new zealand travel to thailand visa

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Latest Thailand Entry Requirements

After two years of dealing with Covid, international travel is returning to normal. To help welcome visitors back to the Land of Smiles, the Thai government lifted its final restrictions on July 1st, 2022.

From July 1st, the following changes have been implemented for all international travelers.

• Foreigners do not need to show proof of Covid Insurance.
• All mandatory hotel quarantine has been removed.
• Thailand Pass is no longer required for foreign travelers entering Thailand.
• Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination to Thai authorities before arriving.
• Unvaccinated travelers (including children traveling with unvaccinated parents) will need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen Test (Pro-ATK) 72 hours before departing for Thailand. Proof does not need to be uploaded before traveling.
• Airlines and Thai Immigration will do random checks to confirm travelers meet Covid prevention requirements (vaccination or Covid test).

Below is a full list of what international travelers need before entering Thailand.

Required Documents for Travel to Thailand

Please have the following documents ready.

• Passport with at least six month validity
• Visa or visa exemption qualification
• Buy Thailand Travel Insurance
• Boarding pass to be presented at Passport Control
• Hotel booking confirmation if asked by Immigration Officer
• Note: Vaccination record no longer required

Incorrect documents will delay the entry screening by rules from the Thai immigration bureau and its Thai immigration officials.

Buy Your Insurance Now

Passport Validity / Visas

The first thing to check before planning to travel to Thailand is the validity of your passport. International travel requires that your passport is not expiring within six months of your travel date. If you have less than six months left on your passport, you cannot enter Thailand.

If you are planning to travel in the future, check your passport early so you know if you need to apply for a new one or not. It is best to check with your local embassy about how long it will take to receive your new passport. As people look to travel again, passport departments are swamped with new applications and this is causing a backlog in many countries.

There are several visas available to foreigners who are planning to visit Thailand. The visa you need will depend on where you are from, your purpose of travel, and how long you intend to stay.

Visa Exemption

A foreign visitor may enter Thailand under the Visa Exemption Program . Nationalities under the Visa Exemption Program may enter Thailand without a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate.

Upon arriving in Thailand, most nationalities who are part of the Visa Exemption Program may stay for up to 30 days. Certain nationalities can arrive as part of this program, but for a shorter time. It is best to check the country exemption list and confirm how long you can visit Thailand without needing to apply for a Visa.

Tourists arriving under visa exemption are eligible to extend their stay for up to a further 30 days by visiting a local Thai Immigration Office. The cost to extend is approximately 2000 baht.

There is often confusion about Visa Exemption and “Visa on Arrival”. Visa on Arrival is a 15-day visa for travelers from India,  China, and 16 other countries. If you do not find your country on the Visa Exemption list, it is best to check the Visa on Arrival list.

There are some important things to note for Visa on Arrival:

• A passport must be valid for at least 30 days.
• The purpose of the visit is strictly tourist.
• A visitor must show an address in Thailand where they will be staying.
• A traveler must have a confirmed return flight.
• Must show proof of funds to the value of 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht for a family.
• A fee of 2000 baht is paid on arrival. The fee must be paid in cash and in Thai baht.

Tourist Visa and Special Tourist Visa (STV)

Foreigners may also apply for a Tourist Visa from a Thai embassy or consulate. There is the normal 60-day tourist visa that can be extended for additional 30 days, or the 90-day Special Tourist Visa (STV), which can be extended for 90 days twice at a local immigration office. There are certain requirements needed for the STV, but it allows a visitor to potentially stay in Thailand for 9 months. The Special Tourist Visa is currently scheduled to halt applications in September.

Contact your local Thai Embassy to verify what documents are needed to complete the process. When your visa is approved, the Embassy will place a sticker on your passport, so allow time for potential postage.

For those entering Thailand for a different purpose of stay, they need to obtain a Thai visa from their local Thai Embassy or Consulate prior to coming to Thailand.

