New Zealand eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Introduction

New Zealand is renowned for its landscapes, adventure tourism, and outdoor activities. Visitors from visa-waiver countries must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travel — there is no visa-free entry without it. A separate International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35 is also charged at the same time.

Tourist & Short Stay

• NZeTA (for visa-waiver countries) — NZD 23 (app) or NZD 17 (web) + NZD 35 IVL: Required for citizens of UK, USA, Canada, EU countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and ~60 others. Apply at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz or via the NZeTA app. Valid for multiple entries over 2 years; each stay up to 90 days (UK/Irish: up to 6 months).
• Visitor Visa — NZD 211: For nationalities not on the visa-waiver list. Apply at immigration.govt.nz/visaview. Multiple-entry possible; stay up to 9 months (citizens of UK/certain Pacific).
• Australian citizens: May enter visa-free, no NZeTA needed — use Australian passport on arrival.

Business Visa

Short business visits (meetings, trade events) are covered by NZeTA or Visitor visa. For investment, the Investor Visa (subclass requires NZD 3 million+ or NZD 15 million+) and Entrepreneur Work Visa support longer business engagement. An Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is required for paid employment by New Zealand companies.

Work & Long-Stay Visas

• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Employer must be NZBN-accredited; job offer required; minimum skill level ANZSCO 4+. Duration up to 3 years. Pathway to residence via Green List or Skilled Migrant Category.
• Working Holiday Visa: Ages 18–30 (some 35); NZD 320; 12 months (up to 23 months for UK/Irish); work in any job; available from ~45 countries.
• Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): Expression of Interest (EOI) points system; skilled employment in NZ required; leads to permanent residence.
• Green List Occupations: Direct pathway to residence for specific shortage occupations (e.g., nurses, engineers) with job offer at or above median wage.

Student Visa

Fee NZD 375. Requires offer from a New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) registered provider, proof of funds (NZD 15,000/year), and medical/chest X-ray if from high-risk country. Partners may apply for an open work visa. Part-time work (20 hours/week) permitted during study.

Airport Transit

Transit passengers who remain in the international zone do not need a visa. If you need to clear immigration or change airports, a transit visa or standard visa is required.

Required Documents

• Valid passport (minimum 3 months beyond departure)
• NZeTA approval or visitor visa grant letter
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of funds (NZD 1,000/month or NZD 400/month if accommodation pre-paid)
• Accommodation details or host invitation
• Travel and health insurance (recommended)
• For work/student: job offer, employer accreditation, or enrolment letter

Visa Fees

How to Apply

1. Check if your country is on the visa-waiver list at immigration.govt.nz.
2. If yes: apply for NZeTA and pay IVL at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz or via the NZeTA mobile app.
3. If no: apply for a Visitor visa through immigration.govt.nz/visaview (create a RealMe account).
4. Upload required documents and pay the fee online.
5. Receive NZeTA/visa approval by email (linked to your passport).
6. Present your passport on arrival — no stamp or label needed for NZeTA.

Official Links

• immigration.govt.nz — Immigration New Zealand
• nzeta.immigration.govt.nz — NZeTA application
• NZeTA factsheet

Who Needs an NZeTA vs. Visa?

Australian citizens: no NZeTA needed — enter visa-free. Visa-waiver countries (USA, UK, EU, Canada, Japan, Singapore etc.): must obtain NZeTA + IVL before travel. All other nationalities: apply for Visitor visa (NZD 211). Some Pacific Island citizens have extended rights under special bilateral agreements.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.