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First decide which travel permission applies
A Visitor Visa, an NZeTA and a visa-waiver visit are different routes. Eligibility depends on the traveller’s passport and travel situation, so do not assume that every visitor must apply for a Visitor Visa—or that an NZeTA is available to everyone.
| Route | Who it may apply to | Stay and permitted activity | Application and cost notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | Travellers whose circumstances require this visa; check the official visa finder and specific visa conditions. | May allow a stay of up to six or nine months, depending on the case. Generally covers tourism, visiting friends or family, and study for up to three months. Work is not permitted, although remote work for an overseas business may be allowed under the stated rules. | Online applications are required from 1 October 2026. The listed cost starts at NZD 441; the actual fee and any IVL depend on the applicant’s circumstances. |
| NZeTA | Specified visitors and transit passengers who meet the requirements for this electronic travel authority. | For most travellers, valid for two years and allows visits of up to three months at a time; UK citizens may stay up to six months at a time, subject to the conditions. | Costs from NZD 17 and Immigration New Zealand advises allowing 72 hours for processing. Most international visitors also pay the applicable NZD 100 IVL, subject to exemptions. |
| Visa-waiver visitor | Travellers from eligible visa-waiver countries who meet the conditions. Australian citizens travelling on Australian passports do not need a Visitor Visa or NZeTA for a visit. | Generally up to three months, or up to six months for UK citizens, subject to the visa-waiver conditions. Visa-waiver travellers generally need an NZeTA before departure and may receive a Visa Waiver Visitor Visa at the border. | Check whether the NZeTA is required and whether an IVL applies. If unsure of eligibility, Immigration New Zealand advises applying for a visa before travel. |
These descriptions are general, not a determination for an individual traveller. Review Immigration New Zealand’s visa finder, the Visitor Visa requirements, the NZeTA rules and the visa-waiver conditions for the traveller’s exact case.
How to apply for a Visitor Visa
As of 8 October 2026, Immigration New Zealand says Visitor Visa applications must be made online from 1 October 2026. Most visa applications use a RealMe account.
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- Choose the correct visa. Use Immigration New Zealand’s visa finder and read the requirements and conditions for the route that matches your passport and purpose of travel.
- Prepare your documents. Gather the identity, photo, funds, travel-plan and other evidence requested for your circumstances. Arrange English translations for documents that are not in English.
- Sign in or create a RealMe account. Most visa applications use RealMe; follow the account and application instructions on the official visa page.
- Complete and submit the online form. Upload the requested materials and pay the applicable fee online.
- Watch for follow-up. Monitor your email and online account in case Immigration New Zealand asks for more information. Check the decision and eVisa once a decision is made.
The online application change is time-sensitive; confirm the current instructions on the Visitor Visa page and its change notice.
What documents and evidence to prepare
The exact checklist depends on the applicant. Immigration New Zealand’s Visitor Visa guidance identifies these common requirements and supporting evidence:
- A copy of a passport or certificate of identity, plus one acceptable photo.
- Evidence of sufficient funds or an acceptable sponsor.
- Information about plans in New Zealand that supports the applicant’s status as a genuine visitor.
- Proof of onward travel, or evidence of funds to pay for a ticket to leave New Zealand.
- Police certificates, medical examinations or chest X-rays if required for the particular application.
- Family relationship, identity and sponsor documents where relevant.
Documents that are not in English need translations. The passport or certificate of identity generally must remain valid for at least three months after the planned departure date. Immigration New Zealand may request further evidence after submission; use its Visitor Visa checklist for your circumstances.
At arrival, be prepared to show a ticket to leave New Zealand, funds to buy one, or a sponsor agreement to pay for it, as well as evidence of adequate living funds. Keep relevant originals and translations available as appropriate.
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Fees, the IVL and the amount to budget
Immigration New Zealand lists the Visitor Visa cost as “From NZD $441.” That is a starting amount, not a universal total. The applicable fee depends on citizenship and where the applicant is now, and some applicants or nationalities may qualify for a fee waiver. Use the official fee guidance and fee tool to check the amount for the specific case.
Most international visitors pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 100 when applying for a visa or requesting an NZeTA; exemptions and the charge for an individual application should be checked with Immigration New Zealand. Visa fees and the IVL are generally not refunded if an application is declined. The NZeTA is a separate route, not a lower-cost Visitor Visa application; its official page lists a price from NZD 17. Confirm current charges before paying because fees and levy rules can change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Processing times and when to apply
Immigration New Zealand’s live processing page, reviewed 8 October 2026, reports Visitor Visa processing at an average of one week, with 80% completed within two weeks. It reports an average of 24 hours for an NZeTA and advises allowing three days. These are estimates, not guaranteed decisions or travel deadlines.
The visa figures are working-day measures for applications processed in the preceding four weeks: the average represents the time taken for 50% of processed applications, while “most completed within” represents 80%. The page is updated weekly, so check the current Visitor Visa and NZeTA wait times before planning.
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Application volumes are high during the September-to-March busy period. Apply early, and follow Immigration New Zealand’s advice not to book non-refundable travel until a Visitor Visa is approved. Complete applications may be processed closer to the average, while others take longer.
Before you submit: a practical checklist
- Confirm the route for the traveller’s passport and situation; do not mistake an NZeTA for a Visitor Visa.
- Check the visa’s permitted stay and conditions against the planned purpose and length of trip.
- Use the official checklist, ensure identity documents meet validity rules, and prepare translations.
- Check the current fee and whether the IVL or an exemption applies; do not assume the starting fee is the total.
- Allow time for processing and any follow-up evidence requests; wait for approval before making non-refundable bookings.
This is general information, not an individual visa decision. Immigration New Zealand’s official pages determine the current eligibility, evidence, fee and process for each applicant.
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