New Zealand Visitor Visa - The Complete Visa Application Guide

Mar 1, 2023

7 min read

Are you planning on traveling to NZ, but you’re unsure about how the New Zealand visitors visa works? Let me explain.

US citizens don’t need a New Zealand Visitors visa but however, require a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).

There are only 60 countries exempt from the Visitor visa. Citizens who apply for a visitor visa will have to apply online, where the cost will be around $100 - $125. After your application, the waiting time is around 12 - 30 working days before you receive your visa.

So let’s go into detail.

Snowy mountain top on the Roys Peak in New Zealand

Who Needs A Visa To Travel To NZ?

This section will answer the most important question, “Do I as a US citizen need a visa for New Zealand?”.

Do US Citizens Need A Visa For NZ?

No, US citizens are on the list of visa waiver countries and, therefore only need to apply for a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).

See New Zealand Visa for US Citizens - How To Get Your NZeTA for more information on the NZeTA.

Do US Green Card Holders Need A Visa For NZ?

If your passport is from a country that is not on the visa waiver list, then yes you will need to apply for a visitor's visa.

The list of visa waiver countries are:

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia (citizens only), Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (residents with HKSAR or British National–Overseas passports only), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, South, Kuwait, Latvia (citizens only), Liechtenstein, Lithuania (citizens only), Luxembourg, Macau (only if you have a Macau Special Administrative Region passport), Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal (if you have the right to live permanently in Portugal), Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (if you are a permanent resident), United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (UK) (if you are travelling on a UK or British passport that shows you have the right to reside permanently in the UK), United States of America (USA) (including USA nationals), Uruguay, and Vatican City.


In-depth Detail About The New Zealand Visitors Visa

This section gives an overview of everything you would like to know about the visitor visa for NZ.

Between two iconic Auckland beaches - Anawhata and Piha lies White’s Beach in New Zealand

What Is A New Zealand Visitors Visa?

This New Zealand visitors visa allows a person to travel to the NZ border and allows a person to enter NZ and stay there for a specified period of time. Hence a visa grants you permission to enter New Zealand.

What Does A Visitors Visa For New Zealand Allow?

It allows you to:

  • Visit NZ as a tourist
  • Visit friends or family
  • Enter NZ to get married
  • Play sports or participate in cultural events without pay
  • Short term study (School-aged visitors or students can study or go to school for three months in each of the 12-month periods your visa is valid)

What Is The Validity Of The Visitors Visa For New Zealand?

The visitor visa is limited to a maximum stay of nine months in an 18-month period.

The 18-month period is calculated backward from the last day you intend to be in New Zealand. For example, if the last day you'll be here is 1 December, your 18-month period will begin on 1 June of the year before.

What Is The New Zealand Visitor Visa Fee?

The visitor visa fees are:

  • Citizens from a pacific country: Approximately $100
  • Citizens from the rest of the world: Approximately $125

Additionally, you will have to pay these 2 mandatory fees:

  • Immigration Levy: Approximately $13
  • International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): Approximately $23

However, fees are subject to change without notice; check your application fee here.

What Is The Visitors Visa Processing Time?

The processing time is about 12 - 30 working days.

Can I Extend My Visitors Visa For New Zealand?

Yes, the visitor's visa can be extended for another 3 months to stay 12 months in a 24 month period if:

  • you need more time to complete your tourist itinerary
  • you can’t leave NZ for reasons beyond your control
  • you’ve applied for residence for the first time.

What Are The Visitor Visa New Zealand Requirements?

In this section, we will discuss all the required documents you need for your New Zealand visitor visa application.

Beautiful seashore on the South Island of New Zealand

What Are The Required Documents For The New Zealand Visitors Visa?

The required documents include the following:

  • A valid passport
  • 2 Passport photos
  • Medical certificates and chest X-ray certificates (not required if you are staying less than 6 months)
  • 3 Months Bank statements
  • Flight itinerary
  • Hotel itinerary
  • Leave letter from your employer
  • Police certificates as proof of good character.
  • A letter stating that you agree to pay your health care costs.

What Are The Financial Requirements For A Visitors Visa For New Zealand?

If you do not have a sponsor, you must proof you have enough money by showing:

  • evidence that you have $650 per month for each person included in your application, or
  • evidence that you have $260 per month for each person included in your application, and evidence that each person’s accommodation costs are already paid.

If you have a sponsor, you will need to complete the Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025).

What Are The Photo Requirements For The Visitors Visa?

The photo requirements include the following:

  • Original photos
  • Color photos (not black and white)
  • Photos must have been taken in the last 6 months
  • Size should be 45mm by 35mm

How To Apply Online For A New Zealand Visitors Visa?

This section will cover an in-depth step-by-step guide on how to apply for your visa.

Step 1: Create a profile on RealMe

You can start your NZ visitor visa application online.

Once you start your online application with the link above, you will be redirected to this page to create a RealMe login account.

Next, you must enter your email address and verify that email address. RealMe will send the verification code to your email. You also need to provide a username and a password.

