Common topic
Visa waiver countries
Published
06 January 2023
New Zealand has special visa waiver agreements with 60 countries and jurisdictions to recognise long-standing relationships.
Requirements for people from visa waiver countries
Australian citizens and permanent residents do not need a visa to enter New Zealand.
People from other visa waiver countries:
- Do not need a visitor visa to enter New Zealand for a period of less than 3 months, or 6 months if from the United Kingdom.
- Are still required to provide travel tickets or evidence of onwards travel arrangements and evidence of funds to support themselves while in New Zealand. Health and character requirements still apply to all non-New Zealand visitors.
- May not be granted entry to New Zealand if they are not considered to be genuine visitors or have been sentenced to imprisonment, deported from any country or suspected of being involved in known criminal or terrorist groups.
Cruise ship passengers and crew
The following travellers are deemed to hold a 28-day visa upon arrival. The visa expires when the ship is given clearance to leave its last port of entry in New Zealand for that voyage:
- Cruise ship passengers and crew who hold an ETA from 1 October 2019 will be deemed to hold a visitor visa and work visa respectively from the time the ship arrives at a port of entry in New Zealand.
- Passengers and crews of ships that carry cargo in the ordinary course of business of the ship will be deemed to hold a visitor visa and work visa respectively from the time the ship arrives at a port of entry in New Zealand.
- Crew from any foreign ship authorised by the Minister of Transport under section 198 (2) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 to carry coastal cargo (within the meaning of subsection (6) of that section) will be deemed to hold a work visa.
How the New Zealand government decides visa waiver countries
When considering a visa waiver agreement with individual countries, the New Zealand government considers a number of factors including any long-standing international relationships with the individual country, any risks related to immigration harm or security, and any other relevant considerations.
A number of agencies, including the Ministry of Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) give advice, and the final decision about visa-free travel is made by the Government.