circumstances. If you are unsure, you should contact Immigration New Zealand for more information.
There are two types of 6-month visas for New Zealand:
To be eligible for a 6-month visa, you must meet the following requirements:
The health and character requirements for entry to New Zealand are designed to ensure that visitors to New Zealand do not pose a risk to the health or safety of the New Zealand community. The requirements include a basic medical examination and a criminal record check. If you are unsure whether you meet the health and character requirements, you can contact Immigration New Zealand for more information.
No, you do not need both an ETA and a visa to travel to Australia. If you are a citizen of a visa-waiver country, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) instead of a visa. The ETA is a travel authorization that allows you to travel to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to 3 months.
The Online New Zealand Travel Declaration aims to improve airport efficiency, safety, and security in New Zealand by streamlining the arrival process for passengers.
To complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration, you need:
For information on allowed items, visit mpi.govt.nz/CanIBringIt and customs.govt.nz/PRI-traveller.
If you have any inquiries regarding the New Zealand Traveller Declaration, you can reach the contact centre through the following options:
Alternatively, you can send an online message via TravellerDeclaration.govt.nz/contact, and they aim to respond within 12 hours. The contact centre operates 24/7, including public holidays.
The Online New Zealand Travel Declaration is currently available for travellers arriving at Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown airports. From late August, travellers arriving into Auckland Airport will also have the option to complete a digital declaration. Until then, passengers arriving at Auckland Airport should continue to fill out a paper Passenger Arrival Card distributed during their flight to New Zealand.
You can complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration in two ways:
Completing the Online New Zealand Travel Declaration is free of charge.
The declaration typically takes around 10 minutes to complete. However, there is no problem if you take longer to fill it out.
You can complete the declaration within 24 hours of starting your trip to New Zealand, allowing you to fill it out at your convenience before your arrival.
Yes, with your permission, someone you trust can help you complete the declaration or even complete it on your behalf.
No, currently travellers by sea are not required to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration. However, it's important to stay informed and updated on any changes in the requirements, as they may be subject to revision in the future.
No. This is an important distinction. Australian Permanent Residents must hold an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand, but they are exempt from the IVL. When you enter your Australian Permanent Resident visa details during the NZeTA application, the system should strictly charge you for the NZeTA processing fee and exclude the NZD $100 IVL cost.
Yes. Cruise ship passengers are required to hold an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) to enter New Zealand. The IVL is a mandatory part of this process for most international travellers. When you apply for your NZeTA, the system will automatically add the IVL fee to your total if it applies to your nationality. You pay it all at once before you sail.
You cannot pay the IVL separately. It is integrated directly into the visa or NZeTA application process. If you apply for a Visitor Visa, the levy is included in the final application cost. If you apply for an NZeTA via the official mobile app or website, the levy is added to your checkout total.
Yes. The IVL applies to most international visitors regardless of age. If your child requires their own visa or NZeTA, the IVL applies regardless of age. There is no age-based exemption for the levy. Dependent children on parent visas (e.g., work or student) are often IVL-exempt but still require a Traveller Declaration.
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy is NZD $100 per person as of 1 October 2024. This fee is in addition to the cost of your visa or NZeTA processing fee.
In most cases, IVL payments are non-refundable, even if a visa or NZeTA application is declined. The payment is for the processing and assessment of your entry request. We recommend checking all entry requirements carefully before you submit your application to avoid issues.
The IVL is valid for the duration of the visa or NZeTA it was paid with. An NZeTA is typically valid for two years and allows for multiple entries. If your NZeTA is still valid for your upcoming trip, you have already paid the IVL and do not need to pay it again until you must renew your NZeTA.
If you are a transit passenger staying in the transit area of Auckland International Airport and you hold a Transit NZeTA or Transit Visa, you are generally exempt from the IVL. However, if you plan to leave the airport or if you are a cruise ship passenger (who is considered to be entering New Zealand), the levy will apply.
The funds collected from the IVL go directly towards two main areas: conservation and tourism infrastructure. New Zealand has a small population but hosts millions of visitors. This levy helps ensure that international visitors contribute fairly to the protection of the natural environment and the maintenance of facilities like public toilets, car parks, and walking tracks that tourists use frequently.
Yes. Citizens of the United States and China are required to pay the IVL. US citizens usually enter on an NZeTA, while Chinese citizens usually enter on a Visitor Visa. In both cases, the NZD $100 levy is collected at the time of application.
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