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Apply for your summer Visitor Visa now

If you are planning on visiting New Zealand and need a Visitor Visa, we encourage you to apply early.

30 August 2023
3 minute read

Summer is the busiest time for travel to New Zealand. More people applying for Visitor Visas means it can take longer to process visa applications.

If you are visiting New Zealand this summer and need a visitor visa, beat the rush and apply for your visa now. Applying for a Visitor Visa now will mean we will decide your application sooner and you will have confidence to book flights, accommodation and the rest of your trip.

If you are planning to travel to New Zealand for Christmas it is important that you apply for your visitor visa by 25 October so that your application can be processed in time.

Check if you need a visa

If you are from a visa-waiver country, you can request an NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) instead of applying for a Visitor Visa.

Visa waiver countries and territories

Information about NZeTA

Getting your Visitor Visa application processed quickly

There are a few things you can do to help us process your application faster.

Make sure your passport is up to date

Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after you leave New Zealand. This applies to the passports of those travelling with you too.

Make sure you include a clear, scanned copy of your passport’s page with your name and photo in your application.

Providing your passport for online applications

Include an acceptable photo in your application

Your application will take longer to process if you do not include a photo that meets our requirements.

Acceptable photos for a visa or NZeTA

Double-check your details when you apply

Your visa details need to match your passport. Make sure all your details are correct on your application, including your name, passport number and date of birth.

If you get these wrong, your visa will not match your passport and you may not be allowed on your plane.

Show us that you are only coming to visit

Include evidence that shows us that you have genuine intentions to visit New Zealand temporarily and return home afterwards.

Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in New Zealand

Check if you need supporting documents

Police certificates

Before you apply find out if you need a police certificate.

Providing police certificates

Medical certificates

Most people do not need to provide a medical certificate if they are visiting New Zealand. If we need you to provide a medical certificate we will tell you.

Do not get a medical certificate unless we ask for one. If you send a medical we have not requested, we have to check it and your application will take longer to process.

Who needs an x-ray or medical examination

Apply for your Visitor Visa

If you have checked everything on this page and think you are ready to apply, you can apply now.

Visitor Visa

Resources for the travel and tourism industry

If you are working with tour groups or visitors travelling to New Zealand this summer, we have printable resources encouraging people to apply early and tips on what their application should include. These resources are available in English and other languages, including Simplified Chinese, Hindi, Fijian, Samoan and Tongan.

Visitor Visas for summer vacations