A clear path to your application
The right application channel depends on your destination and where you legally live.
Check whether your passport meets the exception
Eligible citizens of China or a Pacific Islands Forum country travelling directly from Australia may use the current pilot to request an NZeTA instead of a Visitor Visa. You must have entered Australia, fly from an Australian airport, hold an eligible Australian visa valid at check-in, and receive an NZeTA; transit through Australia does not qualify. INZ says eligible visitors can continue using the pilot while its evaluation is pending. Check the current pilot and fees before travel.
If you do not qualify, apply for the required visa before travel
Apply through Immigration New Zealand's current online application service at least 3 months before travel. Provide complete evidence and wait for approval before booking non-refundable travel.
Check the stay and entry conditions
A visa or visa waiver does not guarantee admission. Follow the dates and conditions set by the destination’s immigration authority.
Check your trip dates
Count your travel days and compare your passport expiry with the entry rule.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Costs & timing
Government charges and decision times for this route. Check the official service for your final fee.
Government fees
- Temporary Visitor Visa total (eligible Pacific passports; offshore individual)
- NZD 161
The NZD 161 total is limited to eligible individual applications made outside New Zealand during the 12-month period from 1 June 2026. It includes the NZD 41 immigration levy; these Pacific visitors do not pay the IVL. The discount excludes Group Visitor and Parent Boost Visas, and should be rechecked before applying. Read the official fee guidance.
Decision time
80% within 14 calendar days
This is INZ's current published decision-time statistic, not a guarantee. Apply at least 3 months before travel; requests for information or seasonal demand can add time.
A processing estimate is not a guaranteed travel date.
Arrival paperwork is a separate step
New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Every traveler, including children, needs a free declaration. For air travel, submit from 24 hours before your journey begins and by New Zealand passport control; it does not replace a visa or NZeTA.
Open New Zealand Traveller DeclarationDetails that can change your plans
Remote work for overseas clients is allowed
New Zealand visitor visas, including visa-waiver entry on an NZeTA, allow remote work for an overseas employer or client. This does not permit working for a New Zealand employer, providing goods or services to a New Zealand person/business, or work that requires you to be physically present. Separate tax rules may apply.
Official guidanceAn Australia-based NZeTA route may apply
Eligible citizens of China or a Pacific Islands Forum country travelling directly from Australia may use the current pilot to request an NZeTA instead of a Visitor Visa. You must have entered Australia, fly from an Australian airport, hold an eligible Australian visa valid at check-in, and receive an NZeTA; transit through Australia does not qualify. INZ says eligible visitors can continue using the pilot while its evaluation is pending. Check the current pilot and fees before travel.
Official guidanceVisitor Visa stay depends on the entry conditions granted
INZ may grant a multiple-entry visa allowing up to 6 months in any 12-month period, counted back from the planned departure date, or a single-entry visa allowing up to 9 months in any 18-month period. INZ decides which conditions apply; a single-entry visa expires if you leave New Zealand.
Official guidanceHealth and character checks depend on your circumstances
Visitor Visa applicants must meet health, character and genuine-visitor requirements. INZ may ask for a chest X-ray, medical examination or police certificates depending on the planned and previous time in New Zealand and your circumstances; these documents are not automatically required for every short tourist visit.
Official guidanceYou can include eligible family in one application
A Visitor Visa application may include your partner and dependent children aged 19 or younger. Provide identity and relationship evidence; each person must meet health and character requirements. Family members can also apply separately.
Official guidanceShort study is allowed on a Visitor Visa
A Visitor Visa can allow study for up to 3 months. If you plan to study longer, check the student-visa requirements before travelling.
Official guidancePractical tips for New Zealand
Small preparation steps to keep your travel information within reach.
Gather details for the Traveller Declaration
Have your passport, New Zealand contact details, trip information and countries visited in the last 30 days ready. Each traveler, including a child, needs a separate declaration.
Check New Zealand's biosecurity and import rules
Declare risk items in both carry-on and checked baggage, including food, plants, seeds, animal products, natural medicines and used outdoor shoes or equipment. If unsure, declare an item for inspection or use a marked amnesty bin; undeclared risk items can lead to a fine or prosecution.
New Zealand at a glance
- Capital
- Wellington
- Currency
- NZD
- Calling code
- +64
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Marshall Islands need a visa for New Zealand?
An Australia-based NZeTA route may apply. Eligible citizens of China or a Pacific Islands Forum country travelling directly from Australia may use the current pilot to request an NZeTA instead of a Visitor Visa. You must have entered Australia, fly from an Australian airport, hold an eligible Australian visa valid at check-in, and receive an NZeTA; transit through Australia does not qualify. INZ says eligible visitors can continue using the pilot while its evaluation is pending. Check the current pilot and fees before travel.
How much passport validity do I need?
At least 3 months after planned departure.
How much is the government fee?
Temporary Visitor Visa total (eligible Pacific passports; offshore individual): NZD 161 per person. Check the official payment page for exemptions and any additional charges.
How long does a decision take?
80% of applications are decided within 14 calendar days. This is INZ's current published decision-time statistic, not a guarantee. Apply at least 3 months before travel; requests for information or seasonal demand can add time.
Do I need to complete New Zealand Traveller Declaration?
Required for this route. Every traveler, including children, needs a free declaration. For air travel, submit from 24 hours before your journey begins and by New Zealand passport control; it does not replace a visa or NZeTA. It does not replace a required visa or travel authorisation.
How long can I stay in New Zealand with a visitor visa?
INZ may grant a multiple-entry visa allowing up to 6 months in any 12-month period, counted back from the planned departure date, or a single-entry visa allowing up to 9 months in any 18-month period. INZ decides which conditions apply; a single-entry visa expires if you leave New Zealand.
What fees apply for a New Zealand visitor visa?
The NZD 161 total is limited to eligible individual applications made outside New Zealand during the 12-month period from 1 June 2026. It includes the NZD 41 immigration levy; these Pacific visitors do not pay the IVL. The discount excludes Group Visitor and Parent Boost Visas, and should be rechecked before applying.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Open Visitor Visa
Apply through Immigration New Zealand's current online application service at least 3 months before travel. Provide complete evidence and wait for approval before booking non-refundable travel.
Open New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Check if you need a New Zealand visa or NZeTA
INZ's tool checks passport and travel circumstances, including travelers who may need neither.
Check the passport-specific entry rules
Eligible citizens of China or a Pacific Islands Forum country travelling directly from Australia may use the current pilot to request an NZeTA instead of a Visitor Visa. You must have entered Australia, fly from an Australian airport, hold an eligible Australian visa valid at check-in, and receive an NZeTA; transit through Australia does not qualify. INZ says eligible visitors can continue using the pilot while its evaluation is pending. Check the current pilot and fees before travel.
Check New Zealand Customs' item and medicine rules
Official rules for medicines, food, plants, animal products, outdoor gear and restricted items.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
Suggest a correction