Passports, visas & electronic travel authority (ETA)

When you arrive in New Zealand, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa.

Visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to coming to New Zealand. You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). For more information on the ETA and IVL, visit Immigration New Zealand. Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport do not need an ETA.

If you are not from a visa waiver country you will need to apply for a visitor visa before arriving in New Zealand. 

Immigration New Zealand recommends to apply for a visitor visa online, and at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date. Apply for a visa here

Passengers travelling to New Zealand via Australia and other countries 

If you intend to travel through Australia or any other country on your way to or from New Zealand it is important that you consider the visa requirements for these countries.

Some nationalities are eligible to transit through Australia without a transit visa but others must hold a valid transit visa for Australia. More details can be found here. If you require a transit visa for Australia, it is your responsibility to obtain this before travelling. 

Please note that Australia will not grant a transit visa without confirmation that the New Zealand visa has been approved. This means that you should apply for your New Zealand visa as soon as possible.