Get Your New Zealand Visa Online
Fast visa processing for tourism, business, work, and study — explore Middle-earth
TrustpilotHow to Get Your New Zealand Visa
Quick 4-step process — most travelers approved within 24-72 hours
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined application form with your travel details and personal information. Our intelligent validation system pre-checks every field against Immigration New Zealand requirements, catching errors before submission and ensuring your application is complete.
2
Upload your documents
Submit a clear passport scan (bio page with photo) and a recent digital photograph meeting New Zealand specifications. Our document specialists verify everything meets Immigration New Zealand's standards, significantly reducing the risk of delays or requests for additional information.
3
We process your visa
Your verified application is submitted to Immigration New Zealand through official channels. We track processing status continuously and notify you immediately of any updates, decisions, or additional documentation requests via email and SMS.
4
Receive your visa electronically
Your approved visa is linked directly to your passport electronically — no printing required! Simply board your flight to New Zealand and present your passport at immigration. Kia ora — welcome to Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud!
Visa types needed for New Zealand
New Zealand Visitor Visa - 1 year, Multiple entry
The New Zealand Visitor Visa provides access to Milford Sound, Hobbiton, and stunning landscapes. Valid for 1 Year with multiple entry, this visa allows stays up to 180 days. Perfect for tourism, family visits, and business.
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- 🛂 Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with blank pages
- 📸 Digital Photo: Recent passport-style photograph
- ✈️ Travel Details: Confirmed travel itinerary
- 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel or host booking
- 💳 Payment: Credit or debit card for fee
Important to know
- Maximum stay: 180 days per visit
- Print visa for presentation at immigration
New Zealand Visa Requirements & Entry Information
NZeTA
Up to 90 days
Electronic travel authority for visa-waiver countries
Visitor Visa
Up to 9 months
For extended tourism and visiting family
Working Holiday
Up to 12 months
Work and travel for eligible ages 18-30
Business Visa
Up to 3 months
For meetings and business activities
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond departure
- Return ticket or funds to purchase one
- NZD 1,000/month or NZD 400/month if prepaid
- Travel insurance highly recommended
- Clean biosecurity declaration required
- IVL levy payment (NZD 35) for most visitors
Electronic Travel & Visitor Visas
New Zealand operates a modern, largely electronic immigration system designed to facilitate tourism while maintaining border security. The country offers various entry pathways depending on your nationality, travel purpose, and intended length of stay — from the streamlined NZeTA for visa-waiver countries to comprehensive visitor visas, working holiday programs, and work/student visas.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
The NZeTA is required for passport holders from visa-waiver countries visiting New Zealand for tourism, business, or transit. This includes citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, European Union nations, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and approximately 60 other countries. The NZeTA allows multiple entries over its 2-year validity period, with each visit limited to 90 days (or 6 months for UK citizens). Unlike traditional visas, the NZeTA is electronically linked to your passport — no sticker or stamp required. It's valid for tourism, visiting friends and family, business meetings, conferences, and transiting through New Zealand airports.
Visitor Visa
Travelers from countries not eligible for the NZeTA must apply for a Visitor Visa before traveling to New Zealand. This includes citizens of China, India, Russia, South Africa, and many other nations. Visitor Visas allow stays of up to 9 months within an 18-month period, significantly longer than the NZeTA. The application requires more documentation including proof of sufficient funds (approximately NZ$1,000 per month of stay), confirmed accommodation, return travel, and sometimes health and character requirements. Processing takes 15-25 working days, so apply well in advance.
Work & Holiday Visas
Working Holiday Visa
New Zealand's Working Holiday Visa scheme is available to young travelers (typically ages 18-30, some countries 18-35) from over 45 countries with reciprocal agreements. This popular visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand for 12 months (23 months for UK citizens), funding your travels while experiencing Kiwi culture. You can work for any employer, though work for the same employer is limited to 3-6 months depending on your nationality. Study is permitted for up to 6 months. Competition for these visas can be fierce — some countries have annual quotas that fill within hours of opening.
Work Visa
For those seeking employment in New Zealand beyond working holiday arrangements, various Work Visa categories exist. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the most common, requiring a job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand. Skilled workers may qualify for the Skilled Migrant Category residence pathway. Specific visas exist for essential skills, recognized seasonal employers, working holidaymakers who want to extend, and partners of visa holders. Work visas require employer sponsorship, relevant qualifications, and often skills assessments.
