Bottom Line: The New Zealand Visitor Visa allows tourists and family visitors to stay in New Zealand for up to 9 months in an 18-month period. Citizens of non-visa-waiver countries must apply online through Immigration New Zealand, provide proof of funds (NZD $1,000/month), and demonstrate genuine intentions to leave before the visa expires.
What Is the New Zealand Visitor Visa?
The New Zealand Visitor Visa is a temporary entry visa issued by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to foreign nationals who wish to visit the country for tourism, to see family and friends, or for other short-term non-work purposes. Unlike the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), which is available to citizens of visa-waiver countries, the Visitor Visa is required for travellers from countries that do not have a visa-waiver agreement with New Zealand.
There are two types of Visitor Visa issued by INZ:
- Multiple-entry Visitor Visa – Allows you to visit New Zealand as many times as the visa is valid, staying up to 6 months in each 12-month period.
- Single-entry Visitor Visa – Allows one entry into New Zealand for a stay of up to 9 months in an 18-month period. If you leave the country on a single-entry visa, it expires immediately.
The 12-month period for multiple-entry visas is calculated backwards from your intended departure date. For example, if your last day in New Zealand is 1 December 2025, the 12-month period begins on 1 December 2024.
Who Needs a Visitor Visa to Enter New Zealand?
Not every foreign national needs a Visitor Visa. New Zealand operates a visa-waiver programme for citizens of approximately 60 countries and territories. If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you can visit New Zealand without a Visitor Visa, provided you obtain an NZeTA before travelling.
Visa-Waiver Countries (NZeTA Eligible)
Citizens of the following countries can visit New Zealand with an NZeTA instead of a Visitor Visa:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City |
| Asia-Pacific | Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan |
| Americas | Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, United States, Uruguay |
| Middle East | Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates |
| Other | Andorra, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Israel, Liechtenstein, Mauritius, Romania, Seychelles, Slovakia |
Note: Australian citizens and permanent residents do not need either a Visitor Visa or an NZeTA. They can enter New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement.
If your country is not listed above, you need to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa before travelling.
New Zealand Visitor Visa vs NZeTA
Understanding the difference between these two travel authorisations is essential:
| Feature | Visitor Visa | NZeTA |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Citizens of non-visa-waiver countries | Citizens of visa-waiver countries |
| Maximum stay | Up to 9 months | Up to 6 months (UK: 6 months, others: 3 months for some) |
| Validity | Single or multiple entry as issued | 2 years, multiple entry |
| Application method | Online via Immigration NZ | Online via INZ website or app |
| Processing time | Several weeks | Usually within 72 hours |
| Cost | Varies by nationality | NZD $17-$23 (plus IVL) |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) | Not applicable | NZD $100 |
| Work rights | No | No |
| Study rights | Up to 3 months in any 12-month period | Up to 3 months in any 12-month period |
Eligibility Requirements
To be approved for a New Zealand Visitor Visa, you must meet several eligibility criteria:
Health Requirements
You must be in good health. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide:
- Chest X-ray – Required if you are staying for more than 6 months and you are from a country that does not have a low incidence of tuberculosis (TB), or if you have spent more than 3 months in the past 5 years in such a country.
- Medical examination – May be required depending on your intended length of stay and personal health circumstances.
- If staying less than 6 months, you do not normally need a chest X-ray.
- If staying less than 12 months, you do not normally need a medical certificate.
Health evidence must be less than 3 months old when Immigration New Zealand receives it.
Character Requirements
You must be of good character. You may need to provide police certificates if:
- You are aged 17 or older, and
- Your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer (including time spent in New Zealand on previous visas).
Police certificates must be:
- Less than 6 months old when you apply
- From countries you are a citizen of
- From countries where you have spent more than 5 years since turning 17
If you have a criminal conviction or are considered a security risk to New Zealand, your visa application may be declined.
