Skip to content
en
Menu
Back
New ZealandVisit & tourismLast checked October 16, 2026

Visitor Visa for tourism and family visits

with NZeTA for visa-waiver travellers

Citizens of New Zealand's visa-waiver countries do not need a visa for short visits but must get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling, and then receive a visitor visa on arrival. Australian citizens need neither. Everyone else applies online for a Visitor Visa, which costs from NZD 441, allows stays of up to 6 or 9 months, and does not allow work for New Zealand employers. Most visitors also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 100.

See requirements ↓

Visiting New Zealand

Add your passport to your profile, or check it here, to see exactly what you need to visit.

Life in New Zealand

Money

3

Currency

New Zealand Dollar

NZD

New Zealand Dollar

Cost of living

89

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

10.5–39%

Income tax (national)

GST 15%

39% applies to income over NZD 180,000; ACC earners' levy is charged in addition.

Official rates, 2025/26 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

7.0

#11 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

Your edge here Members

What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties

Get started

Who it’s for

People who want to holiday in New Zealand or visit family and friends. Visa-waiver passport holders use the NZeTA; other nationalities apply for the Visitor Visa.

Eligibility

  • Visa waiver vs visa

    Check whether your passport is on the visa-waiver list: if so you need an NZeTA, otherwise a Visitor Visa.

    Maximum visit without a visa

    Most waiver countries
    Under 3 months
    UK passport
    6 months
    • Australian citizens need neither an NZeTA nor a visa
    Official wording

    Passports on INZ's visa-waiver list (for example EU states, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Gulf states, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay, Israel) need an NZeTA instead of a visa for visits under 3 months (6 months for the UK). Australian citizens need neither. Others need a Visitor Visa.

  • Good health

    You must be in good health, with a chest X-ray or medical certificate only for longer stays.

    When health checks are needed

    Chest X-raycountries without low TB incidence
    Over 6 months
    Medical certificatelength of stay
    12 months or more
    • A chest X-ray is normally needed only in the case described
    Official wording

    You must be in good health. A chest X-ray is normally needed only for stays over 6 months from countries without a low incidence of tuberculosis, and a medical certificate only for stays of 12 months or more.

  • Good character

    Provide police certificates if you are 17 or older and will spend 24 months or more in New Zealand.

    When police certificates are needed

    Minimum age
    17
    Total time in NZ
    24 months
    • A criminal conviction or security risk can lead to refusal
    Official wording

    Police certificates are needed if you are 17 or older and your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or more. A criminal conviction or security risk can lead to refusal.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementGenuine visitor
  • Document checklistPassport copy (valid 3 months beyond planned departure)
  • FeesVisitor Visa (total shown before country is selected)

The full requirements are for members

Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.

  • 6 more requirements
  • 10 documents
  • 4 fees
  • 8 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
Get started See plansSign in

Places to visit in New Zealand

Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.

Subscriber feature

Finding places for you…

Official sources

Was this page helpful? Helpful Report a concern

Other routes to New Zealand

All routes to New Zealand →

Visit & tourism in other countries