How to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa

Apply today for the New Zealand Visitor Visa with us

Last updated: May 2024

Experience the breathtaking allure of New Zealand, a hotspot for business travelers, tourists, medical visitors, and family event attendees. You need a New Zealand Visitor Visa to embark on this journey.

What is the New Zealand Visitor Visa?

The New Zealand Visitor Visa allows international travelers to temporarily visit New Zealand for tourism, business, or family visits. It ensures safety, promotes cultural exchange, and boosts the economy through tourism.

Whether exploring the Southern Alps, attending a conference in Wellington, or visiting loved ones in Auckland, the New Zealand Visitor Visa is your essential gateway to a memorable Kiwi adventure.

What can you do with the New Zealand Visitor Visa?

• Explore the rich landscapes, culture, and heritage of New Zealand.

• Attend business meetings, conferences, and seminars or conduct short-term work obligations.

• Receive medical care or treatment at New Zealand's world-class healthcare facilities.

• Spend time with family or friends residing in New Zealand.

• Engage in a short-term study course for at most three months.

What can you not do with the New Zealand Visitor Visa?

• Cannot work.

• Cannot take long courses or study for extended periods.

• Cannot reside permanently in the country.

• Cannot live in New Zealand through frequent or successive visits.

• Cannot claim public funds.

• Cannot marry or register a civil partnership.

• Cannot get a driver's license.

If you need a student visa, spousal visa, or another travel document to visit New Zealand, please contact your local New Zealand embassy or consulate for more information.

Who requires the New Zealand Visitor Visa?

Nationals from many countries need a visa to visit New Zealand for tourism, business, or family visits. Some of the eligible countries include:

China India South Africa Philippines Vietnam

To determine if your nationality requires a visa to visit New Zealand, fill in your nationality at the top of this page.

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

Several countries enjoy visa waiver agreements with New Zealand. Some of these include:

• European countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom (for permanent residents), and more.

• Americas: Canada, United States of America (including USA nationals), Argentina, Brazil, and others.

• Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, etc.

This list is not exhaustive; some countries must apply for a New Zealand ETA instead of a visa. Use the tool at the top of the page to determine which one you need based on your nationality.

Do children also require the 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?

With the Visitor Visa, you can visit New Zealand as a tourist for up to nine months within 18 months.

We offer a Multiple Entry visa during the application process; however, immigration officers have the final say on whether you will receive a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

Can I extend my New Zealand Visitor Visa?

Before your visa expires, you can apply for another three months’ stay and extend the visa to 12 months in 24 months if:

• You want more time for your tourist itinerary.

• You can’t leave New Zealand for reasons beyond your control.

• You applied for residency for the first time.

• You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself. If you have already visited New Zealand for 12 months, you must leave New Zealand and wait for another 12 months before you can apply for another Visitor Visa.

New Zealand Visitor Visa required documents

To apply for the Visitor Visa, you must submit:

• Applicant photo

• A scan of your valid passport and proof of residency if you live in a country other than the one where your passport was issued.

• A travel itinerary, such as a hotel reservation and return ticket to your home country, to show that you’re a genuine tourist.

• Provide evidence of enough funds to pay for all expenses during the trip and onward travel, such as bank statements, credit card statements, term deposits, or loan statements.

• Australian Visa (if applicable): This document is only necessary if you plan to visit Australia during or after your stay in New Zealand.

• Provide proof of good health (if applicable): Certain travelers need to provide a chest x-ray or medical examination as evidence of good health.

• Police certificates (if applicable) are part of the character requirements if you intend to stay in New Zealand for more than 24 months.

New Zealand Visitor Visa costs and processing times

When you apply with us, you will pay:

• The government fee changes based on your nationality and the exchange rate on the day. It is about USD $153.00 (NZD $246), including the Tourism Levy (IVL) of about USD $22 (NZD $35), which is compulsory for all tourists.

• Our standard processing fee varies based on nationality.

During the application process on our site, we offer added-value services such as an iVisa Plus subscription, Premium Concierge Service, and Embassy Registration.

We also provide iVisa Fee Protection, which allows us to process a new application for no additional processing fee if you cannot make your trip. You can also get a two-week-valid flight reservation or itinerary that can be used to apply for a visa, as proof of return to show to immigration officers while traveling, for car rental purposes, etc.

All these additional services have varying costs. Use our application form to check your application's total cost based on your circumstances and chosen services.

Our standard processing takes up to 30 days. During this time, our experts carefully review your application and ensure everything is in order. We also begin the process of securing your interview date.

Note: It doesn’t include the date of the interview nor the time it’ll take the government to process and approve your application. We advise applying for your visa early to avoid delays or issues.

Benefits of applying for a New Zealand Visitor Visa with us

Do you have more questions about the New Zealand Visitor Visa?

Our dedicated online team of customer service agents is available via online chat, or you can speak with them via WhatsApp.