Visiting New Zealand

You may need to apply for a visitor visa or permit if you intend to stay temporarily in New Zealand, but you don't intend to study or work. When you are granted a permit, you can stay in New Zealand for up to nine months.



Do I need a visa or permit?
Take the quick check to see whether you need a visitor visa to come to New Zealand, or check our list of visa-free countries. If your home country is on the list, then you can enter New Zealand without a visa, depending on how long you want to stay. If you don't need a visa, you can start planning your trip.



Our requirements
If you need a visitor visa to come to New Zealand, you will need to meet our requirements, including funds, health and character.



How to apply
Find out how to apply for a visitor visa, and get the forms you will need. This section includes useful checklists to help you supply the right information when you lodge your application.



Transit visas
Even if you are only passing through New Zealand, as a traveller in transit, you may need to apply for a transit visa.



Tour guides
If you are a tour guide, leader or escort and you will be working while you are in New Zealand, you will need to apply for a Specific Purpose work visa before you arrive. Working is any activity resulting in gain or reward, including any form of payment or benefit that can be valued in terms of money, such as board and lodging, goods (eg, food or clothes) and services (eg, transport).



Learn more about New Zealand
If you don't need a visa or your application has been accepted, and you want to learn more about New Zealand, see our visitor information area.



Already in New Zealand?
You may be able to extend your stay, or even become a resident.