Student Visa & Conservation Levy
Student Visa
International students planning courses longer than 3 months (or any duration for non-visa-waiver nationalities) need a Student Visa. This requires: an offer of place from an approved New Zealand educational institution, evidence of fee payment or financial sponsorship, proof of funds for living costs (NZ$20,000 per year), health insurance, and character documentation. Student visas typically allow part-time work (20 hours per week during term, full-time during holidays). Dependents may accompany students on appropriate visas.
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
All visitors to New Zealand (except Australians and some Pacific islanders) must pay the IVL levy of NZ$35. This levy funds conservation efforts protecting New Zealand's unique environment and tourism infrastructure improvements. The IVL is paid during the NZeTA application or separately for Visitor Visa holders. It's valid for 2 years and covers multiple visits.
Entry Requirements & Processing
Essential Requirements
All travelers to New Zealand must meet these fundamental requirements:
• Passport validity: Minimum 3 months beyond your planned departure date (6 months recommended)
• Health requirements: May need to demonstrate good health; some nationalities require chest X-rays or medical certificates
• Character requirements: Must declare criminal history; serious convictions may result in visa denial
• Genuine traveler: Must demonstrate genuine intent to visit temporarily (for visitor categories)
• Sufficient funds: Evidence of financial means to support your stay
• Onward travel: Ticket out of New Zealand or evidence of funds to purchase one
Entry Points & Border Processing
New Zealand's main international airports are Auckland (AKL) — the primary gateway handling most international arrivals — Christchurch (CHC), Wellington (WLG), and Queenstown (ZQN). New Zealand has strict biosecurity controls; declare all food, plant material, and animal products on your arrival card. Electronic visa holders proceed directly to immigration counters — no separate visa lines needed.
Processing Times
NZeTA applications are typically processed within 24-72 hours, often faster. Visitor Visas take 15-25 working days. Working Holiday Visas take approximately 20 working days. Work and Student Visas vary significantly based on complexity — allow 1-3 months. We recommend applying well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.8Customer rating
99%Approval rate
"Applied for my New Zealand visa on Sunday evening, approved by Tuesday morning! The process was so simple and the team even reminded me about the IVL levy. Now off to explore the South Island!"
"Third time using DoVisa for New Zealand. Always reliable and fast. The 2-year validity is great for frequent visitors like me."
"Was worried about applying as I had a complicated travel history. The support team guided me through everything and my visa was approved without issues. Amazing service!"
"Straightforward process and good communication. Took about 48 hours for approval. Very happy with the service!"
"Honeymoon trip to New Zealand sorted! Both our visas approved in under 24 hours. The electronic passport linkage made everything easy."
"Lord of the Rings fan finally making the pilgrimage to Middle-earth! DoVisa made the boring admin part simple. Now I can focus on planning my Hobbiton visit!"
"Family road trip from Auckland to Queenstown planned. All 4 visas approved together within a day. DoVisa support was helpful with my daughter's passport query."
"Applied for the Working Holiday Visa through DoVisa. They explained the age requirements and helped me gather all the documents. Great experience overall."
"Business visa for conferences in Auckland and Wellington. DoVisa handled everything professionally and the visa was linked electronically — so convenient at the border."
"Booked a last-minute trip to see the Southern Lights. Got my NZeTA approved overnight! Incredible service when you need it fast."
"Good service. Application was simple and approval came within the expected timeframe. Would recommend to others planning NZ trips."
"Planning to hike the Milford Track and needed my visa sorted quickly. DoVisa delivered! Their support team even gave me tips about booking the huts."
New Zealand Visa FAQs
What types of visas are available for New Zealand?
New Zealand offers several visa categories for different purposes. NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) is required for visa-waiver country citizens and allows tourism, business, and transit for up to 90 days (6 months for UK citizens) with 2-year multiple-entry validity. Visitor Visa is for nationals not eligible for NZeTA, allowing stays up to 9 months. Working Holiday Visa permits 12-23 months of work and travel for ages 18-30/35 from eligible countries. Work Visas cover employment through the Accredited Employer Work Visa and other categories requiring job offers. Student Visas are for courses over 3 months at approved institutions. Transit Visas allow passage through New Zealand airports. Partnership and family visas enable joining family members in New Zealand. The right visa depends on your nationality, age, purpose of visit, and intended duration.
What is the NZeTA and who needs one?
