Visa guidance for performers and support staff

Check if you need to apply for a visa

If you are a performer or support staff from a visa waiver country you can apply for a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) to visit New Zealand for short-term live shows.

You may only be eligible for a NZeTA if you:

• provide a letter of invitation or support from an approved promoter
• are from a visa waiver country
• do not have criminal convictions.

A NZeTA should be requested as soon as possible, and at least 72 hours before the intended travel date.

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

If you need to apply for a visa

If you are not from a visa waiver country or have character concerns, the correct visa depends on the type of event.

For these visas you must be invited or supported by an approved promoter.

Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visa

Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa

Criminal convictions

If you have criminal convictions you must apply for a visitor visa even if you are being promoted by an approved promoter or festival.

Visitor visa applications involving criminal convictions often take longer to process due to the need for additional verification.

You may be required to provide a police certificate if you have been convicted of an offence and sentenced to a prison term. You may also require a special direction, depending on the length of your prison sentence.

A special direction will also be required if you have been removed, excluded or deported from another country.

Special Direction

Apply early

You should apply as early as possible to make sure your visa is processed in time. We recommend applying at least 4 weeks before your intended travel date.

Fees, decision times and where to apply

Visitor visa and NZeTA wait times

We may be able to escalate the process of making a decision of any visitor visas.

Escalation for urgent applications

Provide all information

You must provide all the relevant information we need to assess the visa application.

Providing evidence and documents to support your visa application