australian tourist visa from nz

Australia Recommends 2024

Come and Say G'day

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

Yarra Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

• Australian visa information
• Working holiday visas

Sydney Airport, New South Wales © Sydney Airport

Australian Visa and Entry Requirements FAQs

Learn about visa requirements for entry to Australia for tourism purposes with this list of frequently asked questions. 

Please note this page is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority. For information on visas to enter Australia, visitors should seek the most up-to-date information from Australian Government Department of Home Affairs .*

Ready to plan your trip? We're ready to welcome you! Here are some helpful tips for getting your visa sorted: 

• Be sure to secure the appropriate visa before travelling to Australia. Use the Visa Finder to explore your options.
• Ensure all details are correct and provide all required documents when you apply. An incomplete or incorrect application can delay your visa.
• Submitting multiple applications at the same time can slow the process. For visitor visas, submit one application per person, including children. 
• Questions? The Australian Government's Global Service Centre can help.

Australian Visa Information

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, via the ETA app or on the  Department of Home Affairs website.

There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay. 

Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is  here .

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. Agents can assist you in the application process, but you must be physically present as a live facial image is required.

eVisitor  (subclass 651) This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.

Visitor visa  (subclass 600) The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

The application process may differ depending on which visa you need.

You can only apply for the  Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located  here .

For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing. You may be asked to provide further supporting information. You will be notified in writing if your tourist visa is approved and it will be digitally linked to your passport. For more information on different visa types, and Australian visa requirements including how to apply for an Australian visa, visit the  Department of Home Affairs  website.

If you are already in Australia and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) you can extend your stay by applying for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600). An eVisitor (subclass 651) cannot be extended.

See the Department of Home Affairs website for details.

Working Holiday Visas

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows visitors aged under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold a passport from a participating country to travel and work in Australia. Working holiday visas are valid for one year, or up to three years if you meet certain conditions.

Find out more about working holiday visas here .

*Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check this information is still current by visiting the Australian Department of Home Affairs .

More articles like this

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• International (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

Countries, economies and regions

Select a country, economy or region to find embassies, country briefs, economic fact sheets, trade agreements, aid programs, information on sanctions and more.

International relations

Global security.

• Australia and sanctions
• Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO)
• Counter-terrorism
• Non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control
• Peacekeeping and peacebuilding

Regional architecture

• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• East Asia Summit (EAS)
• Australia and the Indian Ocean region
• Pacific Islands regional organisations

Global themes

• Child protection
• Climate change
• Cyber affairs and critical technology
• Disability Equity and Rights
• Gender equality
• Human rights
• Indigenous peoples
• People Smuggling, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
• Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment
• Australia’s treaty-making process

International organisations

• The Commonwealth of Nations
• United Nations (UN)
• World Trade Organization

Foreign Arrangements Scheme  

Trade and investment, about free trade agreements (ftas).

• The benefits of FTAs
• How to get free trade agreement tariff cuts
• Look up FTA tariffs and services market access - DFAT FTA Portal
• Discussion paper on potential modernisation – DFAT FTA Portal

About foreign investment

• The benefits of foreign investment
• Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS)
• Australia's bilateral investment treaties
• Australia's foreign investment policy

For Australian business

• Addressing non-tariff trade barriers

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Stakeholder engagement.

• Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment
• Trade 2040 Taskforce
• First Nations trade

Australia's free trade agreements (FTAs)

• ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand (AANZFTA)
• Chile (ACLFTA)
• China (ChAFTA)
• Hong Kong ( A-HKFTA & IA)
• India (AI-ECTA)
• Indonesia (IA-CEPA)
• Japan (JAEPA)
• Korea (KAFTA)
• Malaysia (MAFTA)
• New Zealand (ANZCERTA)
• Peru (PAFTA)
• Singapore (SAFTA)
• Thailand (TAFTA)
• United Kingdom (A-UKFTA)
• USA (AUSFTA)
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
• European Union (A-EUFTA)
• India (AI-CECA)
• Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
• Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Trade and investment data, information and publications

• Fact sheets for countries and regions
• Australia's trade balance
• Trade statistics
• Foreign investment statistics
• Trade and investment publications
• Australia's Trade through Time

WTO, G20, OECD, APEC and IPEF and ITAG

Services and digital trade.

