Visitor visas for New Zealand
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. Some types of visitor visas allow you to work in New Zealand for up to 3 months. Some work visas are only for people aged 18 to 35. You can also apply for other work visas if you have the right skills and experience.
NZeTA
Some visitors and transit passengers can travel to New Zealand without a visa if they get an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before they travel.
Visitor Visa
Depending on your plans, you can visit New Zealand for up to 9 months. You can come here to holiday, study for 3 months, or to visit friends and family.
Visa Waiver Visitor Visa
People from visa waiver countries can visit New Zealand for short periods without first applying for a visa but, from 1 October 2019, you must hold an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).
Group Visitor Visa
A group travelling to New Zealand for the same purpose and with the same travel arrangements can apply for a Group Visitor Visa.
Pitcairn Islander Visitor Visa
Pitcairn Islanders can visit New Zealand for up to 6 months.
Critical Purpose Visitor Visa
Apply for this visa if you have a critical purpose for coming to New Zealand and we have invited you to apply for a visa. With this visa you can travel to New Zealand even though the border is currently closed.
Working Holiday Visa
Working holiday visas are available to young people, usually aged 18 to 30, but 18 to 35 in a select few countries. They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months if you are from the UK or Canada. If you apply for a 23-month visa, you must provide a General Medical Certificate.
Child of a Worker Visitor Visa
If you have a work visa or you’re applying for one, you can apply for your children who are 19 and under to come to New Zealand as visitors. Your children can stay in New Zealand for the same length of time as your visa.
Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa
Parents and grandparents can visit family in New Zealand multiple times on the same visa, for up to 18 months in a 3-year period.
Crew joining a Ship or Plane Visitor Visa
Crew members can enter New Zealand to join a vessel or aircraft that will then depart for another country.
Child of a Student Visitor Visa
If you have a student visa, your dependent children can come to New Zealand as visitors. They can stay here for the same length of time as your visa allows.
Tour Escort Visitor Visa
This visa allows tour escorts to visit New Zealand as visitors with their tour group.
Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa
Parents and legal guardians can visit New Zealand to live with and care for their children who are studying in New Zealand.
Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder, you can come to New Zealand as a visitor. Depending on how long you have been together, you may be able to stay here for up to 2 years.
Transit Visa
If you are passing through New Zealand as a transit passenger, you need to apply for a Transit Visa before you travel, unless you are travelling to Australia or are from a visa waiver country or a transit visa waiver country.
Business Visitor Visa
You can come to New Zealand for business reasons for up to 3 months in any one year.
Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
You can come to New Zealand for medical treatment or consultation you’ve been accepted for. You’ll need to be able to pay for your treatment, or have it funded under a special arrangement for citizens of South Pacific countries.
Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
If your partner has an appropriate work visa, you may be able to come to New Zealand as a visitor. If you are granted a visitor visa, you will be able to stay for the same length of time as your partner.
Private Yacht or Plane Visitor Visa
You can travel to New Zealand on a private yacht or aircraft.
Escort of Medical Patients Visitor Visa
You can escort a patient who's coming to New Zealand for medical treatment or consultation.
Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa
If you have recently married a New Zealand citizen in a traditional arranged marriage, or want to marry in New Zealand, you can get a 3 month visitor visa to begin living with your partner.
Visiting Media Visitor Visa
This visa is for people taking part in the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise or New Zealand Tourism Board's Visiting Media Programme.
Super Yachts Visitor Visa
Owners or crew on super yachts can travel to New Zealand.
Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
If your partner has a student visa, you can come to New Zealand as a visitor. You can stay here for the same length of time as your partner. You can study for up to 3 months with this visa, but you cannot work.
Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa
If you are 66 years or older and want to invest in New Zealand, you can apply to stay for up to 2 years. To apply, you will need an annual income of NZ $60,000 plus NZ $750,000 to invest for 2 years, and another NZ $500,000 to live on.
Trafficking Child Victim Student Visa
We may grant a visa to a child if they are certified by New Zealand Police as a victim of people trafficking. This visa can help them to leave an exploitative situation and study as a domestic student at primary or secondary school in New Zealand.
Trafficking Child Victim Visitor Visa
A child can be granted this visa if they are certified by New Zealand Police as a victim of people trafficking. This visa can help a child to leave an exploitative situation and stay in New Zealand as a visitor.
Partner of Military Visitor Visa
If your partner holds a military visa, you can come to New Zealand as a visitor. You can stay here for the same length of time as your partner. You can study for up to 3 months with this visa but you cannot work.
