New Zealand Visa: Entry requirements and travel information for New Zealand

What is a New Zealand Visitor Visa, and who is it intended for?

Who is the New Zealand Visitor Visa intended for?

Visitors with passports from countries outside of New Zealand's visa waiver programme. This covers India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Solomon Islands, and others.

Who is not eligible for a New Zealand visitor visa?

Individuals from visa-waiver nations are normally not required to apply for a visiting visa. This includes Argentina, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Japan, Austria, Bahrain, Norway, the Seychelles, Saudi Arabia, and others.

What is the purpose of the New Zealand Visitor visa?

• Tourism and family visits.

• Short-term study allows you to study for up to three months in any given year.

• Job interviews.

You cannot work, conduct business, or seek medical care with this visa.

How long can you stay on a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

The Visitor Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows for a maximum stay of nine months in an 18-month period.

What is a New Zealand ETA (NZeTA), and who is it for?

Who is the New Zealand ETA for?

Citizens of visa-free nations visiting New Zealand for tourist or business. It is also required of Australian permanent residents.

What is the purpose of the New Zealand ETA?

The NZeTA allows for both tourism and short-term business visits. This includes vacationing and attending conferences or meetings, however it does not allow employment in New Zealand.

How long can you stay on a New Zealand ETA?

The NZeTA is valid for two years following issuance and allows for multiple entries. Each visit may last up to three months, or six months for UK citizens.

What are the New Zealand long-term visa alternatives, and who are they intended for?

To satisfy a wide range of professional and personal needs, New Zealand provides numerous long-term visa alternatives, including study, business, employment, and long-term residency.

Here are the most popular ones:

• Study visas are suitable for international students enrolling in New Zealand schools or educational institutions; however, work is normally not permitted except under specified conditions.

• Work visas are for people looking for work in New Zealand, including those who have a job offer from a New Zealand business or have specified qualifications and work experience.

• Family visas: For those who desire to join or bring family to New Zealand, the restrictions vary depending on the family member's status.

• Business/Investment visas: For entrepreneurs or investors who want to start a business or invest in New Zealand and contribute to the economy.

• Residence visas: Aimed at people who want to remain in New Zealand permanently, they cover a variety of options such as skilled migration, family reunion, and investment.

• Transit visas are required for persons passing through Auckland International Airport but not arriving in Australia from a visa free or transit visa waiver country. This visa permits you to stay in the airport transit area with your partner and dependant children under the age of 19.

Staying Healthy in New Zealand: Here's What You Need to Know

New Zealand provides great healthcare, including both public and commercial options. Here's what you should know as a traveller.

Stay up to speed with routine vaccinations.
There are no special immunisations required unless you are travelling from a yellow fever-endemic country. If you are, you must produce a vaccination certificate.

Keep up to speed on New Zealand's COVID-19 requirements, including as quarantine, testing, and vaccine certificates, by checking with your airline or visiting the Ministry of Health's website.

Medical facilities

• In cities, private hospitals and specialised centres typically provide high-quality healthcare services.

• New Zealand's healthcare system is excellent, particularly in major cities such as Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington.

• Pharmacies provide over-the-counter medications and advice.

Health Insurance

• We recommend getting health insurance before travelling to any destination.

• Private medical care will be available in all of New Zealand's main cities, but it will be pricey. You should get travel insurance with large medical limits.

• Before travelling, contact your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage.

Other considerations when purchasing travel insurance:

• Trip cancellation, delay, and interruption coverage.

• Medical costs and evacuation benefits.

• Coverage for lost baggage.

Things to be aware of when visiting New Zealand

Keep an extra eye on the following to keep healthy and safe during your trip to New Zealand:

1. Outdoor activities and adventure tourism: Foreigners have been involved in tragic accidents while doing extreme sports activities. If you’re participating in extreme sports, check that the company is well-established and your insurance covers you.

2. Do your research before going to remote locations: If you plan to visit a remote area, check with the local tourist authorities for advice before you leave. Register with a visitor information center or leave details with family or friends.

3. Natural disasters: Extreme weather and natural disasters like earthquakes, flooding, and volcanic eruptions occur. Monitor any warnings or updates from the National Emergency Management Agency.

Medication for personal use

• Follow these tips to bring over-the-counter medicines into New Zealand:

• Declare all medications: Declaring controlled or prescription medications upon arrival is essential.

• Original packaging: Always keep medicines in their original containers with prescription labels.

• Prescription or doctor's letter: Carry a valid prescription or a letter from your doctor explaining the need for each medication.

• Check for restrictions: Research beforehand to ensure your medications are allowed as some substances are restricted or prohibited. Contact your nearest New Zealand embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.

• Quantity matters: Bring only a reasonable quantity of medication aligned with your stay duration to avoid complications.