• Service trade policy
• Australia-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement
• Digital trade & the digital economy

Development

Australia’s development program, performance assessment.

• Development evaluation
• Budget and statistical information

Who we work with

• Multilateral organisations
• Non-government organisations (NGOs)
• List of Australian accredited non-government organisations (NGOs)

Development topics

• Development issues
• Development sectors

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

• Sustainable Development Goals

Where we deliver our Development Program

Humanitarian action.

Where and how Australia provides emergency assistance.

People-to-people

Australia awards.

• Australia Awards Scholarships
• Australia Awards Fellowships

New Colombo Plan

• Scholarship program
• Mobility program

Public diplomacy

• Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program
• Australia now
• UK/Australia Season 2021-22

Foundations, councils and institutes

• Australia-ASEAN Council
• Australia-India Council
• Australia-Indonesia Institute
• Australia-Japan Foundation
• Australia-Korea Foundation
• Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR)
• Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR)

International Labour Mobility

• Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme
• Agriculture Visa

Australian Volunteers Program

Supporting organisations in developing countries by matching them with skilled Australians. 

Sports diplomacy

Australia is a successful global leader and innovator in sport.

A global platform for achievement, innovation, collaboration, and cooperation

• About Australia

Australia is a stable, democratic and culturally diverse nation with a highly skilled workforce and one of the strongest performing economies in the world.

Australia in Brief publication

This is the 52nd edition of Australia in Brief, revised and updated in February 2021

Travel advice

To help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, we maintain travel advisories for more than 170 destinations.

• Smartraveller – travel advice

International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

Prove your COVID-19 vaccinations when you travel overseas.

• Services Australia

The Australian Passport Office and its agents are committed to providing a secure, efficient and responsive passport service for Australia.

• Australian Passport Office

24-hour consular emergency helpline

• Within Australia: 1300 555 135
• Outside Australia: +61 2 6261 3305
• Getting help overseas
• Visas for Australians travelling overseas

Visas to visit Australia

Whether you are visiting Australia for less than 72 hours or planning on a stay of several years you must have a valid Australian visa.

A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a particular country.

Information on visas to Australia can be found at the Department of Home Affairs .

Related links

• Visiting Australia
• Australia.com - official Australian tourism website

Visas and entry requirements

Visas, New Zealand

By Tourism New Zealand

Learn more about the available visa options and entry requirements into Aotearoa New Zealand, including the New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

Aotearoa New Zealand enjoys welcoming Australian manuhiri (visitors) to our beautiful country.

Having a valid passport, the right visa and completing the entry requirements are key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand.

Your passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid   New Zealand visa .

On this page, you'll find helpful information on:

• Arriving in New Zealand
• Visitor visa for a holiday
• Working holiday visa
• Transit visa (through New Zealand or Australia)

New Zealand visa options

Visiting new zealand for a holiday.

You do not need a visa to visit New Zealand if you are:

• A New Zealand citizen travelling on a New Zealand passport or on a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement
• An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport
• A foreign passport holder with a valid visa for New Zealand - including a Permanent Resident visa

If you plan to visit New Zealand for a short period, you need request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (opens in new window) (NZeTA) before you travel if you are:

• A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver (opens in new window) agreement with New Zealand (you can stay up to three months)

If you don’t meet the above, then you’ll need a visitor visa. The fastest and easiest way to apply for a visitor visa (opens in new window) is online.

Before travelling to New Zealand, you need to make sure your passport is valid for at least three months longer than your expected departure date.

Be sure to request your   NZeTA , or apply for your visitor visa well in advance of travel to avoid delays, and only use the official NZeTA website to request your New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority.

For more information on cost and processing times, visit the official   NZeTA website .

If you have a biometric ordinary passport (or electronic passport) and are over 12 years old, you may be able to use New Zealand Customs eGate service. This allows you to complete your Customs and Immigration checks faster so you can get on with enjoying your visit to New Zealand.

Essential travel information

Working holidays.

Working holiday visas (opens in new window) are available to young people, usually aged 18-30 (but 18-35 for a select few nationalities). They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months if you’re from the UK. To apply you’ll need to meet the visa requirements, and have:

• A return ticket, or enough money to pay for one; and 
• Be coming mainly to holiday, with work being a secondary intention.

