New Zealand is considered one of the countries with the highest quality of life in the world.
This country is made up of two main islands (the North Island and the South Island) and more than 600 smaller islands, located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. It has an approximate area of 268,000 km² and a population of around 5.3 million inhabitants.
New Zealand is one of the world’s most attractive destinations for its natural landscapes, which include mountains, glaciers, lakes, and highly scenic coastlines.
Is a visa required to travel to New Zealand?
It depends on nationality and the purpose of travel. For short stays, applying for an NZeTA (electronic travel authority) or a Visitor Visa (visitor visa) may be required. The NZeTA is not a visa, but an online permission to travel, which applies to citizens of visa-waiver countries and to certain specific cases, such as Australian permanent residents.
A visa (Visitor Visa) is not required to travel to New Zealand if any of the following cases apply:
- Being a New Zealand citizen.
- Being an Australian citizen.
- Holding a passport from the United Kingdom or from a visa-waiver country. In these cases, an NZeTA must be obtained before travel.
Types of authorizations and visas
New Zealand has different types of authorizations and visas that vary depending on the traveler’s nationality and the purpose of travel. The main options available for temporary stays and long-term stays are described below.
NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)
The NZeTA is an electronic travel authority that allows citizens of countries and territories included in the visa waiver program to travel to New Zealand without needing to apply for a traditional visa (Visitor Visa), provided entry requirements are met. The application is made online before travel and, in most cases, the NZeTA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries while it remains valid.
Regarding length of stay, the waiver usually allows up to 3 months per visit (with exceptions depending on nationality, such as British citizenship, which may have a longer period).
The NZeTA mainly covers two travel scenarios:
- Visit
- Transit: Applicable to those who only make a stopover at Auckland International Airport to continue onward to a third country; in this case, authorized transit takes place exclusively through that airport.
Visitor Visa
The Visitor Visa is the appropriate visa for tourism, visiting family or friends, and other temporary stays. Unlike the NZeTA, it is a visa and is intended both for nationalities that are not part of the visa waiver program and for those who, even if able to travel with an NZeTA, require different conditions.
The usual maximum duration of a Visitor Visa can be up to 9 months within an 18-month period, depending on whether it is granted as single or multiple entry and on the applicant’s profile.
For study purposes, the Visitor Visa allows study for up to 3 months. For programs of longer duration, applying for a Student Visa is mandatory.
Work visa
Work visas for New Zealand include several categories of temporary visas designed for different profiles (for example, with a job offer, specific programs, or pathways that may lead to residence). Choosing the appropriate visa depends on the position, the employer, and the applicant’s conditions.
Typical requirements (depending on the specific category)
- Holding a job offer.
- Working for an accredited employer under visas such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
- Meeting qualification/experience criteria, professional registration (if applicable), as well as health and character requirements.
Because conditions vary between categories and an incorrect choice can affect the outcome or processing timeframe, carefully reviewing the visa type and required documentation before submitting the application is recommended.
Study visa
As a general rule, New Zealand’s student visa is required when full-time study is planned for more than 3 months.
The requirements and documents requested may vary depending on the type of training, the course duration, and the applicant’s profile. However, the following are commonly requested:
- An Offer of Place from an approved educational institution.
- Proof of sufficient funds for maintenance and stay.
- Compliance with health and character requirements (medical and/or police certificates may be required, depending on the case).
Permanent Resident Visa
The Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) allows living, working, and studying in New Zealand indefinitely. Unlike a Resident Visa, the PRV has no travel conditions, which means entry to and exit from the country are allowed without limit, provided the visa is linked to a valid passport (if the passport is renewed, the visa must be transferred to the new one before travel).
It is important to note that the PRV does not make the holder a New Zealand citizen: citizenship is a separate process with its own requirements.
Regarding processing, the application is managed mainly online, with the required documentation provided and the corresponding fees paid.
How to apply for a visa or an NZeTA for New Zealand?
The NZeTA and the Visitor Visa are the most common permits for travel to New Zealand for tourism or short stays. Both are applied for online through Immigration New Zealand, although they may also be managed through a specialized visa-processing agency such as Visagov, which provides guidance during the process and reviews the application before submission.
The NZeTA is the most common option when the traveler’s nationality is part of the visa waiver program and the stay does not exceed the permitted period. By contrast, the Visitor Visa is usually required when nationality is not compatible with the NZeTA or when the trip does not fit within the waiver conditions, as it is a more detailed procedure with longer decision timeframes.
Who needs a visa for New Zealand?
In general, to travel to New Zealand, holding a valid visa or an NZeTA is required, except for some exemptions (for example, Australian citizens or travelers who already hold a valid New Zealand visa, among other cases).
Individuals holding a passport from a country/territory included in the visa waiver program may travel without applying for a traditional visa, but an NZeTA must be obtained before travel.
If nationality is not included on that list, applying for a Visitor Visa for tourism or short stays will usually be required.
On Visagov, eligibility for an NZeTA may be checked and, if requirements are met, the authorization may be applied for online with data review to reduce common errors in the application.
What requirements are needed to apply for the NZeTA for New Zealand?
The main requirement to apply for an NZeTA is that the applicant holds a nationality included in New Zealand’s visa waiver program. This authorization is processed online and must be obtained before travel.
In general, the following information and documentation are required to complete the NZeTA application:
- A valid passport that remains valid for at least 6 months after the planned departure date from New Zealand.
- A recent passport-style photograph, in color, with a light background, without glasses, a cap, or other accessories that conceal the face.
- A valid email address, where the application decision will be received.
Meeting these requirements does not automatically guarantee approval, as the final decision rests with New Zealand immigration authorities. However, correctly reviewing data and documents before submission helps to avoid errors and delays in processing.
