Learn more about the available visa options and entry requirements into New Zealand
We enjoy welcoming visitors to New Zealand. Having a valid passport and the right visa is key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand. Your passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa.
On this page, you’ll find helpful information on New Zealand visa options:
- Travel requirements to enter New Zealand
- Visitor visa for a holiday
- Working holiday visa
- Work visa
- Transit visa (through New Zealand or Australia)
Travel requirements to New Zealand
Use the search tool below to find out more about travel requirements to New Zealand from your country of origin, including regulations, visa requirements and health and safety guidelines.
Visiting New Zealand for a holiday
You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are:
- A NEW ZEALAND TOURIST VISA citizen travelling on a New Zealand passport or on a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement
- An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport
- A foreign passport holder with a valid visa for New Zealand – including a Permanent Resident visa
If you plan to visit New Zealand for a short period, you need request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority(opens in new window) (NZeTA) before you travel if you are:
- A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver(opens in new window) agreement with New Zealand (you can stay up to three months)
If you don’t meet the above, then you’ll need a visitor visa. The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visitor visa(opens in new window) is online.
Before travelling to New Zealand, you need to make sure your passport is valid for at least three months longer than your expected departure date. If you come from a country that needs a New Zealand visa to enter, please be sure to apply in advance.
If you have a biometric ordinary passport (or electronic passport) and are over 12 years old, you may be able to use New Zealand Customs eGate service. This allows you to complete your Customs and Immigration checks faster so you can get on with enjoying your visit to New Zealand.
Useful websites
- Visa Information – Immigration New Zealand
- Biosecurity Information
- Customs Information
Working holidays
Working holiday visas(opens in new window) are available to young people, usually aged 18-30 (but 18-35 for a select few nationalities). They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months if you’re from the UK. To apply you’ll need to meet the visa requirements, and have:
- A return ticket, or enough money to pay for one; and
- Be coming mainly to holiday, with work being a secondary intention.
Work visas and staying permanently
If you’re thinking of coming to NEW ZEALAND VISA FAQ to work for a few years, or maybe even to settle, you’ll need a work or resident visa. To get that – you’re likely to need a job.
For information about working in New Zealand, including industry profiles, tips on job hunting, and a list of job sites to check out, visit New Zealand Now.(opens in new window)
Transiting through New Zealand or Australia
If you are travelling to New Zealand via an Australian airport, you may also need an Australian visa – consult your travel agent or airline if you are unsure.
Transit visas (opens in new window)will also be needed for all people travelling via New Zealand, unless they are specifically exempted by immigration policy.
More information about visas
The visa and immigration information on this page is just a summary. For everything you need to know about coming to New Zealand, visit Immigration New Zealand.(opens in new window)