Back to the top

Work visas and staying permanently

If you’re thinking of coming to New Zealand to work for a few years, or maybe even to settle, you’ll need a work or resident visa. To get that – you’re likely to need a job.

For information about working in New Zealand, including industry profiles, tips on job hunting, and a list of job sites to check out, visit New Zealand Now. (opens in new window)

Transiting through New Zealand or Australia

If you are travelling to New Zealand via an Australian airport, you may also need an Australian visa – consult your travel agent or airline if you are unsure.

Transit visas (opens in new window) will also be needed for all people travelling via New Zealand, unless they are specifically exempted by immigration policy.

More information about visas

The visa and immigration 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)

Find out if you need a visa

Arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand

Everyone entering New Zealand needs to complete a  New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) (opens in new window)  including babies and children.

Traveller Declaration requirements (opens in new window)

It’s free and you can complete it on the NZTD website or by downloading the NZTD app ahead of your travel.

You can start your NZTD at a time that suits you. If arriving by plane, the earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before you start your trip to New Zealand. An NZTD needs to be submitted by the time you reach New Zealand passport control.

If arriving by boat (including cruise ships), the earliest you can submit your NZTD is 24 hours before departing the vessel’s last foreign port prior to arriving in New Zealand.

It needs to be submitted by the time the vessel has berthed at its first port in New Zealand. ​

If you apply for a visa or NZeTA, you still need to complete an NZTD (opens in new window) .

Here's how to complete your declaration online. 

The form is available in English and Te Reo Māori, as well as simplified and traditional Chinese Mandarin. 

From April 2024, the form will be in 12 more languages: Hindi, Samoan, Fijian, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Tagalog, Tamil, Tongan, and Portuguese.

Paper NZTD forms will be available for travellers who cannot complete it online.

Fill out your NZ Traveller Declaration

What you can bring into New Zealand

After you’ve cleared passport control, you should collect your baggage and proceed through customs and biosecurity checks. In order to protect New Zealand and its environment, certain items are not allowed to be brought into the country, have restrictions for entry or must be declared if they are deemed to present a biosecurity risk. These include food, plants, animal products and outdoor recreational equipment.

Your baggage may be sniffed by a detector dog and/or x-rayed, and it may be searched to identify any risk goods you might be carrying.

To avoid penalties it is best to familiarise yourself with these guidelines prior to travel. For a detailed list of prohibited, restricted or declarable items, please visit Ministry for Primary Industries (opens in new window) (biosecurity agency).

Allowances and duty free concessions

As a visitor to New Zealand you may be entitled to various concessions and duty free entries on some of your goods. If you are 17 years or older, you are entitled to allowances for alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco. For detailed information on allowances and duty free concessions, please visit New Zealand Customs (opens in new window) .

• Share on Facebook
• Share by email

Where to Next?

Travelling to NZ long-arrow-right

Travel agents and agencies long-arrow-right

Flights To New Zealand long-arrow-right

Travel Erudition

Can i travel to new zealand with australian tourist visa?

Yes, you can travel to New Zealand with an Australian tourist visa. The process is relatively simple and straightforward, and there are a number of ways to do it. The most important thing to remember is that you need to have a valid passport and a return ticket. Other than that, the main requirements are that you have enough money to support yourself while you’re in New Zealand, and that you have travel insurance.

Yes, you can travel to New Zealand on an Australian tourist visa.

Is visa for Australia and New Zealand the same?

The Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement is an agreement between Australia and New Zealand that allows New Zealand citizens to enter Australia without applying for a visa. This arrangement makes it easy for New Zealanders to travel to Australia and vice versa.

Yes, you can travel from New Zealand to Australia if you have been in the country for 14 days or more. To do so, you will need to have been in New Zealand for the past 14 days and have no symptoms of COVID-19. You will also need to provide proof of your travel history and contact information to the Australian authorities upon arrival.

Can I visit NZ from Australia

Most Australian citizens don’t need a visa to enter New Zealand unless they have a criminal record or have been deported from any country. Australian permanent residents need to apply online for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to enter New Zealand. Australian citizens are exempt from this rule.

