Get set for a Kiwi summer and apply early for your visitor visa

We encourage anyone planning to visit New Zealand over the summer holiday period to apply for their visa as early as possible.

Summer is one of the busiest times of year for us with a significant increase in visa applications from people wanting to spend Christmas with loved ones or explore New Zealand during the warmer months.

With more people applying for visitor visas during this peak travel period, processing times can be longer than usual.

To give yourself the best chance of having your visa decided in time, we recommend submitting your application as early as possible. Applying early helps ensure you can plan your travel with confidence, including booking flights, accommodation, and other arrangements.

Applications submitted closer to the holiday period may face delays due to the high number of applications received, which could affect your travel plans.

Submit a complete application

It is important to include all the information and documents we need when you apply. If anything is missing, it will take longer for your visa to be processed, or your application could be declined.

If your application is not complete, you will have to apply again and pay another fee. This could mean missing out on traveling over the holidays.

Tips for a smooth application process

To help us process your application efficiently you will need to provide:

• a passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand
• a copy of your passport or certificate of identity
• a photo that meets our requirements
• personal details that are accurate and match your passport
• evidence of your genuine intention to visit New Zealand temporarily and return home afterwards
• all supporting documents in English, or certified translations.

Visitor Visa

Summary of the steps to apply for a visa

New travel option for Pacific and Chinese passport holders

From 3 November 2025 it will be easier for people who hold China and Pacific passports to visit New Zealand. If you come from Australia with a valid eligible Australian visa you will be able to travel here for up to 3 months using a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), instead of applying for a visa.

This is a 12-month trial and applies only to those travelling from Australia with an eligible visa that is valid at the time of check-in.

Easier travel from Australia to New Zealand for Chinese visitors

Easier travel from Australia to New Zealand for Pacific visitors