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a digital travel authorization required for citizens of approximately 60 visa-waiver countries visiting for tourism, business, or transit. This includes passport holders from the United States, United Kingdom, EU/Schengen nations, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and many others. Key features: Valid for 2 years with multiple entries; each visit limited to 90 days (UK citizens get 6 months); electronically linked to your passport (no printing needed); includes or requires separate IVL levy payment; valid for tourism, visiting friends/family, business meetings, and transit. Who doesn't need NZeTA: Australian citizens and permanent residents; travelers with valid New Zealand visas (work, student, etc.); airline crew on duty. If your country isn't on the visa-waiver list, you need a Visitor Visa instead.
What is the New Zealand Visitor Visa?
The Visitor Visa is for travelers from countries not eligible for the NZeTA who wish to visit New Zealand for tourism, visiting family, or short-term business. Eligible countries include China, India, Russia, South Africa, Brazil, Indonesia, Philippines, and many others. Key features: Allows stays up to 9 months within an 18-month period — significantly longer than the 90-day NZeTA limit; requires more documentation including financial evidence, accommodation proof, and travel itinerary; processing takes 15-25 working days. Required documents: Valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, proof of funds (approximately NZ$1,000/month), accommodation bookings, return/onward travel evidence, travel insurance recommended, and potentially health/character certificates depending on stay length and nationality. Visitor Visas don't permit work — for employment, you need appropriate work authorization.
What is the Working Holiday Visa and am I eligible?
New Zealand's Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is one of the world's most popular youth mobility programs, allowing young travelers to live, work, and explore New Zealand for 12-23 months. Eligibility requirements: Age 18-30 (18-35 for citizens of Argentina, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, UK, and a few others); passport from one of 45+ participating countries; no dependent children accompanying you; meet health and character requirements; sufficient funds (approximately NZ$4,200); never held a New Zealand WHV before. What you can do: Work for any employer (some nationalities have 3-6 month limits per employer); study for up to 6 months; travel freely throughout New Zealand. Duration: 12 months for most nationalities, 23 months for UK citizens. Competition: Some countries have annual quotas that fill extremely quickly — sometimes within minutes of opening. Apply as early as possible and have all documents ready.
What is the IVL levy and do I need to pay it?
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is a NZ$35 fee that funds conservation projects protecting New Zealand's unique environment and improves tourism infrastructure. Who pays: Almost all visitors to New Zealand regardless of visa type, including NZeTA holders, Visitor Visa holders, and most other visa categories. Exemptions: Australian citizens and permanent residents; some Pacific Island nationals; certain diplomatic and official travelers; children under 2. Payment timing: For NZeTA applicants, the IVL can be paid together with the NZeTA application (DoVisa handles both together). Visitor Visa applicants pay separately. Validity: The IVL is valid for 2 years from payment and covers multiple visits during that period. Purpose: Funds go toward Department of Conservation projects, tourism infrastructure improvements, and environmental protection — New Zealand takes its "100% Pure" brand seriously and visitors contribute to maintaining it.
How long can I stay in New Zealand?
Stay duration depends on your visa type and nationality. NZeTA holders (visa-waiver countries): Up to 90 days per visit (UK citizens get 6 months) with unlimited visits over the 2-year NZeTA validity — but Immigration monitors for patterns suggesting you're living in New Zealand without proper authorization. Visitor Visa holders: Up to 9 months within any 18-month period. Working Holiday Visa: 12 months (23 months for UK citizens) — this is total duration, not per visit. Work Visa holders: Duration specified on visa, typically 1-3 years depending on job and circumstances. Student Visa holders: Duration of study program plus reasonable time for breaks. Important: You cannot "reset" your stay by briefly exiting and re-entering. Immigration tracks cumulative time and may refuse entry if you're suspected of trying to live in New Zealand without appropriate long-term authorization.
What documents do I need for a New Zealand visa?
Requirements vary by visa type. NZeTA: Valid passport (3+ months beyond departure), recent digital photograph meeting specifications, payment for NZeTA fee and IVL levy. Relatively simple application. Visitor Visa: Valid passport, completed application form, passport photographs, proof of funds (bank statements showing ~NZ$1,000/month), accommodation details (hotel bookings or invitation letter), return/onward travel evidence, travel insurance recommended, and potentially health certificates (chest X-ray for stays over 6 months) and police certificates (for stays over 24 months). Working Holiday Visa: Passport, proof of age, evidence of funds (~NZ$4,200), return ticket or funds to purchase one, health and character declarations, and potentially medical examination results. Work/Student Visas: More extensive documentation including job offers, employer accreditation letters, qualification certificates, English language test results, detailed financial evidence, and comprehensive health and character documentation.