The New Zealand Tourist visa is a great option for Indian citizens that want to visit the country for leisure purposes. With this visa, you will be able to visit friends and family, travel around New Zealand, and participate in some adventure activities. Additionally, you may be able to catch some of New Zealand’s well-known Rugby matches.

Can I travel to Australia from NZ without visa?

New Zealand citizens with a valid New Zealand passport do not need to apply for a visa before coming to Australia. This means that they can enter Australia for up to three months without a visa. However, if they want to stay for longer than three months, they will need to apply for a visa.

You must have a valid US passport and a visa or approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. Most US passport holders traveling to Australia for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain an ETA.

Is New Zealand visa easy to get?

Unlike a number of countries, New Zealand does not have extremely strict visa regulations. This means that the process of applying for a visa is generally simpler and quicker than in other countries. New Zealand also provides a visa to genuine applicants, which makes it an attractive destination for many people.

Please note that most NZeTA requests are processed within 72 hours. However, some requests may take longer to process. If your request falls into this category, please be patient and wait for a response from the NZeTA team. Thank you for your understanding.

How long does Aus visitor visa take

It is important to note that the processing time for an Australian tourist visa can vary depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Generally, however, it takes around 20 days to receive a decision on the visa application from the date of lodgement. There can be delays in processing, however, if additional documentation is required from the applicant.

New Zealand will not require a pre-departure test for entry starting June 2022, though most travelers will need to be vaccinated and take two rapid antigen tests (RATs) after arrival. If you transit through New Zealand, you will not need to be vaccinated or complete the New Zealand Traveler Declaration.

How to apply for New Zealand tourist visa?

If you’re planning on visiting New Zealand, you will need to apply for a visitor visa. The process is relatively simple and straightforward, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, you need to decide how you want to apply for your visa. You can either do it online or through a paper application. If you choose to apply online, you’ll need to create an account on the Immigration NZ website.

Next, you need to gather all the required documents for your application. This includes things like your passport, proof of identity, and proof of financial stability.

Once you have all the required documents, you can begin filling out your application. You’ll need to provide information about yourself, your travel plans, and your criminal history.

Once your application is complete, you’ll need to pay the application fee and submit your application. If everything is in order, you should receive your visa within a few weeks.

You must have enough money to support your trip while in New Zealand. You must have at least NZ $1000 per month. If an NZ resident/citizen is sponsoring your trip, you still need to show a money minimum of NZ $400 per month in your account.

Which visa do I need for New Zealand

If you come to New Zealand on holiday, you’ll need to get either an NZeTA or a visitor visa. If you’re an Australian citizen, you don’t need a visa.

All other visitors to New Zealand must have a valid visa to enter the country. The type of visa you will need depends on the purpose of your visit, how long you intend to stay, and whether you intend to work or study while you are in New Zealand.

The most common types of visas for visitors to New Zealand are the following:

Visitor visa: For tourism, visiting friends and family, or other short-term non-work purposes. Work visa: For people coming to New Zealand to work, including seasonal workers and working holidaymakers. Student visa: For people coming to New Zealand to study at a recognised education institution.

There are also a number of other visa types for specific purposes, such as for refugees and partners of New Zealand citizens and residents.

You can apply for a visa online or at a New Zealand embassy or consulate.

Can I travel to New Zealand as a visitor?

If you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen, you may need to apply for a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to enter New Zealand. If you do not have a visa, you must have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

The visa can be granted for up to 10 years, and you can stay up to 3 months each time you enter. Visa processing times are based on the age of applications finalised in a given period. Many applications finalised recently had been on-hand for some months while borders were closed.

Yes, you can travel to New Zealand on an Australian tourist visa. However, you will need to meet the requirements for both countries, including having a valid passport and sufficient funds.

Yes, you can travel to New Zealand with an Australian tourist visa.

Scott Johnson

Scott Johnson is passionate about traveling. He loves exploring new cultures and places, and discovering the world around him. He believes that travel can open up new perspectives and opportunities for growth and development. Scott has visited many countries in Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia, and he continues to seek out new destinations for his adventures.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Media and resources

Language English

Immigration New Zealand (external link) (INZ) is the government agency responsible for establishing New Zealand immigration policies.

