Updated Memorandum of Understanding to help boost tourism from China

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) have signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with selected Chinese travel agents to support visitor visa processing under the Approved Destination Status (ADS) and Free and Independent Traveller (FIT) scheme.

The updated MOU reaffirms New Zealand’s commitment to a strong and collaborative tourism relationship with China and was signed in Shanghai today by the Head of INZ, Alison McDonald, and Tourism NZ Chief Executive Rene de Monchy, with individual ADS agents.

“China is a key market for New Zealand’s tourism sector, and INZ is committed to doing our part to grow visitor numbers and support the economy,” says Alison McDonald.

“In the 2024/25 financial year, INZ approved over 226,000 visitor visas for Chinese nationals, and we want to see that number increase even further.

“ADS agents play a critical role in helping us get more Chinese visitors to New Zealand and we know that providing certainty about an individual’s ability to come here helps make New Zealand a more attractive holiday destination.

“That’s why as part of the updated MOU, we are committing to a 5-day turnaround for applications under the ADS and FIT scheme, reflecting the trusted partnership between INZ, TNZ, and the Chinese travel industry. The previous commitment was 10 days.”

The MOU also allows for ADS agents to submit applications for Chinese travellers to attend events or meetings and undertake incentive trips as part of their ADS tour itinerary. In addition, study tours can also be included in tour itineraries for ADS groups.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy welcomed the updated agreement, highlighting its importance in supporting high-quality travel experiences.

“China is New Zealand's third largest inbound visitor market, with the number of Chinese holiday visitors up 8% over the past year. The ongoing ADS arrangement plays a key role in ensuring tour groups from China on holiday in New Zealand enjoy a high-quality, safe, 100% Pure New Zealand visitor experience all year round” says Rene de Monchy.

The MOU complements broader immigration settings designed to make New Zealand an even easier and more attractive destination for Chinese travellers.

New Zealand’s visitor visa settings are more generous for Chinese nationals than other groups of travellers, with most Chinese visitors receive a five-year multiple entry visitor visa, making it easier for Chinese visitors to return to New Zealand.

In addition, from 3 November 2025, Chinese visitors can come to New Zealand from Australia without a visitor visa as part of a trial for 12 months. Instead of applying for a visa, if they hold a valid eligible Australian visa, they will be able to travel here with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and stay for up to 3 months. 

Chinese nationals will also be able to transit through New Zealand on a Transit NZeTA, without having to apply for a separate transit visa from 27 October 2025.

More information on recent changes for Chinese visitors is available.

Changes to welcome visitors from China

Further information

Approved Destination Status (ADS) is an arrangement between the Chinese Government and another country, that lets Chinese holiday travellers visit a country in a tour group or as a Free and Independent Traveller.

The MOU covers group visitor visa applications under the ADS scheme, as well as FIT and tour escort visa applications. This scheme is available only to applicants who are Chinese nationals and residing in mainland China.