Planning a trip to New Zealand? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from New Zealand's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to New Zealand need nzeta + international visitor levy (ivl), with an official government fee of NZeTA NZ$17 (app) / NZ$23 (web) + IVL NZ$100 = NZ$117–123.
New Zealand visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | NZeTA + International Visitor Levy (IVL) |
| Government fee | NZeTA NZ$17 (app) / NZ$23 (web) + IVL NZ$100 = NZ$117–123 |
| Processing time | Usually within 72 hours (often minutes) |
| Validity | 2 years, multiple entry |
| Permitted stay | Up to 3 months per visit (6 months UK) |
| Where to apply | NZeTA app or immigration.govt.nz — apply ≥72 h before travel |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$50 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for New Zealand?
NZeTA + International Visitor Levy (IVL): Citizens of ~60 visa-waiver countries: Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong (SAR passport), Taiwan, USA, Canada, UK, EU, UAE, Israel etc.; also cruise passengers & transit via Auckland.
Visitor Visa: Non-waiver nationals: India, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, most of Africa & Middle East.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA): Visa-waiver country passport holders incl. Singapore; also transiting travellers and Australian PRs. NOT for Indian passport holders (India is not a visa-waiver country).
Visitor Visa: Nationals of non visa-waiver countries — this is the route for Indian passport holders.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA): Visa-waiver country passport holders incl. Singapore; also transiting travellers and Australian PRs. NOT for Indian passport holders (India is not a visa-waiver country).
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA): Visa-waiver country passport holders incl. Singapore; also transiting travellers and Australian PRs. NOT for Indian passport holders (India is not a visa-waiver country).
New Zealand visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZeTA + International Visitor Levy (IVL) | NZeTA NZ$17 (app) / NZ$23 (web) + IVL NZ$100 = NZ$117–123 | Up to 3 months per visit (6 months UK) | Usually within 72 hours (often minutes) | NZeTA app or immigration.govt.nz — apply ≥72 h before travel |
| Visitor Visa | NZ$341 + IVL NZ$100 (≈ NZ$441; varies slightly by country) | Up to 6 months (9 in 18 months) | Most within 3–5 weeks; can be longer | Immigration Online (immigration.govt.nz) |
| New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) | From NZD 17 (app) / NZD 23 (web form) | 90 days | Allow up to 72 hours | https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/new-zealand-electronic-travel-authority-nzeta/ |
| Visitor Visa | — | 270 days | — | https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/visitor-visa |
| New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) | From NZD 17 (app) / NZD 23 (web form) | 90 days | Allow up to 72 hours | https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/new-zealand-electronic-travel-authority-nzeta/ |
| New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) | From NZD 17 (app) / NZD 23 (web form) | 90 days | Allow up to 72 hours | https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/new-zealand-electronic-travel-authority-nzeta/ |
Documents required
For the NZeTA + International Visitor Levy (IVL):
- Passport from a visa-waiver country
- Photo (app scan)
- Card payment
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- NZeTA + International Visitor Levy (IVL): NZeTA app or immigration.govt.nz — apply ≥72 h before travel — allow Usually within 72 hours (often minutes).
- Visitor Visa: Immigration Online (immigration.govt.nz) — allow Most within 3–5 weeks; can be longer.
- New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA): https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/new-zealand-electronic-travel-authority-nzeta/ — allow Allow up to 72 hours.
- Visitor Visa: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/visitor-visa
- New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA): https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/new-zealand-electronic-travel-authority-nzeta/ — allow Allow up to 72 hours.
- New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA): https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/new-zealand-electronic-travel-authority-nzeta/ — allow Allow up to 72 hours.
- Arrival formalities: New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) — free, within 24 h before departure
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
New Zealand visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling New Zealand visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for New Zealand.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) — free, within 24 h before departure — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your New Zealand application.
- Processing: allow Usually within 72 hours (often minutes). Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to New Zealand
- Arrival card / declaration: New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) — free, within 24 h before departure
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some NZD (New Zealand Dollar)).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- Only official channels: unofficial sites charge far more.
New Zealand visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a New Zealand visa?
NZeTA + International Visitor Levy (IVL): NZeTA NZ$17 (app) / NZ$23 (web) + IVL NZ$100 = NZ$117–123. HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$50.
How long does it take?
NZeTA + International Visitor Levy (IVL): Usually within 72 hours (often minutes).
Apply for your New Zealand visa with HolidaySG
Flat S$50 assistance fee per applicant (usually S$100) — official government fee: ETA: NZ$17 · Visitor Visa: NZ$341 · New Zealand Electronic: from NZD 17. We check your eligibility, send a personalised document checklist, complete the forms and track your application until the outcome.
Things to do once your New Zealand visa is sorted
- Cruise and Kayak Milford Sound Tour — from AUD 262
- Day Pass including Guided Tour and Cultural Performance — from AUD 53
- Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise and Coach from Manapouri — from AUD 310
- Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise and Coach from Queenstown — from AUD 271
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Manapouri — from AUD 171
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown — from AUD 258
Official sources
- Immigration New Zealand — verified 16 August 2026
- Immigration New Zealand — verified 16 August 2026
- Official government source — verified 19 August 2026
- