Can I enter New Zealand on a one-way ticket?
Knowledge base articles
- How do I get a New Zealand passport?
- Providing full birth certificates with applications
- Are there any special rules for Australian citizens and residents?
- Travelling to New Zealand on business
- Skilled Migrant Category - removal of section 49(1) conditions
- What is an 'open work visa', and how do I get one?
- What information can the Customer Service Centre release to an LIA or a lawyer?
- If I get a resident visa, how long do I have to move to New Zealand?
- What can be used as evidence of residence status?
- What is the visa status of a child born in New Zealand?
- Can I add my newborn child to my existing visa application?
- What can be used as evidence of work experience?
- Will I lose my New Zealand residence status if I travel abroad?
- What Fiji travel documents will Immigration New Zealand Suva Branch accept?
- I can't save details into my Expression of Interest
- Information for visitors travelling without a visa
- How do I obtain a New Zealand passport or citizenship?
- Can I enter New Zealand on a one-way ticket?
- Information on DNA testing
- Options for Religious Workers
- I am a Tour Guide coming to New Zealand with a Tour Group
Visitors entering New Zealand without a visa (as visa waiver visitors) must have valid onward travel arrangements when entering New Zealand (for instance a return ticket or official confirmation that a ticket is booked and paid for).
The return ticket must be from New Zealand to a country they can enter.
Having funds to purchase a ticket is not sufficient evidence of onward travel arrangements for visa waiver visitors.
If you are applying for a visa prior to your travel and your visa is granted, you may enter New Zealand on a one way ticket provided that the visa clearly states "Return/onward ticket not required".
Citizens and permanent residents of Australia may enter on a one-way ticket, provided they are travelling on a valid Australian passport or have a valid Australian Resident Return visa endorsed in their foreign passport. We advise Australian permanent residents carry a printed copy of their visa endorsement (VEVO) when travelling to New Zealand.
New Zealand citizens and residents are able to travel to New Zealand on one-way tickets. Many work and student visas also include the condition "Return and/or onward ticket not required".
Since 1 October 2019, if you are travelling to New Zealand as a visa waiver visitor you will need to hold an NZeTA before travelling.