In general, you will need a visa if you wish to:

• visit as a tourist (external link)
• work temporarily (external link)
• have a working holiday (external link)
• reside permanently (external link)
• study (external link)

The Immigration New Zealand (external link) website provides comprehensive information in English about visa requirements when coming to New Zealand including information on:

• Forms and guides (external link)
• Fees (external link)
• Doctors for immigration medicals (external link)
• Where to lodge your application (external link)
• Visa-free countries (external link)

Citizens and permanent residents of Australia

Citizens and permanent residents of Australia (who do not have certain criminal convictions) may visit, live and work in New Zealand indefinitely. Upon arrival, Australian citizens are exempted from the requirement to hold a permit and Australian permanent residents are granted a residence permit.

Please remember that you may stay in New Zealand until the date shown on the permit in your passport. If you remain in New Zealand after your permit expires then you may be arrested, removed and banned from returning to New Zealand for up to five years. Please make sure that you have a valid permit at all times while you are in New Zealand.

New travel rules for New Zealand

The New Zealand Government has introduced a new travel requirement for some visitors and transit passengers. It’s called the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) and travellers need to request theirs via the official mobile app or website. Approval can take up to 72 hours, so get yours before you go.

The NZeTA is required for travel from 1 October 2019.

Visit immigration.govt.nz/nzeta (external link) to find out if you need one.

Enquiries about visas for New Zealand New Zealand Visa Application Centre - Sydney Suite 5, Level 5, 189 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Telephone: +61 2 8278 4529

Email: [email protected]

Website: Welcome to VFS Global | vfsglobal (external link)  

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 0900-1600hrs AEST

Call centre hours: Monday to Friday FREE0500-1700 AEST

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our website, to analyze our website traffic, and to understand where our visitors are coming from. You can find out more information on our Privacy Page .

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

New Zealand Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa): Eligibility, Requirements and Application Process

Published: February 16, 2024

The New Zealand Visitor Visa is the general tourist visa available to non-visa-waiver nationalities.

Applications can be lodged either online or on paper. It’s cheaper and simpler to do it online as you won’t have to pay fees for a Visa Application Center and couriers. It’s also recommended by the New Zealand Immigration.

Quick summary:

• Eligibility: All nationalities are eligible
• Validity: Valid for 6 months if single entry, or 3-5 years if multiple entry
• Multiple entries: Not more than 6 months in any 12-month period
• Single entry: 9 months
• Visa fee: Up to 246 NZD (if applied online)
• Processing time: 80% of applications are processed within 4 weeks

If you haven’t already, read the New Zealand Visa Guide to familiarize yourself with available visa types for tourists, requirements, eligibility and procedures at the airport.

Table of Contents

Understanding new zealand visitor visa.

Visitor visa validity

In most cases, the New Zealand visitor visa is valid for 3 years with multiple entries.

For Chinese passports, the visa is valid for 5 years, whereas for US passports, the validity is 4 years.

Single-entry visitor visas have 6 months validity.

If your passport expires before that, you are allowed to transfer your visa to your new passport. 

Duration of stay

Multiple-entry visas let you visit New Zealand for up to 6 months at a time. You can spend a maximum of 6 months within any 12 months. 

For example, if you stay in New Zealand for 4 months from January 1 to May 1, then leave and come back on June 1, you will only be allowed to stay 2 more months, i.e. until August 1. Afterwards, you can return to New Zealand no earlier than January 1.

Single-entry visas allow you to stay a maximum of 9 months. This visa cannot allow you to stay in New Zealand for more than 9 months within the last 18 months, for example, if you had another visa before that.

Allowed number of entries

Most New Zealand Visitor visas allow multiple entries.

Single-entry visas are issued if you express your need to stay in New Zealand for longer than 6 months.

Allowed ports of entry

You can enter through any international airport or port.

If you arrive in New Zealand in a different location by private yacht or private aircraft, you must report to a customs port or airport without delay and complete an arrival card there. 

When to apply

• Earliest: 3 months before you travel
• Latest: 1 month before you travel

New Zealand Visitor Visa Requirements

Who requires a visitor visa.