Non-Immigrant Visa

Foreigners may apply for a wide range of long-term non-immigrant visas:

• Non-immigrant B Visa – for conducting business or employment
• Non-immigrant O visa – for visiting Thai spouse and family
• Non-immigrant ED visa – for students of recognized institutions in Thailand and their Parents or Legal guardian
• Non-immigrant O retirement visa – for those who wish to retire in Thailand
• Non-immigrant OA and OX visa – for those who wish to obtain a Thailand retirement visa for a long stay (it differs from type O visa)

The above visas can be organized at a local Thai Embassy or Consulate. The paperwork can be quite involved, but there are companies that can help.

Siam Legal International is a reputable company in Thailand that has offered visa assistance to foreign visitors for years. They are well versed in Thai immigration policies and processes. If you would like to streamline your long-term stay in Thailand, it is worth contacting them.

Thai Elite Visa

If you wish to make Thailand easily accessible for many years to come or are perhaps thinking of relocating permanently, it is worth having a look at the Thai Elite Visa.

The Thai Elite Visa allows foreign citizens to live in Thailand for 5, 10, or even 20 years. Thai Elite members do not need to worry about some of the eligibility criteria that are needed when applying for other long-term visas.

The Thai Elite visa is an exclusive visa that offers a host of benefits to holders. If you want to enjoy “Thai life” for the long term, you can read more about the Thai Elite Visa .

Proof of Vaccine or Testing

How a visitor enters Thailand will still depend on their vaccination status.

Vaccinated Travelers

Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination to Thai authorities before arriving. A vaccinated traveler will need to have a copy of their vaccination certificate either printed or on a digital device and be able to present it if asked.

Thailand does not require visitors to have had a third booster shot. 2 shots (1 shot for Jansen) is considered fully vaccinated and accepted.

Unvaccinated Travelers

Unvaccinated travelers will need to complete an RT-PCR test or Professional Antigen Test (Pro-ATK) within 72 hours before boarding a flight in their departure country. They will need to have a copy of the test result and be able to present it if asked.

The RT-PCR and Pro-ATK test must be completed by a medical professional and a test report received. The home ATK (RAT) self-test is not acceptable for entering Thailand.

Vaccination and Testing for Children

The testing requirement for children under 18 depends on the vaccination status of their parents. Children traveling with vaccinated parents do not need to complete any RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test before entering Thailand. Children traveling with unvaccinated parents will need to complete the same test as their parents within 72 hours of departing their home country.

It is important to note that many airlines are still asking for proof of vaccination or a Covid test before boarding flights. If you cannot produce one of these documents, you might not board the flight.

Though foreigners no longer need to provide evidence of testing or vaccination prior to arriving in Thailand, they are still required. Thai authorities are conducting random checks of international passengers and if a vaccination certificate or test result cannot be shown, a visitor will not be allowed to enter Thailand.

Insurance has become a dirty word during Covid. Seasoned travelers have always understood the importance of having comprehensive Travel Insurance when traveling abroad. Travel insurance protected travelers from unexpected incidents like:

• Medical emergencies
• Personal injury & accidents
• Missed or delayed flights
• Damage to belongings
• Lost luggage

It was one of those things that people hoped they would never need but regretted not having when needed.

During the Pandemic, proof of insurance became mandatory when visiting countries like Thailand. Over time, people stopped referring to insurance as “Travel Insurance” and always referred to it as “Covid Insurance”. Because you had to have it, it was another hoop to jump through.

The good news is that you no longer need to provide proof of “Covid Insurance” to enter Thailand. But it is recommended because all the things listed above can still happen, and Covid has not disappeared completely.

Foreign visitors are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand if something should happen. Whether it be an accident or personal injury, if a visitor needs medical help, or has a canceled flight, they will need to cover any expenses themselves. Depending on the severity, this could be hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Buying good Travel Insurance shouldn’t break the bank. Protecting yourself is cheaper than medical bills, new flights, and replacing lost luggage.

You can buy Travel Insurance from many companies. But if you are looking for coverage that is designed for Thailand, is trusted by Thai authorities and medical institutions, and offers a helpline with people who speak the local language and know the country’s procedures, it is worth checking out AXA Thailand .

Their policies are well priced, straightforward, offer many benefits to its customers, and can be approved in minutes.