Step 1 of NZ visitor visa application is create ana ccount on RealMe

Step 2: Start Your Application

Under the 'My visas' tab, you can click on the button that says ‘Apply For A visa’.

Step 2 of NZ visitor visa application find my visas tab

Step 3: Fill In The Application Form

Now you will need to fill in all the details of the online application form, including personal details, passport details, health declarations, employment details, and upload supporting documents such as your passport photos, passport, bank statements, and itineraries.

In some countries, you may not be able to apply for your tourist visa online. Instead, it would be best to apply to a Embassy of New Zealand or Consular.

Step 4: Pay The Visa Fees

The fees can be paid by various debit and credit cards during your application process. Now you can submit your application.

Step 5: Wait For Your Visa To Be Processed

Now the waiting game starts. Keep a look out in your email for notifications about your visa status. Alternatively, log in to your realMe account again to view your application status.


How To Check The Status Of My Application?

When you applied for your visa, you had to set up an online RealMe account. You can log in to that account to find out if the officials need more information from you and other information about your application's progress.

Or you can contact the customer care line at +64 9 914 4100.


What To Expect When Arriving In New Zealand?

When you arrive in NZ, make sure to have all your supporting documents ready when you reach the immigration counters.

The most important being your passport, visa, and proof of payment for the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

If the immigration officer is satisfied with your documents, he will stamp your passport, and you will gain entry into New Zealand.

Beautiful day over Lake tekapo in New Zealand

That’s it!

Now you know everything about the tourist visa! Get ready to have a seamless application process! All that is left to do is to pack your bags!

Government Sources

All information was found on reputable sources such as such as travel.state.gov and 100% Pure New Zealand and New Zealand Immigration.

Written By: Shannon Reeler
Fact Checked By: Nikhita Rathod

Frequently Asked Questions

Do US Citizens Need A Visa For New Zealand?

No, US Citizens need to get a New Zealand ETA.

What Are The Types Of NZ Visas?

The visa options are:

  • Group Visitor Visa: A group traveling to New Zealand with the same purpose and travel arrangements.
  • Working Holiday Visa: Perfect opportunity for young people (18-30 years) to travel to NZ for a holiday while working to fund their trip.
  • Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa: Parents and grandparents can visit family in New Zealand multiple times with the same visa for up to 18 months.
  • Transit Visa: You must apply for this visa if you are passing through New Zealand unless you are traveling to Australia.
Can I Work On A Visitors Visa In New Zealand?

No, you aren't allowed to work on a tourist visa.

How Much Proof Of Money Do You Need For New Zealand?

NZD 1,000 per month is proof of enough money.

Is There A Visa Interview For New Zealand?

No, only citizens applying for a student visa might have an interview.

How Many Countries Are Visa-free To New Zealand?

60 countries.

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia (citizens only), Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (residents with HKSAR or British National–Overseas passports only), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, South, Kuwait, Latvia (citizens only), Liechtenstein, Lithuania (citizens only), Luxembourg, Macau (only if you have a Macau Special Administrative Region passport), Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal (if you have the right to live permanently in Portugal), Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (if you are a permanent resident), United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (UK) (if you are travelling on a UK or British passport that shows you have the right to reside permanently in the UK), United States of America (USA) (including USA nationals), Uruguay, Vatican City.

How Long Is The New Zealand Visitor Visa Valid For?

The Tourist Visa for New Zealand allows you to stay in the country for 9 months.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Visa For New Zealand?

The New Zealand Visa processing time is usually 12 - 30 working days.

Can I Convert My New Zealand Tourist Visa Into A Work Visa?

No. You will have to apply for a New Zealand Work Visa before you can work in the country.

What Is The New Zealand ETA?

A New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority shows that you are allowed to travel to New Zealand.

What Is The New Zealand ETA processing time?

The New Zealand ETA can take up to 72 hours, but it can also take as little as 10 min.

What Is The New Zealand ETA Application Process?

You can request a New Zealand ETA using the ETA website.

The easiest way to apply for a ETA is by applying on the Atlys app. Start your application now

What Is The New Zealand Work Visa?

A work visa enables you to enter a nation (in this case, New Zealand) and engage in employment there. Numerous visas let you work in New Zealand under various visa categories.

Work visas for New Zealand are only temporary; some are convertible to permanent residence. i.e., you are free to study, live, and work there at any time.

What Are The Different Types Of Work Visas?

Although some countries only offer 1 type of work visa, New Zealand has the option of 2 work visas, namely:

  • Post-Study Work Visa: If you've earned a respectable degree in New Zealand and want to work there, this form of visa is for you. However, you must apply for the post-study employment visa no later than three months after your student visa expires to satisfy one of the requirements. You are eligible to apply for a new post-study work visa each time you complete a new qualification in New Zealand.
  • Working Holiday Visa: The exclusive age range for Working Holiday Visas is 18 to 30. For young people who wish to travel, this is ideal. If you're from the UK or Canada, you can stay for 12 months or 24 months while working to pay for your vacation. Before arriving in New Zealand, you do not need to find employment. Nevertheless, you must have documentation of a return ticket or financial assurance that you will have enough money to leave the country.

More from New Zealand

Related Articles