Genuine Intentions
You must demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor who intends to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay. Immigration New Zealand will consider:
- All information you provide to support your application
- Your personal circumstances
- Any previous information you have given to INZ
Sufficient Funds
You must prove you have enough money to support yourself during your stay:
| Funding Source | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Self-funded | NZD $1,000 per month of stay |
| Pre-paid accommodation | NZD $400 per month of stay |
Evidence of funds can include:
- Bank statements or credit card statements (showing your name, bank name, and currency)
- Bank drafts or traveller’s cheques
- Proof of pre-paid accommodation (hotel vouchers or receipts)
Sponsorship Option
If you have a sponsor in New Zealand (an individual or organisation), they can support your application. Your sponsor must:
- Complete a Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025)
- Provide supporting documents such as bank statements, pay slips, employment agreements, or accommodation ownership papers
Proof of Onward Travel
You must show you can leave New Zealand at the end of your stay by providing:
- A confirmed travel ticket out of New Zealand, or
- Bank or credit card statements showing you have enough money to buy a ticket, or
- Agreement from your sponsor to pay for your departure
The money for your departure ticket must be in addition to the funds you need for living expenses.
Documents Required for Application
When applying for a New Zealand Visitor Visa, you need to provide the following documents:
Mandatory Documents
- Passport – Valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from New Zealand
- Photograph – 1 acceptable photo for online applications, 2 for paper applications
- Proof of funds – Bank statements, credit card statements, or pre-paid accommodation proof
- Proof of genuine intentions – Travel itinerary, hotel bookings, tour bookings, or invitation letters from family/friends in New Zealand
- Proof of onward travel – Return ticket or evidence of funds to purchase one
- Completed application form – Filled out accurately with details matching your passport
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Police certificates – If required based on your age and intended stay duration
- Chest X-ray certificate – If staying more than 6 months
- Medical examination certificate – If required by INZ
- Sponsorship Form (INZ 1025) – If you have a sponsor
- Relationship evidence – Marriage certificates, birth certificates (if including partner/children)
- Additional Dependants form – If including dependent children
- Translated documents – All documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations
Important: Allow sufficient time to obtain police certificates and health evidence. Police certificates must be less than 6 months old, and health evidence must be less than 3 months old.
How to Apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa
Online Application Process
Most applicants must apply online. The process involves four steps:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Prepare all required documents before starting your application. Check the official guides and checklists available on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Step 2: Create a RealMe Account or Log In
Visit the Immigration New Zealand website and either log in to your existing account or create a new one. The online system allows you to fill in your application, upload documents, and pay fees.
Step 3: Submit Your Application and Pay the Fee
Complete the application form, attach all supporting documents, and pay the applicable fees. The fee varies depending on your nationality and where you apply from.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
Immigration New Zealand will process your application and contact you if they need additional information. You will receive an email when a decision is made.
Paper Application Process
Some applicants may submit paper applications. This process requires:
- Downloading and completing the application form
- Attaching all supporting documents
- Submitting at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or New Zealand embassy/consulate
- Paying the applicable fee
Note: Citizens of certain countries (excluding Australia) must apply online. Check the Immigration New Zealand website for your specific requirements.
Fees and Processing Times
The New Zealand Visitor Visa fee depends on your nationality and the location from which you apply. Immigration New Zealand does not publish a single universal fee on its main Visitor Visa page, as costs are calculated based on your country of origin and application method.
General Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa application fee | NZD $211 – $362 (varies by nationality) |
| Immigration NZ online application | Lower fee tier |
| Paper application (VAC submission) | Higher fee tier plus VAC service charge |
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on:
- The volume of applications being processed
- The completeness of your application
- Whether additional information or health checks are required
- Your nationality and country of residence
Peak Season Warning: Immigration New Zealand receives a high number of Visitor Visa applications during summer (especially before Christmas). Submit your application well in advance to avoid delays.
Tip: Processing times can range from a few days to several weeks. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date.
Visitor Visa Conditions
What You Can Do
- Travel in New Zealand as a tourist
- Visit family and friends
- Study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period
- Attend conferences (but not perform paid work at them)
- Remote work for an overseas employer or client (in limited circumstances)
What You Cannot Do
- Work – You cannot undertake employment in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa
- Stay beyond your visa validity – Overstaying is a serious immigration offence
- Access public healthcare for free – You or your sponsor must pay for any healthcare you need
Travel Conditions
If your visa has a multiple-entry travel condition, you can leave and re-enter New Zealand while the visa remains valid. If your visa is single-entry and you leave New Zealand, the visa expires immediately.