Get your travel insurance here: https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal

Hotel and Proof of Address Updates

Previously, a foreign visitor would complete an Arrival Card (TM6) before entering Thailand. This requirement has been temporarily removed as part of a new initiative by the Thai government.

A visitor no longer needs to provide proof of a hotel booking before departing their country, but will still need to provide an address when passing through Passport Control in Thailand. This address can be a hotel, home, or friend’s address.

This is especially true with people arriving on a pre-approved visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate.

From July 1, travelers are no longer required to book a SHA+ hotel and undergo an RT-PCR test on arrival. Most hotels have removed their SHA+ quarantine packages, but you will still see the SHA+ badge displayed on hotels.

It is recommended to browse hotels in Thailand on Agoda.com before arriving as it is easier to organize transport to your first night’s rest if pre-booked.

Thailand Pass

From July 1st, 2022, foreign travelers no longer need to apply for a Thailand Pass before entering Thailand. The system is still in place but is now a platform where visitors can notify the Thai authorities and medical facilities if they are diagnosed positive for Covid during their stay.

If you need to access the Thailand Pass system while in Thailand, please visit https://tp.consular.go.th/ and register by filling in your personal details on the Thailand Pass registration page.

International Arrivals

Travelers do not need to provide any proof of flights before leaving their home country.

There is a lot of discussion about whether a return flight needs to be booked when entering Thailand. Technically, all visitors should have a return flight booked. However, you will not always be asked to present evidence of a return flight.

If a visitor is entering Thailand with a pre-approved visa, or Visa on Arrival, they will often be asked to present details of their exit flight. Sometimes a visitor did not have a return flight and had to book a flight on the spot before being processed through Passport Control. To avoid this, it is best to book an exit flight that can be changed. You can always change your plans once in Thailand.

Domestic flights

There are no longer any restrictions on domestic flights and travel. When entering Thailand at an international terminal, a traveler is free to transit to a domestic flight right away. “Sealed” flights have been removed.

Domestic airlines will not always ask for proof, but it is best to have your vaccination certificate or Covid test result on hand in case you are asked to show it.

Siam Legal has received reports from potential clients that some hospitals are creating difficulties for them until full payment is made for their medical expenses. Also, foreigners have allegedly been threatened with lawsuits for not settling their medical bills before being discharged. Using out-of-country policies can be problematic. We recommend using insurance providers headquartered inside Thailand with a proper cover to avoid any undesirable outcomes.

Siam Legal International, a premier law firm in Thailand, recommends purchasing the proper insurance and so endorses AXA Insurance for your travel to Thailand insurance needs.

HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT POINTS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING TRAVEL INSURANCE

• Please review the details of any insurance before purchasing to understand if the policy has adequate cover. Cheap policies with inadequate levels of cover can lead to significant personal liability, and scenarios where policy holders incur hundreds of thousands of baht in out-of-pocket medical expenses have been reported. There are significant financial risks to being underinsured during your stay in Thailand.
• These policies do not cover medical costs from accidents (like motorcycle accidents) or common unexpected illnesses (common fever or food poisoning). Best to pay a few baht more for the peace of mind that comes from having proper coverage.
• AXA covers medical expenses (outpatient and inpatient) for accidents and illnesses, including COVID-19. Other insurance coverage might not.
• AXA also covers telemedicine and teleconsultation, which may be required during the quarantine period of any traveler.

Thai hospital staff are familiar with AXA cover, which should prevent any inconvenience during hospital admission or medical treatment from your hotel room. AXA Thailand also offers 24/7 local support during your stay in Thailand.

You can buy your Thailand Travel insurance today at:

https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal

List of approved covid-19 vaccines.

As of December 1, the MoPH has approved the following vaccines:

• Pfizer–BioNTech or Comirnaty
• Janssen or Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S
• AstraZeneca or Covishield
• Sinopharm or COVILO
• CoronaVac or SinoVac
• Sputnik Lite

How to Obtain Travel Insurance

Though COVID-19 insurance is no longer mandatory for entry to Thailand, it is recommended to have comprehensive Travel insurance for the duration of your stay. Good travel insurance covers not only medical expenses relating to Covid but also accident cover, personal damage, loss of possessions, and missed or delayed flights.