Can I extend my New Zealand visa?
Extension possibilities depend on visa type. NZeTA holders: Cannot extend beyond 90 days per visit (6 months for UK). You must leave New Zealand before your permitted time expires. For longer stays, apply for a Visitor Visa or other appropriate visa before or after leaving. Visitor Visa holders: May apply for an extension through Immigration New Zealand if you haven't reached the 9-month limit within 18 months. Apply online before your current visa expires with evidence of ongoing genuine visit purpose and funds. Extensions are discretionary. Working Holiday Visa holders: Most nationalities cannot extend beyond 12 months (UK can stay 23 months). Some may qualify for a second WHV if they completed qualifying work during the first year. Alternatively, transition to a Work Visa if you secure qualifying employment. Work/Student Visa holders: Can apply for new visas to continue working or studying. General advice: Apply for extensions well before expiry. Overstaying is a serious immigration offense resulting in deportation and potential future entry bans.
Can I work in New Zealand with a tourist visa?
No, the NZeTA and Visitor Visa do not permit any employment in New Zealand. Permitted activities on tourist authorization: Sightseeing, visiting friends and family, attending business meetings and conferences, conducting market research, negotiating contracts — essentially any activity where you're not employed by a New Zealand entity or receiving payment from New Zealand sources. Not permitted: Any paid work, unpaid work that benefits a New Zealand organization (including volunteering with commercial enterprises), freelancing for New Zealand clients, or running a business in New Zealand. To work legally, you need: A Working Holiday Visa (ages 18-30/35 from eligible countries), an Accredited Employer Work Visa (requires job offer from accredited employer), or another appropriate work visa category. Remote work for overseas employers: A gray area — technically tourism authorization doesn't cover work, but quiet remote work for non-NZ employers while traveling is rarely enforced. Consequences: Working illegally can result in deportation and multi-year entry bans.
Do I need to print my New Zealand visa?
No printing required for most New Zealand visas. NZeTA: Fully electronic — linked directly to your passport in Immigration New Zealand's system. Airlines verify your authorization during check-in through the Advance Passenger Processing system. Immigration officers see your status when scanning your passport. Recommendation: Save a copy of your NZeTA confirmation email on your phone for your records and peace of mind, but it's not required at the border. eVisa/Visitor Visa: Also increasingly electronic. Many Visitor Visas are now issued as eVisas linked to passports rather than physical labels. Work/Student Visas: Some may be issued as physical visa labels stuck in passports, others as eVisas. Check your specific visa issuance instructions. General advice: Always have digital access to your visa confirmation (screenshot, email, PDF on phone) even if printing isn't required. In case of system issues at check-in or border, having documentation helps resolve situations quickly.
When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
New Zealand's southern hemisphere location means seasons are opposite to the northern hemisphere. December-February (Summer): Peak tourist season with warmest weather (20-30C), longest days, and best beach/outdoor activity conditions. Ideal for hiking, wine regions, beaches, and general exploration. Book accommodation well in advance; prices highest. March-May (Autumn): Beautiful fall colors, harvest season in wine regions, fewer crowds, moderate temperatures. Great for wine tours, scenic drives, and Lord of the Rings locations without summer crowds. June-August (Winter): Snow season in the South Island — excellent skiing at Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mt Hutt. North Island remains mild. Whale watching peaks at Kaikoura. Fewer tourists except ski resorts. Budget-friendly outside school holidays. September-November (Spring): Lambing season with adorable baby animals, wildflowers blooming, shoulder season prices. Weather can be unpredictable but improving. Regional considerations: North Island is generally warmer; South Island has more dramatic seasonal variation.
What if my New Zealand visa application is rejected?