Every time you travel to New Zealand, you must have a ticket to leave or proof you can buy one, unless your visa specifically states “Return/onward travel not required.”
Extending Your Stay
If you are already in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa and need more time, you can apply for a new Visitor Visa before your current one expires:
- You must apply before your current visa expires
- If approved, you will receive a new single-entry Visitor Visa
- The maximum stay is 9 months in any 18-month period
- Your current visa will expire when the new visa is granted
If your current visa expires while you are waiting for a decision, Immigration New Zealand will normally issue you an Interim Visa to allow you to stay lawfully in New Zealand.
Arriving in New Zealand: Entry Requirements
When you arrive in New Zealand, you must:
- Complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) – This can be done online from 24 hours before your journey (by air) or before your ship’s last overseas port (by sea). A paper form is also available.
- Present a valid passport and visa
- Show proof of onward travel or funds to purchase a departure ticket
- Demonstrate you have enough money for your stay
Important: Having a visa does not guarantee entry. An immigration officer at the border can refuse entry if you:
- Are not a genuine visitor
- Do not meet character requirements
- Have had a change in circumstances since your visa was issued
- Cannot provide evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds
Including Family Members in Your Application
You can include your partner and dependent children (aged 19 or younger) in your Visitor Visa application, or they can apply for their own visas separately. To include family members:
- Provide evidence of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
- Provide evidence of their identity and acceptable photos
- Ensure they meet health and character requirements
If family members are travelling with you but have applied for separate visas, include a letter with their full name, date of birth, passport number, and visa application number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
Processing times vary by nationality and application completeness. Most online applications are processed within 2-4 weeks, but during peak travel season (October-February), processing may take longer. Apply at least 6 weeks before your intended travel date.
How much money do I need in my bank account for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
You need at least NZD $1,000 per month of your planned stay if you are self-funded, or NZD $400 per month if accommodation is pre-paid. For a 3-month trip, this means at least NZD $3,000 in available funds (or NZD $1,200 with pre-paid accommodation).
Can I work on a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
No. You cannot undertake any form of employment in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa. However, you may be able to do remote work for an overseas employer or client. If you want to work in New Zealand, you need to apply for a work visa.
What is the difference between a Visitor Visa and an NZeTA?
An NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is for citizens of visa-waiver countries and allows stays of up to 6 months. A Visitor Visa is required for citizens of non-visa-waiver countries and allows stays of up to 9 months. The NZeTA costs NZD $17-$23 plus a NZD $100 IVL, while the Visitor Visa fee varies by nationality.
Can I extend my Visitor Visa while in New Zealand?
Yes. You can apply for a new Visitor Visa before your current one expires. If approved, you will receive a single-entry visa allowing a stay of up to 9 months total in any 18-month period. Apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying.
Do I need travel insurance for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
While travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for the Visitor Visa application, Immigration New Zealand strongly recommends having full medical insurance for your stay. You or your sponsor are responsible for paying any healthcare costs you incur in New Zealand.
Can I study on a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
Yes, you can study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period. School-aged children can study for up to 3 months in any calendar year. For study periods longer than 3 months, you need to apply for a student visa.
What happens if my Visitor Visa application is declined?
If your application is declined, Immigration New Zealand will provide the reasons for the decision. You may be able to reapply with additional supporting evidence, or you can request a review of the decision through the Immigration and Protection Tribunal. Addressing the specific reasons for decline in a new application gives you the best chance of success.
Key Takeaways
- The New Zealand Visitor Visa allows stays of up to 9 months in an 18-month period
- Citizens of approximately 60 countries can use the simpler NZeTA process instead
- You must demonstrate good health, good character, genuine intentions, and sufficient funds (NZD $1,000/month)
- Apply online through Immigration New Zealand at least 6 weeks before travel
- You cannot work on a Visitor Visa, but limited study (up to 3 months) is permitted
- Extensions are possible while in New Zealand if you apply before your current visa expires
