Visas and entry requirements for tourists

The Visa Waiver Programme(opens in new window) permits citizens of some countries to enter New Zealand for business and tourism purposes for up to three months without a visa. Or, if you are a British citizen, up to 6 months.

Travellers entering New Zealand under the Visa Waiver Programme need to complete an New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

To avoid delays, request an NZeTA before you travel. Requests are usually processed within 72 hours, but some requests may take longer.

Find out about NZeTA

Visitor Visas

People travelling to New Zealand for business and tourism using a passport from a country that is not part of the Visa Waiver Programme(opens in new window) must apply for a Visitor Visa(opens in new window). With a Visitor Visa, you can stay for up to 6 months (multiple entry) or 9 months (single entry). You cannot work, but you can study for up to 3 months.

Working Holiday Visas

Working Holiday Visas(opens in new window) enable people aged 18 to 30 to work and travel in New Zealand for up to 12 months. Passport holders of some countries will be able to work until the age of 35 and for up to 36 months.

Transit Visas

If you are transiting through New Zealand, you will need a Transit Visa(opens in new window), unless you are travelling to Australia, or are from a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Programme(opens in new window).

More information about visas

The visa and 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). 

Explore other visa options

The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is used to fund tourism infrastructure and conservation initiatives.  Visitors from most countries, including people on working holidays, need to pay the IVL before they enter New Zealand.

There are some exceptions, including people from Australia and many Pacific Island countries.The easiest way to pay is when you apply for an NZeTA. The IVL costs NZD $100. 

Find out about the IVL

The New Zealand Traveller Declaration(opens in new window) (NZTD) collects travel, customs, immigration, and biosecurity information about your visit to New Zealand.

A traveller declaration needs to be completed for each traveller, including babies and children. It is free and can be done online(opens in new window) or by downloading the NZTD app.

It is recommended that you complete a traveller declaration online before you depart for New Zealand. This will help you to pass through customs more quickly. If arriving by plane, the earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before you start your trip to New Zealand.

Your declaration is linked to your passport and is checked when you pass through customs.

Find out about the NZTD

There’s no longer any COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for travellers arriving in New Zealand.

However, it’s strongly recommended that all travellers keep their vaccinations up to date before setting off.

Vaccination remains a vital tool for preventing infection, reducing COVID-19 symptoms, and minimising severe illness.

For more guidelines go to Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora).

Discover more

Biosecurity items

Food, some drinks, and animal and plant products can carry harmful pests and diseases. To protect New Zealand’s environment many of these items are prohibited.

If you accidentally bring prohibited items with you, you must declare or dispose of them on arrival in New Zealand. Some sports and outdoor equipment must also be declared.

Prohibited and restricted items

There are some goods you cannot bring into New Zealand. Prohibited items include some firearms and weapons and objectionable material.

You may be able to bring some restricted items into New Zealand, but only if you have a permit and/or after they have gone through treatments like fumigation.

Find out about customs and biosecurity

If you are 17 years or older, you are entitled to duty-free concessions on alcohol, cigarettes, and tobacco.

Discover duty-free shopping