It is best to purchase insurance before you travel. The easiest way to buy your policy is online through a reputable insurance provider. The insurance company will provide you with the all-important certificate of cover that you can present to authorities or medical professionals if you need to make a claim.

You may also be asked to present this certificate to the airline before they will allow you to onboard. It’s quick and easy to do online. You can choose your length of policy from 7, 15, 30, 60 days, and 180 days. Just make sure that the policy covers your entire period of stay in Thailand as foreigners are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand and insurance companies will not cover claims for existing conditions.

You may purchase AXA COVID-19 travel insurance within a few minutes. Check them below.

You can buy budget insurance here: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance

How to Open a Bank Account in Thailand

Siam Legal offers and provides aid for a smooth and hassle-free way to open up a Thai bank account.

• You will receive help in opening a savings/current bank account
• You will receive a Bankbook and a debit/ATM card
• Online Banking (Thai mobile number is required)

Requirements

• Guarantee letter (to be provided by Siam Legal)
• The applicant may book our service online.
• Our staff will prepare the application and necessary documents for the bank and arrange an appointment with the applicant.
• The applicant will collect the application form and documents from the Siam Legal Bangkok office and proceed to the specific bank branch. Opening the account at the bank takes 1 to 2 hours.

Service Fee

Our service fee is 150 USD for opening a Thai savings account in Bangkok.

City Travel Guide

• How to Travel to Bangkok
• How to Travel to Phuket
• How to Travel to Pattaya
• How to Travel to Chiang Mai
• How to Travel to Samui
• How to Travel to Hua Hin

Useful Links

• Best COVID-19 Insurance for Foreigners  
• Thailand Elite Visa – long term visa option for Thailand
• How to Travel to Thailand in 2022 – Your Ultimate Guide

Related Posts

How to Travel to Thailand in 2024

Best Places to Retire in Thailand for Couples

How to Retire in Thailand for Couples

Thailand Travel Restrictions 2023

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If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here , alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel to the southernmost provinces along the Thailand-Malaysia border, including Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Southern Songkhla due to ongoing politically-motivated and criminal violence, which occurs on an almost daily basis. The Thai Government has warned tourists not to travel to these areas (level 4 of 4).

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Thailand due to the potential for civil unrest and threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

Political Tension/Civil unrest The political situation in Thailand can be unpredictable. In recent years, Thailand has experienced regular large-scale political demonstrations and unrest in Bangkok and other cities in Thailand.  Violent incidents in the vicinity of these demonstrations have resulted in serious injuries.

New Zealanders throughout Thailand are advised to avoid any protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings, as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to quickly turn violent.

New Zealanders throughout Thailand are advised to exercise due caution and monitor the media to stay informed of developments. We recommend adhering to any instructions issued by the local authorities. 

New Zealanders in Thailand should be wary of making political statements in public and on social media or sharing articles online that could been seen as portraying Thailand negatively or making accusations about individuals. There are also strong ‘lese majeste’ laws in place which make it a criminal offence to criticise or defame the monarchy in any form, including on social media. These laws are strictly enforced in Thailand and it is strongly advised that New Zealanders in Thailand refrain from making any public statements about the monarchy including posting, commenting or liking items about the monarchy on social media. 

Terrorism There is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Thailand, including in Bangkok and Phuket. Previous incidents involving explosive devices have occurred in Bangkok and other popular tourist destinations, including Phuket and Koh Samui.

In August 2019, several small explosions occurred in various locations in Bangkok resulting in some injuries. In August 2016, there were multiple explosions in Thailand. These occurred in a number of tourist areas, including Hua Hin, Phuket, Phang Nga, Trang, and Surat Thani and resulted in casualties.  On 17 August 2015, an explosion near the Erawan Shrine in central Bangkok killed at least 20 people and injured many more. Further incidents are possible.

New Zealanders are advised to exercise a high degree of personal security awareness throughout Thailand. Particular care should be taken in public and commercial areas. Possible terrorism targets include (but are not limited to) landmarks or places known to be frequented by expatriates or foreign tourists, public transport facilities, hotels, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, tourist resorts, shopping areas, markets, banks, embassies, and places of worship. Thai authorities have previously warned of the possibility of attacks to coincide with symbolic dates or holidays.  

