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.
Whether you need a visa to visit New Zealand depends on your nationality.
If you are an Australian citizen, you do not need a visa to visit New Zealand; and you do not need an NZeTA. You can simply show your passport at the border and you will be allowed to enter the country.
If you are a passport holder from a visa waiver country or territory, you do not need to apply for a visa to travel to New Zealand. However, you must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before your trip. The NZeTA is a mandatory requirement for visa waiver travellers. Visitors from visa waiver countries are generally allowed to stay in New Zealand for up to three months. However, if you are a British citizen, you can stay for up to six months.
If you are traveling from a country that is not on the list of visa waiver countries, you will need to apply for a visa before traveling to New Zealand. In this case, you cannot enter New Zealand without a visa. Visit the official website of Immigration New Zealand and enter your nationality and the purpose of your visit, they will provide guidance on the different visa options available and the requirements for each.
To apply for a New Zealand tourist visa, you will need to follow these general steps
You will receive an email confirmation with your application number. You can track the progress of your application online.
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). 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.
The cost of a visa to New Zealand depends on the type of visa you are applying for and your nationality. For example, the cost of a student visa for a Chinese citizen is NZ$375. You can find a full list of visa application fees on the New Zealand Immigration website. In addition to the visa application fee, you may also need to pay other fees, such as an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). The IVL is a NZ$35 fee that all visitors to New Zealand must pay.
The processing time for a New Zealand visa in Australia depends on the type of visa you are applying for and the workload of the New Zealand Immigration office. 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. To find out more about processing time, please visit the official New Zealand Immigration website.
For Australian and New Zealand passport holders, as well as New Zealand residents and Australian permanent residents with current travel conditions, the passport must be valid on the date of travel to and from New Zealand.
For other visitors to New Zealand, including those coming as visitors, students, or workers, the passport must generally be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from New Zealand. However, if the visitor's country has consular representation in New Zealand that is capable of issuing and renewing travel documents, a validity period of one month beyond the intended departure date may be acceptable. It's important to check with your country's passport office or consular authority to confirm the validity requirements before traveling.
Additionally, the passport should not be damaged, defaced, or excessively worn, and if a visa or permit is required for entry into New Zealand, it should be displayed in the passport.
To check the validity requirements for any international passport, you can refer to the IATA Travel Centre, which provides comprehensive information on passport and visa requirements for various countries. Visit our blog for more information.
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 without a visa, and stay for up to 3 months, apart from UK citizens, who can stay for up to 6 months. You can find a full list of visa waiver countries on the New Zealand Immigration website.
If you originate from a country that benefits from the visa waiver agreement, you might not require a visa to enter New Zealand. However, you will have to demonstrate your financial ability to cover your stay and furnish evidence of your travel arrangements to depart from New Zealand.
Should you come from a country that is part of the visa waiver agreement, it is mandatory for you to apply for an NZeTA before initiating your travel. The cost of this process as of June 2023 is NZD $17 if you use our complimentary app, or NZD $23 if done online. In addition, an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is obligatory. The IVL fee is NZD $35, payable concurrently with the NZeTA. Check the NZeTA page for current rates.
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.
he NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is a travel authorization that passport holders from visa waiver countries, or permanent residents of Australia that do not hold an Australian or New Zealand passport certain travelers need to obtain before visiting New Zealand. Here is some information about the NZeTA:
Validity: The NZeTA is valid for either 2 or 5 years, depending on the option chosen during the application process.
Cost: The cost of an NZeTA starts from NZD $17 (as at June 2023). Additional fees may apply depending on the payment method and any additional services opted for.
Processing time: The NZeTA application typically takes up to 72 hours to process, although it is recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.
Benefits of NZeTA:
It is important to note that the NZeTA is not a visa but an authorization that allows visa waiver travelers and certain individuals to travel to New Zealand. If you are unsure whether you need an NZeTA or have specific questions about your eligibility, it is recommended to check the official website of Immigration New Zealand or consult with the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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 current (June 2023) cost of an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) depends on how you apply for it.
There are no additional fees for processing your NZeTA. Check the NZeTA page for current rates.
The processing time for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is usually within 72 hours. 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.
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.
No, as an Australian citizen, you do not need a visa to visit New Zealand. Australian citizens are granted a visa waiver, allowing them to enter and stay in New Zealand indefinitely. Upon arrival in New Zealand, you will be granted a visitor visa or entry permission at the border. However, you will still need a valid Australian passport to travel to New Zealand.
If you are an Australian permanent resident, you must hold an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before you travel. You do not pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
If you are not an Australian citizen but you are residing in Australia and planning to travel to New Zealand, the visa requirements will depend on your specific nationality and immigration status in Australia.
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 enter New Zealand. However, there are some documents that you will need to show when you arrive at the border. These documents include:
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 do require a valid passport to enter New Zealand. While Australia and New Zealand have a close bilateral relationship, and Australian citizens are granted certain privileges when traveling to New Zealand, such as being able to enter without obtaining a visa in advance, a valid passport is still a mandatory travel document. For Australian citizens, your passport just needs to be valid on both your departure and return date. For Australian permanent residents travelling on another country's passport, the passport needs to be valid for at least 3 months after your return date from New Zealand.
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.
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