General reading only. Bansal Immigration does not advise on or lodge visa applications for Canada, New Zealand, or the United States. Any steps on these pages are not instructions from this firm.

New Zealand Tourist Visa

A visa allowing individuals from non‑visa waiver countries to visit New Zealand for tourism, family visits, or short-term study (up to 3 months), with stays up to 6 or 9 months.

Overview

Purpose

To visit New Zealand for holidays, to see family and friends, or to study for up to 3 months. This visa does not permit working in New Zealand, except for remote work for an overseas employer.

Who needs a Visitor Visa

People travelling on a passport from countries that are not part of New Zealand's visa waiver program.
Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport do not need a Visitor Visa or an NZeTA.
Citizens of visa waiver countries or territories can travel with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) instead of a visa.
Specific exceptions exist, such as Chinese and Pacific Islands Forum country citizens travelling from Australia with an eligible Australian visa, who can use an NZeTA.

Length of stay

Multiple-entry Visitor Visa: Allows multiple visits, with a maximum stay of 6 months in any 12-month period. To be eligible, you must have been out of New Zealand for at least 9 months in the 18-month period before applying.
Single-entry Visitor Visa: Allows one entry and a stay of up to 9 months in an 18-month period. This may be issued if you want to stay longer than 6 months, are extending a current stay, or if a multiple-entry visa is not deemed necessary. If you leave New Zealand on a single-entry visa, it will expire.
Visitors from the Pacific: May be eligible for a 24-month multiple-entry Visitor Visa.

Cost

From NZD $441 (subject to change).

Processing time

80% of applications are processed within 2 weeks.

Key eligibility points

Good health: May require a chest X-ray or medical examination, especially if staying over 6 months or from a country with a non-low incidence of tuberculosis.
Good character: May require police certificates, particularly if aged 17 or older and your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer.
Genuine intentions: Must be a genuine visitor and intend to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay.
Enough money to live on: Must have at least NZD $1,000 per month (or NZD $400 if accommodation is pre-paid), or have an acceptable sponsor.
Ability to leave New Zealand: Must show proof of a ticket out of New Zealand or sufficient funds to purchase one.

What this visa lets you do

Holiday in New Zealand.
Visit family and friends.
Study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period.
Include your partner and dependent children (aged 19 or younger) in your application.

When you arrive

Complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD).
Be prepared to show a ticket to leave New Zealand or proof of funds for one.
Be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
You can be refused entry if you are not a genuine visitor, do not meet character requirements, or have had a change in circumstances.

While in New Zealand

Travel: If you leave New Zealand, your visa will expire unless it has a multiple-entry travel condition.
Work: You cannot work, but you may volunteer or work remotely for an overseas employer.
Study: You can study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period. School-aged children can study for up to 3 months in any calendar year.

Staying longer

If you are in New Zealand and need more time for a genuine reason, you can apply to extend your visit before your current visa expires. A new single-entry Visitor Visa may be granted for up to 9 months in an 18-month period.