Local travel There is an ongoing threat of violence in the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Songkhla. Bombings and shootings are common in these provinces and over 6,500 people have been killed in an ongoing insurgency since 2004. Foreigners have been caught up in this violence in the past.

Sporadic conflict near the Thai-Myanmar border occurs between the Myanmar military and armed opposition groups as well as between Thai security forces and armed criminal groups (such as drug traffickers). Armed clashes may result in border closures at short notice. 

Crime Petty crime such as bag snatching and pickpocketing, especially from thieves on motorbikes or in open transport like tuk tuks, occurs in Thailand and is common in tourist areas, in larger cities and on public transport. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings.

Drink spiking has been reported in tourist destinations around Thailand, with both male and female victims.  Be careful about taking drinks from strangers and at bars, clubs and parties, or leaving your drinks unattended, particularly in Phuket and Krabi provinces, around Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Pattaya and at the Full Moon party on Koh Pha Ngan, where drug related sexual assaults have been reported. 

Transport Safety Road safety is a significant issue in Thailand. Road accidents occur frequently, often causing death or serious injury. Motorcyclists and pedestrians are most at risk. Be extra vigilant during holiday periods, including Western New Year (January 1) and Songkran (Thai New Year, mid-April), as drunk driving and accidents are much more frequent during these periods. Do not drink and drive, or drink and ride. If you are walking, use overhead walkways whenever possible. Consider carefully the safety standards of any vehicle and any accompanying equipment, such as helmets, you may hire.   

Passenger boat accidents have occurred, often due to overloading or poor maintenance of vessels. Consider carefully the safety standards of any vessel and do not board any vessel which appear overloaded. 

General travel advice New Zealanders travelling or living in Thailand should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

It is a legal requirement to carry a form of identification with you at all times, that proves your legal status in Thailand. Failure to produce your passport or a photocopy of relevant pages could result in a fine or arrest.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

In January 2018, Thai authorities introduced a smoking ban on beaches in certain tourist areas, including in Petchaburi, Pattaya, Phuket, Prachuap Kirikan, Chon Buri and Songkhla provinces. Those caught smoking in non-designated areas could be fined or face imprisonment.

Making a critical or defamatory comment about the Royal Family, including on social media is punishable by a prison sentence in Thailand.  Travellers should maintain respectful behaviour around all images of the Royal Family, including on money.

Exercise caution in relation to offers of employment that appear ‘too good to be true’.  There have been a number of cases where victims have been trafficked into online scamming or other fraudulent activity, with poor pay and living conditions, restrictions on movement, and the possibility of severe mistreatment.

Thailand has been experiencing poor air quality and high PM2.5 levels in urban areas and Bangkok in particular. This may aggravate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. Latest reports on air quality levels can be obtained from the World Air Quality Index website.

New Zealanders in Thailand are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The New Zealand Embassy Bangkok, Thailand

Street Address M Thai Tower, 14th floor, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Bangkok Postal Address PO Box 2719, Bangkok 10500 Telephone +66 2 254 2530 Fax +66 2 253 9045 Email [email protected] Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/thailand Hours Mon-Fri 0800-1200, 1300-1630 hrs

See our regional advice for South East Asia

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Thailand Visa Application

Welcome to Thailand! As a citizen of New Zealand, you have various options for obtaining visas to facilitate your stay in Thailand for different purposes. Understanding these options will help you plan your trip more efficiently and ensure a smooth entry into the country.

Thailand Tourist Visa Exemption for Short Stays

New Zealand citizens are fortunate to enjoy visa exemption for short visits to Thailand, making travel for tourism purposes hassle-free. Here are the key points:

• Visa exemption is granted to New Zealand citizens arriving by air, provided they can show proof of onward or return travel within 30 days.
• For those entering via land or sea from neighboring countries, a 30-day stay is permitted, with a limit of 2 entries per calendar year.

To ensure a smooth visit, New Zealand travelers must:

• Hold a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months upon entry.
• Present evidence of intended departure within 30 days of arrival (extendable to 60 days for those seeking an extension).
• Provide proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay.

