The New Zealand Visitor Visa: Important information

What is the New Zealand Visitor Visa?

The New Zealand Visitor Visa allows international travelers to visit New Zealand for tourism, family visits, or short-term study.

What can you do with the New Zealand Visitor Visa?

• Explore New Zealand for tourist purposes
• Spend time with family or friends residing in New Zealand.
• Engage in a short-term study course for three months max.

Who’s eligible for the New Zealand Visitor Visa?

Almost all nationalities, except nationals of visa waiver countries, must apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa, including China, Brazil, India, and Saudi Arabia. To find out if you’re eligible for one, use our iVisa Checker Tool

To be eligible for the New Zealand Visitor Visa, you must:

• Be outside New Zealand at the time of visa application and decision.
• Not currently in possession of another New Zealand visa.
• Meet the health and character requirements.
• Be a genuine visitor with intentions to stay temporarily in New Zealand and follow the conditions of your visa.
• Clear any debts owed to the New Zealand government or have a plan to pay them back.
• Possess sufficient funds to support yourself for your stay in New Zealand.

Plus, if the traveler is under 18, visiting New Zealand must be in their best interests, or they risk denial.

Who doesn't need to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

• Citizens of countries that qualify for a New Zealand ETA or a New Zealand eVisitor Visa.
• Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Australian Citizens and Permanent
• Business travelers. They need to apply for a Business Visitor Visa – Business Visitor stream.

Do children need their own New Zealand Visitor Visa?

Yes, minors or children under 18 also need a New Zealand Visitor Visa to travel to New Zealand. When applying for a visa for a minor, the application must be completed by a parent or legal guardian. Minors applying for the New Zealand Visitor Visa will generally need the following:

• The visa application (completed by a parent or legal guardian).
• A birth certificate to verify the child's age and parentage.
• A letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s), if applicable.

New Zealand Visitor Visa validity: How long can I stay in New Zealand?

The Visitor Visa can be granted as a single-entry or multiple-entry permit. It is valid for 12 months and allows a stay of up to 9 months, which is determined on a case-by-case basis.

It’s possible to get a visa that’s valid for more than 12 months if you are the parent or step-parent of a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and meet all the criteria for the visa. However, you can’t stay in the country for more than 18-months in any 36-month period.

Why choose iVisa?

At iVisa, we've been simplifying visa processes for more than 10 years. We help make the process more straightforward and hassle-free.

• Our approval rate is 98.5%
• We have 50,000+ positive Trustpilot reviews
• A proven track record over 10 years of helping 1M+ travelers get their visas successfully
• An accreditation from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Our partnership with the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority

We work directly with a licensed Professional of the New Zealand Government’s Immigration Advisers Authority. Your application will be reviewed and submitted by our New Zealand licensed immigration Advisor, Pradeep Manik, IAA License #: 202400819.

Visit the Immigration Advisers Authority to learn more about what licensed immigration advisors do and the rules they must follow.

Need more information?

Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about the New Zealand Visitor Visa application process. Contact us any time via our customer service agents via chat or WhatsApp.