Visa rejections for New Zealand are uncommon but do occur, particularly for Visitor Visas and longer-stay visas. Common rejection reasons: Insufficient proof of funds; concerns about genuine intent to leave (immigration risk); incomplete documentation; health concerns; character issues (criminal history); previous immigration violations in New Zealand or elsewhere; inability to demonstrate strong ties to home country. If rejected: You'll receive a letter explaining the decision. For NZeTA rejections, you may need to apply for a Visitor Visa instead. For Visitor Visa rejections, you can request reconsideration if you have new information, or reapply with stronger documentation. Some visa categories have formal appeal rights to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal. Prevention strategies: Provide complete, accurate documentation; demonstrate clear ties to your home country (employment, property, family); show genuine tourism/visit purpose with detailed itinerary; provide strong evidence of sufficient funds; be honest about travel history and any character issues. DoVisa guarantee: If rejection results from our processing error, we provide full service fee refunds.
What are New Zealand's biosecurity rules?
New Zealand has some of the world's strictest biosecurity controls to protect its unique ecosystem from invasive pests and diseases. You must declare: All food items (even commercially packaged), plant material (seeds, flowers, wooden items), animal products (feathers, shells, honey), outdoor and camping equipment (tents, hiking boots with soil), and sporting equipment (golf clubs, fishing gear). High-risk items often seized: Fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and dairy, honey, seeds, untreated wood, dirty hiking boots with soil. Process: Complete the Traveller Declaration form honestly. If uncertain, declare it — there's no penalty for declaring items that turn out to be fine. Undeclared items caught during screening result in NZ$400 instant fines or prosecution for serious cases. Practical advice: Clean all outdoor gear thoroughly before packing; leave food items at home when possible; if bringing permitted processed foods, keep them in original packaging with ingredient lists. Why so strict: New Zealand's isolation means many global pests and diseases haven't reached there — biosecurity keeps it that way.
Can I bring my family to New Zealand?
Family accompaniment depends on your visa type and situation. Tourism (NZeTA/Visitor Visa): Each family member needs their own visa application — there are no family tourist visas. Children need individual NZeTAs or Visitor Visas with appropriate documentation. Working Holiday Visa: You cannot bring dependent children on a WHV. Partners may apply for their own WHV if eligible, or potentially a partner visa in some circumstances. Work Visa holders: May be able to bring partners and dependent children on appropriate partnership and dependent child visas. Partners of certain work visa holders can get open work visas. Children can access New Zealand education. Eligibility depends on your specific work visa category and conditions. Student Visa holders: Dependent children may accompany you and access free schooling if you're studying at degree level or above. Partners may get work visas in some circumstances. Residence pathway: If you're planning permanent relocation with family, investigate Skilled Migrant Category or other residence pathways which include provisions for family inclusion.
What's special about visiting New Zealand for Lord of the Rings fans?
New Zealand served as the filming location for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, and the country embraces its "Middle-earth" identity. Must-visit locations: Hobbiton (Matamata, North Island) — the fully preserved Hobbit village with 44 Hobbit holes, party tree, and Green Dragon Inn. The only film set that remained intact. Mordor/Mt Doom (Tongariro National Park) — volcanic landscapes used for Mordor; do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for stunning volcanic scenery. Edoras/Rohan (Mt Sunday, Canterbury) — the hilltop site of the Rohan capital in stunning tussock landscape. Rivendell (Kaitoke Regional Park near Wellington) — forest setting for Elrond's refuge. Fangorn Forest (various South Island locations including Paradise near Glenorchy). Numerous tour operators offer dedicated LOTR tours ranging from half-day Hobbiton visits to multi-day Middle-earth pilgrimages. Weta Workshop in Wellington offers behind-the-scenes tours of the special effects company. A visa is just your first step to Middle-earth!
What adventure activities can I do in New Zealand?
New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world, with Queenstown at its heart. Bungee jumping: AJ Hackett's original Kawarau Bridge jump (43m) and the terrifying Nevis (134m) — the country where commercial bungee began. Skydiving: Jump over glaciers, lakes, and mountains in Queenstown, Wanaka, Taupo, or Franz Josef. Jet boating: The Shotover Jet in Queenstown canyon is legendary. White water rafting: Grade 5 rapids on the Kaituna River (Rotorua) including a 7-meter waterfall. Zorbing: Roll down hills in giant inflatable balls — invented in Rotorua. Glacier hiking: Walk on Fox or Franz Josef glaciers on the South Island's West Coast. Hiking/Tramping: Nine Great Walks including Milford Track, Routeburn, and Tongariro. Skiing and snowboarding: Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mt Hutt offer world-class winter sports. Sailing: Auckland is the City of Sails. Caving: Waitomo glowworm caves and blackwater rafting.
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