Thailand Tourist Visa for Extended Stays

New Zealand nationals planning to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days must apply for a tourist visa at a Thai Embassy or Consulate before departure.

Additional Information

The final entry decision ultimately lies with the immigration officers at your point of entry into Thailand. Even with a valid visa, entry can be denied based on the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) .

For citizens of New Zealand considering travel or relocation to Thailand, understanding available visa options is crucial for a seamless journey. Professional services, such as Siam Legal, can provide invaluable support, ensuring an efficient and straightforward process from start to finish.

New Zealand travelers visiting Thailand for education, business, family visits, official duties, or religious activities can apply for the 90-day Non-Immigrant Visa. This single-entry visa allows a 90-day stay and can be instrumental in acquiring a work permit or initiating bank account procedures in Thailand.

For New Zealand citizens planning extended stays, the 1-Year Non-Immigrant Visa offers multiple entries with a maximum stay of 90 days per entry. However, it requires a border run every 90 days for a fresh stamp. This visa supports various activities and simplifies the process of obtaining work permits and opening bank accounts, providing the option to extend the stay on the same visa.

New Zealand entrepreneurs or job seekers can kickstart their professional endeavors in Thailand with the Non-Immigrant B Visa. A 90-day single-entry visa can be extended to a 1-year multiple-entry visa upon obtaining a work permit sponsored by a Thai company.

For New Zealand citizens married to Thai nationals, the Thailand Marriage Visa facilitates residency in Thailand. Beginning with 90 days, this visa can be extended to a year and renewed annually, supporting both personal and professional needs in cross-national marriages.

New Zealand citizens aged 50 and above contemplating retirement in Thailand can opt for the Retirement Visa. This visa requires proof of financial stability and offers an initial 90-day stay, extendable to one year, catering to retirees without employment aspirations.

An exclusive option for long-term residency ranging from 5 to 20 years, the Thailand Elite Visa offers a fast-track immigration process, exemption from 90-day reporting, access to premium privileges, and more. It's an excellent choice for New Zealand citizens seeking an extended stay in Thailand. Learn more: https://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-visa/thailand-privilege-visa.html

Familiarizing oneself with these visa alternatives and arranging all required documents beforehand will guarantee a smooth entrance into Thailand for travelers from New Zealand. Siam Legal offers professional advice and support during the entire visa application procedure, promising an effortless journey experience. To obtain trustworthy and up-to-date information, it is advised to reach out to Siam Legal directly.

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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)

For all New Zealand Visa enquiries and applications, please contact the  New Zealand Visa Application Centre (VAC) (external link)

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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 visitors (manuhiri) 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 to 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 (opens in new window) , 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) .

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Where to Next?

Travelling to NZ long-arrow-right

Travel agents and agencies long-arrow-right

Flights To New Zealand long-arrow-right

How to apply for a visitor visa

If you come to New Zealand on a holiday, you might need to apply for a visitor visa before you arrive. Work out what you need to do to apply.

Find out if you need to apply

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 citizen.

Check if you need an NZeTA or a visitor visa — Immigration New Zealand

Explore visa options — Immigration New Zealand

If you already have a visitor visa and want to stay longer in NZ

You cannot extend a visitor visa — you’ll need to apply for a new visa at least a month before your current visa expires.

If you do not leave NZ before your visa expires — Immigration New Zealand

Choose how to apply

The fastest and easiest way to apply is online.

Apply for your visitor visa online — Immigration New Zealand

If you cannot apply online, you can download a paper application.

Visitor Visa Application ( INZ 1017) — Immigration New Zealand

If you do not provide all the documents you’re asked for, Immigration New Zealand ( INZ ) will return your application.

Find out what it costs and how long it takes

What you pay for your visa depends on the method you use to apply — applying online is usually cheaper. Most people pay by credit card (Mastercard, Visa or UnionPay).

Find out what applies to you and how long it’ll take to get your visa.

Fees, decision times and where to apply — Immigration New Zealand

Gather documents for your application

You’ll need to prove that you:

• have a ticket out of NZ or money to buy one
• are in good health and of good character
• have money to live on or have a sponsor to support you financially while you’re here.