Child of Military Visitor Visa
If you have a Military Visa or you're eligible for one, your dependent children can come to New Zealand as visitors. They can stay here for the same length of time as your visa allows you to stay.
Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
If you’re a New Zealand citizen or resident any of your dependent children who aren’t New Zealand citizens or residents can join you in New Zealand as visitors.
Antarctic Traveller Visitor Visa
You can transit through New Zealand to work in Antarctica as part of an Antarctic Treaty programme.
Academic Visitor Visa
You can visit New Zealand as an academic and participate in teaching, educational, professional management or research activities.
Adoption Pre-citizenship Visitor Visa
Children adopted from other countries can visit New Zealand, before their New Zealand citizenship is confirmed.
Adoption Visitor Visa
Children can come to New Zealand to be adopted by New Zealand citizens or residents. The adoption must have the support of Oranga Tamariki - Ministry of Children.
APEC Business Travel Card
The APEC Business Travel Card provides its cardholders with streamlined travel processes between participating APEC countries. APEC Business Travel cardholders will be granted a visitor visa when they arrive in New Zealand, provided they have clearance from their home economy and New Zealand before they travel.
Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visa
Performers and their immediate support crews can visit New Zealand to take part in approved arts and music festivals.
Dismissed Worker Visitor Visa
You can apply for this visa if you have a current work visa and you've been dismissed from your job during a trial period.
German Law Student Visitor Visa
German law students or graduates can visit New Zealand as unpaid observers with New Zealand law firms.
Occupational Registration Visitor Visa
You can apply for this visa if you want to come to New Zealand to obtain New Zealand occupational registration. You can also apply if you are already in New Zealand, have applied for residence, and need more time to obtain your occupational registration.
Refugee Claimant Visitor Visa
We may grant you a visitor visa if you are a refugee or protection status claimant who is in New Zealand, while you wait for a decision on your refugee or protection status claim.
Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa
Performers and their immediate support crew can apply for a visitor visa to perform in a short-term live entertainment act, in New Zealand. To apply, the entertainment act must be promoted by a promoter on our Approved Promoters List.
Sports Events Visitor Visa
This visa is for sports people, support staff, match and tournament officials, and media and broadcasting personnel visiting New Zealand for sports events or tours.
What is the most common visa?
The most common visa for New Zealand depends on the purpose of the visit. In terms of visitor visas, the Visitor Visa is the most common type of visa issued by the New Zealand government. It allows people to visit New Zealand for tourism, leisure, or business purposes for up to nine months. This visa can be extended in certain circumstances, such as if the visitor has a medical condition that prevents them from traveling or if there are exceptional circumstances beyond their control.
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is also a popular option for visitors from certain countries, as it allows them to visit New Zealand for up to three months without having to apply for a visa. This electronic visa waiver is available for citizens of over 60 countries, including the United States, Canada, and many European countries.
How to apply for a visitor visa?
If you're planning to visit New Zealand for tourism, leisure, or business purposes for up to nine months, you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa. Here are the steps to follow when applying for a Visitor Visa:
Determine your eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria for the Visitor Visa to ensure that you meet the requirements, such as having a valid passport, sufficient funds to support your stay, and a clear criminal record.
Gather your documents: Prepare the required documents, such as your passport, evidence of funds, travel itinerary, and any other supporting documents. Ensure that all documents are in English or have a certified translation.
Complete the application form: Fill out the Visitor Visa application form online or in paper format. Make sure that you provide accurate and complete information.
Pay the visa fee: The Visitor Visa fee must be paid at the time of application. The fee may vary depending on your nationality and the length of your stay.
Submit your application: Submit your application and supporting documents to the nearest New Zealand visa application center, embassy, or consulate. You may need to attend an interview or provide biometric information, depending on your nationality.
Wait for a decision: The processing time for a Visitor Visa varies depending on the workload of the visa office and your individual circumstances. You can check the status of your application online or by contacting the visa office.
Finanl thought
In conclusion, New Zealand offers a range of visitor visas to cater to the different needs of tourists, business travelers, and other short-term visitors. The most common visitor visas include the Visitor Visa, ETA, and Transit Visa. Each visa type has its own requirements, processing times, and validity periods, so it is essential to carefully review the visa options and select the one that best suits your needs.
It is always advisable to seek professional advice or guidance if you have any questions or concerns about the visa application process. By following the application process steps, gathering the required documents, and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can increase your chances of obtaining a visitor visa to New Zealand. With the right information and support, you can obtain a visitor visa to New Zealand and and have a memorable trip.