Is it possible to modify a New Zealand NZeTA once it has been processed?
In general, once the NZeTA application has been submitted and paid, editing it is not always possible. If the error affects key information (such as passport or identity details) and cannot be corrected, submitting a new application is usually necessary in order to avoid issues before travel.
On Visagov.com, the information is reviewed before submission to reduce errors and minimize the need to repeat the process.
How much does the NZeTA for New Zealand cost?
Regarding government costs, the NZeTA fee is NZD 23. For visitor applications, the IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) is also usually applied, which is currently NZD 100. As a general rule, Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents are exempt from this levy.
How far in advance should the NZeTA for New Zealand be obtained?
The official recommendation is to apply for the NZeTA at least 72 hours (3 days) before travel, as that is the advised timeframe to allow for processing.
Even so, to travel with a buffer and avoid unforeseen issues (passport data errors, additional reviews, or last-minute problems), the most prudent approach is to obtain it as soon as travel dates are confirmed, ideally 1–2 weeks in advance.
What are the entry points to New Zealand?
The NZeTA is used when traveling to New Zealand through authorized international airports and seaports. For visit/tourism travel, entry through a specific airport or port is not required: any authorized entry point is valid.
If travel is only in transit to a third country, transit is considered only at Auckland International Airport, because it is the airport that has a transit area. In that case:
- The passenger must remain in the transit area and may not leave the airport.
- Transit is permitted for up to 24 hours.
If the stopover is at an airport other than Auckland, it is no longer considered “transit” (there is no transit area), and a permit that allows entry into New Zealand is usually required.
Are vaccines required to travel to New Zealand?
In general terms, New Zealand does not require mandatory vaccines as an entry requirement for most travelers. In fact, there are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements to enter the country. However, even if vaccines are not mandatory, health authorities recommend traveling with routine vaccinations up to date. At a minimum, tetanus, measles, and polio are usually cited.
What is the currency of New Zealand?
New Zealand’s official currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD $). In practice, card payment (EFTPOS-type terminals) is widely available across all types of businesses. Even so, carrying some cash is recommended for small purchases or occasional situations (for example, certain services or areas with lower availability of electronic payment).
What is the best time to travel to New Zealand?
The best time to travel to New Zealand depends on the type of trip (beach, nature, skiing, or hiking routes), as the seasons are reversed compared with Europe. In general terms, summer (December to February) has the warmest days and the most daylight hours, while winter (June to August) is the key period for snow sports.
Summer: December, January, and February
These are the most popular months for warm weather, the beach, and outdoor activities. In summer, approximate temperatures of 20–30°C are usually recorded (depending on areas and conditions).
Winter: June, July, and August
The ski and snowboard season is concentrated in winter. In destinations such as Queenstown and Wānaka, the season usually runs from June to September (and may extend into October depending on snow).
Spring and autumn: September to November and March to May
These months are highly recommended for hiking and quieter travel: temperatures tend to be milder and there is less crowding than in peak summer.
Practical tip
Weather in New Zealand can be changeable, with episodes of rain or wind even in summer, so checking the forecast before routes or activities is advisable.
Is it safe to travel to New Zealand?
In general, New Zealand is considered a safe destination, with relatively low crime levels. Even so, it is not a “crime-free” country, and applying basic precautions is advisable, especially in tourist areas and when using rental vehicles.
Most common risks and how to avoid them
- Theft and break-ins from vehicles (especially rental cars and campers): avoiding leaving items in sight, even if “covered,” and using a safe when possible.
- Road safety: driving is on the left, and many roads may be narrow, winding, and with blind crests. Being well rested (especially after long flights) and respecting speed limits.
- Natural risks (seismic zone): earthquakes may occur, as well as tsunamis in coastal areas, along with flooding, landslides, or volcanic activity in some areas. In the event of an alert, official local instructions should always be followed.
- Changeable weather and outdoor activities: weather may change quickly, especially in exposed and mountainous areas; planning routes and checking forecasts reduces risks such as hypothermia.
- Beaches and currents: rip currents are a real risk; swimming between flags and following lifeguard recommendations is recommended.
- Insects: in certain areas, bites may be a nuisance (for example, sandflies); carrying repellent and appropriate clothing helps prevent them.
- In the event of any serious incident during travel, knowing the country’s emergency number is advisable; in New Zealand, the emergency number is 111 (police, ambulance, and fire services).
Important tips for traveling to New Zealand
- Tourists do not usually receive free medical care, so purchasing travel insurance or medical-expense insurance is advisable.
- New Zealand is a true “Lord of the Rings” film set, and including at least one filming location on the itinerary is worthwhile. Some of the most common are:
- Matamata / Hobbiton: The visit is guided and booking before travel is advisable.
- Tongariro National Park (“Mordor”): Recommended for volcanic landscapes.
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing: One of the best-known routes to enjoy the setting of “Mount Doom.”
- Tawhai Falls: Near Tongariro, popularly called the “Gollum’s Pool.”
- To explore New Zealand with greater freedom and access natural areas easily, a common option is to rent a motorhome.
- In some areas there are few gas stations, so keeping the tank full or refueling with a buffer is recommended.
- If bulk purchases are needed (supermarket, equipment, pharmacy), doing so in larger towns is recommended, where better options are easier to find.
- The most practical option is usually to buy a local SIM (or eSIM if the phone supports it) at the airport or at phone shops in town.
- Some must-sees in New Zealand by island:
- North Island: Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua, and the Waitomo Caves.
- South Island: Franz Josef Glacier and Lake Matheson, a cruise on Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, the Aoraki/Mount Cook area, and the Roys Peak trek (Wānaka).