What you need to apply for a visitor visa — Immigration New Zealand

Prove your identity

With your application you need to:

• provide a colour photo — or 2 if you’re using the paper form to apply
• have a passport that’s valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave NZ .

Acceptable photos for a visa or NZeTA — Immigration New Zealand

INZ will let you know if you need to send your passport to them before they approve your visa. For most online applications they do not need it.

Prove you’re of good character and in good health

You must tell INZ about any offences you’ve:

• been charged with
• been convicted of
• served time in prison for.

Good character for temporary visas — Immigration New Zealand

If you’re applying for a visa, you may need a chest X-ray or medical examination as evidence of your good health.

Who needs an X-ray or medical examination — Immigration New Zealand

Apply for your visa

To make an online application, you need to set up a New Zealand Government RealMe ®  account.

Use RealMe ® to prove your identity online

Before you start your online application, have all your supporting documents ready to upload.

Apply for your visa online — Immigration New Zealand

Receive your visa

If your visa application is approved, you’ll get a label in your passport or a letter.

How we process visa applications — Immigration New Zealand

The date your visa expires is on your visa. Unless you get another visa, you must leave NZ on or before this date.

Changing the conditions of a visitor visa — Immigration New Zealand

Plan your trip

Once you have your visa sorted, you can start planning your trip to NZ . Check out some of the must-do attractions and places to go.

Welcome to New Zealand — Tourism New Zealand

Utility links and page information

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Last updated 30 April 2024

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Thailand Proposes Schengen-Style Visa to Boost Southeast Asia Tourism

Those dreaming of a more in-depth exploration of Southeast Asia may soon be able to realize their dreams. Thailand has spearheaded the proposal for a visa system similar to Schengen to transform travel throughout Southeast Asian countries. The goal is to boost tourism and economic growth in the area. This initiative, led by Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, seeks to simplify the travel process for tourists. Travelers will be able to roam freely across Thailand , Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar with a single visa.

According to recent reports, the proposed visa scheme could significantly increase tourism, making these countries more accessible from Thailand. In 2023, the six nations collectively attracted approximately 70 million tourists, with Thailand and Malaysia hosting the majority. The plan is a clever way to tap into the tourism industry, which is responsible for over 20% of Thailand’s employment and 12% of the country’s GDP. It is also a reaction to the struggling industrial sector and falling exports.

The Vision Behind the Schengen-style Visa System

The concept of a Southeast Asian Schengen-style visa system is rooted in the desire to attract high-spending tourists from distant countries. The scheme encourages longer stays and increased spending by facilitating easier access across multiple nations, thereby expanding the region’s tourism revenues.

The envisioned visa system would likely adopt a 90-day visa policy, extending the current stay limits and offering tourists an opportunity to explore each country more thoroughly. This approach contrasts with the current varying visa policies among these nations, which range from 30-day exemptions to 90-day visa-free stays depending on the country and the traveler’s nationality.

Recent Developments and International Visa Agreements

Thailand has already made significant strides in enhancing its international visa agreements. Thai authorities announced plans to eliminate visa requirements with Australia to bolster tourism and strengthen trade deals between the two countries. Additionally, a mutual, permanent visa-free entry system with China was introduced in March, which led to a surge in travel bookings from both nations.

Still, despite the promising outlook, implementing a regional Schengen-style visa system presents challenges, particularly considering bilateral agreements and political complexities within Southeast Asia. Furthermore, the success of this initiative hinges on the seamless integration of visa policies and cooperation among the participating countries.

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New Zealand visas

Explore and select a visa.

You can compare visas side by side to help you find a visa that may give you a pathway to live in New Zealand permanently.

Preparing a visa application

Find out about the process to apply for a visa online or on paper, and how to prepare the supporting information we will ask for.

Waiting for a visa

Find out how to check the status of your visa or NZeTA online and how long it normally takes us to process the type of visa you have applied for.

Already have a visa

Now that you have a visa, you may have questions about moving to New Zealand, or what happens to your visa if your situation changes.

Information about NZeTA

Some people can use an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand without applying for a visa first. This depends on your passport, how you are travelling and if you are visiting or only transiting.