The New Zealand Visitor Visa is required for all nationalities who want to travel to New Zealand for tourism, EXCEPT for:

• Australian passport holders
• Travelers from visa-waiver countries (they must obtain an NZeTA )
• Transit passengers through Auckland International Airport not leaving the transit area (must obtain NZeTA or Transit Visa depending on eligibility)

Documents required

Include as many documents to support your application as you can. You have to satisfy New Zealand Immigration that:

• You are who you say you are
• You won’t be a risk to public health
• You are of good character without a substantial criminal record and not a threat to the public
• You have enough money to support yourself
• You are a genuine tourist visitor who will not overstay or work illegally.

To do this, attach the following documents:

Identity Documents

• Valid Passport or certificate of identity (valid for at least 3 more months after the intended departure date from New Zealand)
• 1 acceptable photo (for online applications)
• Residence Permit or Visa (if you live in a country different from your citizenship)

Health Documents

• normally nothing required
• Chest X-ray but only if you come from or have spent at least 3 months in the past 5 years in a country that doesn’t have a low incidence of tuberculosis .
• Chest X-ray regardless of where you come from
• Medical Certificate

Character Documents

• Normally nothing required
• You must disclose any criminal record or character issues

Proof of Funds Documents

Include documents that show you have at least 1000 NZD per month, or 400 NZD per month if you’ve already paid for your accommodation. For example:

• Bank statements
• Credit card statements
• Traveler cheques
• Proof of booked and paid accommodation 

Genuine Visitor Documents (Bona-fides)

• Explanation of the reasons for your trip
• Hotel bookings
• Tickets for attractions or events
• Transportation tickets
• Passport pages with entry and exit stamps
• Copy of the letter from that country’s immigration authority declining your application (OR)
• A written explanation of why your application was not successful if the original letter is not available.
• Citizenship statuses
• Evidence of Employment, e.g. leave approval letter from employer with expected return date and pay slips
• Evidence of Study, e.g. university letter, student identity card
• Evidence of Relationships, e.g. family register, marriage certificate
• Evidence of Assets, e.g. deed of ownership for property, proof of business ownership
• Evidence you receive a pension, e.g. retirement certificate, pension slips

Photo requirements

For online applications , your photo must be:

• between 500 KB and 3 MB
• between 900 x 1,200 pixels and 2,250 x 3,000 pixels
• JPG or JPEG format.

For paper applications , your photo must be:

• 35 mm wide and 45 mm high

All photos must:

• Be in portrait, not landscape
• Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
• Be in color, showing natural skin tones
• Be in focus, not blurry
• Not contain red-eye
• Be an unedited original
• Not be a selfie
• Be taken 1.5 meters from the face
• Be taken against a plain, light-colored (but not white) background with no patterns or objects
• Only contain plain clothing patterns
• facing straight to the camera
• Keeping your eyes open and mouth closed
• Not smiling or frowning
• Having long hair tucked behind the ears
• Not wearing any sunglasses or hats (prescription glasses are allowed if there is no reflected light or glare)
• Religious head coverings are allowed as long as your face and hairline are visible

Visit this page for examples of acceptable photos .

Visitor visa fee

The Visa fee for paper applications depends on your country and the Visa Application Center (VAC) you apply at. You will also have to pay a VAC processing fee and for courier service.

If you apply online, the visa fee for most nationalities is 246 NZD. This includes the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of 35 NZD.

Citizens of the following Pacific Island Nations pay 171 NZD.

• Federated States of Micronesia
• Marshall Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Solomon Islands

Processing time

As of the time of writing, 80% of all applications are processed within 4 weeks.

New Zealand Visitor Visa Application Process

How to apply for visitor visa.

It’s both easier and cheaper to apply online. As such, the following procedure is for online applications.

Follow these steps:

• Go to the New Zealand Immigration website
• You will be redirected to RealMe to create an account
• Start a new application
• Fill in your personal information and attach a photo (the system will check the photo for eligibility)
• Answer questions about your reasons for visiting New Zealand, your character, health, employment history and relationships
• Attach as many documents as you deem necessary
• Pay the visa fee
• Submit the application

Track visitor visa status

You can track your visa status in the dashboard of the application webpage.

