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Check if you need an NZeTA or a visitor visa

If you come to New Zealand on holiday, you’ll need to get either an NZeTA or a visitor visa — unless you’re an Australian.

When you need an NZeTA

You do not need both an NZeTA and a visitor visa.

You need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) if you’re:

  • travelling on a passport from a visa-waiver country
  • an Australian permanent resident (non-citizen)

Visa waiver countries and territories — NZ Immigration

Visa Waiver Visitor Visa — NZ Immigration

NZeTA application and costs

You can request an NZeTA using NZ Immigration’s app or website.

How to request an NZeTA

When you need a visitor visa

You need a visitor visa if you:

  • are not travelling on a passport from a visa-waiver country or territory
  • want to visit for more than 3 months (or 6 months if you’re from the UK)
  • are not of good character — for example, have a criminal conviction
  • are not in good health — or are coming to NZ for medical consultation or treatment.

Visa waiver countries and territories — NZ Immigration

Visitor visa — NZ Immigration

Visitor visa application and costs

You can apply online for a visitor visa on the New Zealand Immigration website. 

How to apply for a visitor visa

Australian citizens and current NZ visa holders

If you’re an Australian citizen

Australian citizens do not need an NZeTA or a visitor visa.

Permanent residents and citizens both get an Australian Resident Visa when they arrive in New Zealand.

Australian Resident Visa — NZ Immigration

If you're a NZ citizen or current NZ visa holder

New Zealand citizens and visa holders — including those with a Permanent Resident Visa — and some other travellers do not need an NZeTA before they travel to New Zealand 

Travellers who do not need an NZeTA — NZ Immigration

Transiting New Zealand and other travellers

If you're transiting through New Zealand or arriving by other modes of transport, you may still need an NZeTA or visa before you can come to NZ.

If you’re transiting through Auckland International Airport

You must request an NZeTA if you’re travelling on a passport from a transit visa waiver country.

Transit visa waiver countries — NZ Immigration

If you’re arriving by cruise ship

If you do not have a visa, you must have an NZeTA.

Arriving by cruise ship — NZ Immigration

If you’re arriving by cargo ship, fishing vessel, private yachts or planes

Some crew of cargo ships, fishing vessels and private craft must have an NZeTA or visa before they can come to NZ.

Crew of cargo ships, fishing vessels, private yachts and planes — NZ Immigration

Before you travel to New Zealand

Even if your passport is from a visa-waiver country, there are still some conditions to your travel.

You must have:

  • a valid passport
  • a ticket out of New Zealand, and
  • enough money to live on while you’re here.

Before you travel to New Zealand — NZ Immigration

Explore all visa options

Use Immigration NZ's tool to work out the visa you need based on the:

  • intentions you have in NZ
  • passport you hold
  • length of your stay in NZ
  • main purpose of your visit.

Explore and select a visa - New Zealand Immigration

Utility links and page information

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