When you finish reading this, you’ll know exactly
• which visa fits your trip
• what you must submit
• how long it takes
• recent rule changes you won’t find elsewhere
Visitor Visa Categories
New Zealand offers several ways to visit.
Visitor Visa
Standard single- or multiple-entry visa for tourism, visiting friends/family or up to three months of short-term study. You must show evidence of onward travel and sufficient funds.^Explore Visitor Visa options^
Group Visitor Visa
Designed for travel parties of two or more. You still apply individually but list all members in one application and pay a single fee.^Explore Visitor Visa options^
Transit Visa
For travellers passing through New Zealand en route to another country. Valid for up to 72 hours.^Explore Visitor Visa options^
NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority)
Citizens of visa-waiver countries—including the EU, US, Canada and China—can apply online. It’s valid for two years and allows multiple stays of up to 90 days each.^Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)^
Eligibility and Permitted Activities
You must
• hold a passport valid at least six months beyond your departure date^New Zealand visa requirements^
• prove onward travel and NZ$1,000 per month of stay (or NZ$400 per month if prepaid accommodations are arranged)^Visa policy of New Zealand^
• show you’ll leave before your visa expires
You can
– sightsee, hike or enjoy events
– visit friends or relatives
– study up to three months
– work remotely for an overseas employer (local work is not allowed)
“Remote work for a non-New Zealand employer remains acceptable so long as you don’t compete in the local job market.”
– Immigration Advisor, Sarah Lee
Applying: Steps and Documents
Follow these steps:
- Choose the right visa type.
- Gather documents:
• valid passport copy
• recent passport-style photo
• proof of funds and travel itinerary
• (if travelling in a group but applying separately) a letter listing all family members, dates of birth and application numbers - Complete the online application at Immigration New Zealand.^Explore Visitor Visa options^
- Pay the application fee (NZ$245 for Visitor Visa; NZeTA costs NZ$23 online).^Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)^
- Wait for a decision.
Tip: Don’t book non-refundable flights or tours until you have your visa in hand—you risk losing money if your application is delayed or denied.
Processing Times, Fees and Seasonal Advice
• Standard Visitor Visas are usually processed in 20 working days but can take longer over peak seasons.
• NZeTA applications are typically approved within 72 hours.^Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)^
For travel in December and January, apply by late October to avoid holiday-season backlogs.
Upcoming Rule Changes
• From July 2025, citizens of Pacific Island Forum countries will be eligible for multi-entry Visitor Visas.^Beehive media statements^
• Starting November 2025, Chinese passport holders—and Pacific Forum nationals arriving from Australia—will gain streamlined NZeTA access.^Beehive media statements^
Health and Entry Requirements
• No COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for tourists, as per U.S. State Department guidance.^New Zealand visa requirements^
• You must submit a New Zealand Traveller Declaration at least 48 hours before departure—this is separate from your visa or NZeTA.^New Zealand Traveller Declaration^
Time to Pack
You now have a clear roadmap—from choosing the right visa to understanding what you can and can’t do once you arrive. Keep this guide handy, gather your documents early and apply with confidence. Your New Zealand adventure is closer than you think!