Download approved visitor visa

If you made an online application, you must print your eVisa and carry it with you when you travel to New Zealand. You will get a visa label when you make a paper application, in which case you do not need to print anything. 

Visitor visa customer service

For additional help, check the Resource Library or make a complaint .

Procedure at the Border

When you arrive in New Zealand, you must complete a Traveler Declaration and seek entrance permission.

Approach an Immigration Officer

You must be able to produce evidence that you will meet the conditions of your visa. Officers usually ask to see:

• Onward travel ticket
• Booking confirmations

Clear Customs

Be extremely careful with the customs declaration you submit. Declare all items or goods listed on the form. Failure to do so, even if the items are benign, may lead to instant fines or even the cancellation of your visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is new zealand tourist visa easy to get.

The New Zealand Tourist Visa is easy to obtain if you submit all the necessary documents and enough proof that you intend to visit the country as a genuine tourist.

Is there an interview for New Zealand tourist visa?

In most cases there is no interview for the New Zealand Visitor Visa. Immigration may ask you to submit more documents to explain your circumstances. In very rare cases, you may be invited for an interview.

Is return ticket required for visitor visa to New Zealand?

Yes, a return ticket is a mandatory condition to enter New Zealand.

How much bank balance is required for New Zealand tourist visa?

The minimum bank balance required for a New Zealand tourist visa is 1000 NZD per month of intended stay. If you can prove that you’ve already paid for accommodation, the required amount drops to 400 NZD per month.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

MORE VISA GUIDES

UNITED KINGDOM

VIEW ALL VISA GUIDES

• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel Reservation
• Travel Insurance
• Onward Ticket
• Testimonials

Search this site

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.

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

JavaScript is currently turned off in your browser — this means you cannot submit the feedback form. It's easy to turn on JavaScript — Learn how to turn on JavaScript in your web browser. If you're unable to turn on JavaScript — email your feedback to [email protected] .

Do not enter personal information. All fields are optional.

You must enable JavaScript to submit this form

Last updated 21 July 2023

Contact NZ government

• A-Z of government agencies
• Contact details by topic

About this website

• About Govt.nz
• Feedback about Govt.nz
• The scope of Govt.nz

Using this website

• Accessibility
• Terms of use

Date printed 25 April 2024

• Applying for a visa online

Find out how to register for our online systems, and apply for a visa online.

Our online systems

Immigration online.

• Visa Verification Service
• enhancements-to-immigration-online

Visas you can apply for online

You can apply for most visas online. This includes uploading documents, photographs and also paying application fees.

Online visa application process

Visas you must apply for online

You must apply online for the following visas.

• Accredited Employer Work Visa
• Active Investor Plus Residence Visa
• Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
• Permanent Resident Visa – unless an exception applies
• Transport Work to Residence Visa
• Second or Subsequent Resident Visa
• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
• Straight to Residence Resident Visa
• Visitor Visa — if you are from a Pacific Islands Forum country (excluding Australia) Pacific Islands Forum
• Work to Residence Visa
• Working holiday visas — unless you have a current working holiday visa and are applying for a new 1. Working holiday visas

Other applications you must make online

• Variation of Travel Conditions on a Resident Visa

We provide these lists on our website as required by regulation 23AA(2) of the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010.

Permanent Resident Visa exceptions — applications that do not need to be made online

You must make your application using a paper form if you are applying for 1 of the following permanent resident visas.

Global Impact Visa

Check the visa information page to learn more about how to apply.

Global Impact Permanent Residence Visa

Afghan Emergency Resettlement

Residence pathway for Afghan evacuees

Other permanent resident visas

The following categories are paper based applications and cannot be made through the online system. To apply under these categories, you must either be referred to us by UNHCR or nominated by an approved sponsor.

• Refugee Emergency
• Refugee Quota Family Reunification
• CORS Refugee and Protection
• UNHCR Family Reunification
• UNHCR Legal and Physical Protection Needs
• UNHCR Medical/Disabled
• UNHCR Women at Risk

Help with online applications

Find help on completing an online application, and how to get advice.

Applying for your visa online

Online system

On 31 January 2022, we made enhancements to our Immigration Online system to make applying for a visa easier and improve visa processing times.