Why do I need to apply for a visa?
Section 14 of the Immigration Act 2009 requires persons other than New Zealand citizens to hold a visa to travel to and be in New Zealand.
In most cases, a visa is required if you wish to work, study or permanently live in New Zealand. You may need to apply for a visitor visa if you intend to stay temporarily in New Zealand, but you don't intend to study or work.
If you are travelling on a passport from a country that is on our visa waiver list, you can enter New Zealand as a visitor without a visa depending on how long you want to stay, and subject to meeting entry requirements at border. If you are not from a visa waiver country, you will need to apply for a visa.
From 1 October 2019, if you are from a visa waiver country you will need to hold an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand.
There are a number of visa options available for people who wish to enter New Zealand. For more information about what visa would best suit your individual circumstances please refer to our website.