A quick and easy article on how to get a New Zealand visa.
What visa do I need to visit New Zealand?
If you are a citizen of a country that is not included on the list of countries below, you will need to apply for a visa prior to your travel to New Zealand. NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR TOURISTS
If you are travelling as part of an organised group or tour, check with your travel company or tour operator to find out if you need a visa.
All other foreign nationals require a visa in order to enter New Zealand. The most common visas are the tourist and business visas.
Visa requirements for New Zealand visitors vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. We have provided some information about the most common visas below.
Tourist visa: A tourist visa allows foreigners who are visiting for less than 90 days to stay in New Zealand and conduct activities such as sightseeing, shopping and attending cultural events. You must also have funds available to cover your expenses while in New Zealand. To apply for a tourist visa, you must be able to provide evidence of your travel plans, such as flight tickets, hotel reservations and confirmation of attendance at events.
Business visa: A business visa allows foreigners who are visiting for business purposes – such as conducting research, meeting with clients or attending trade shows –NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR CRUISE SHIP VISITORS
How long is your visa valid for?
If you are coming to New Zealand for tourism, your visa will be valid for three months. If you are coming to work, your visa will be valid for one year. If you are coming to study, your visa will be valid for six months.
Please note that if you stay in New Zealand longer than the validity of your visa, you may need to apply for a new visa.
For more information about visas and immigration requirements in New Zealand, please visit our website or contact the New Zealand Immigration Service.
Will you be required to apply for a work permit or endorsement letter?
Visitors from countries who do not have a visa agreement with New Zealand will need to apply for a work permit. This can be obtained from the New Zealand Immigration Service. Travellers who are not citizens of an approved country and are not exempt from immigration requirements will need an appropriate endorsement letter or visa.
Are there any other restrictions on your type of Visa?
There are no other restrictions on your type of Visa. However, as New Zealand is a member of the Schengen Agreement, you will need a valid Schengen visa if you intend to stay more than 90 days in the country.
A note about Dual Citizenship
If you are a Canadian citizen, Australian citizen, British citizen, or Irish citizen, you can apply for a New Zealand visa if you intend to stay in New Zealand for less than three months. If you are a citizen of another country, check the requirements of that country before applying for a New Zealand visa.
How do I renew my Visa?
If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, or Switzerland and have a valid passport that is still valid for at least six months after your planned departure from New Zealand, you will be allowed to stay in New Zealand for up to three months without a visa. If you are not one of these countries and your passport does not have a valid visa extension page, you will need to apply for a visa prior to arrival in New Zealand.
The application process for a New Zealand visa can take up to two weeks, so it is important to apply well in advance of your travel date. You can apply online at the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or by visiting one of their authorized visa agencies. Some travelers may also prefer to apply for their visa in person at an embassy or consulate overseas.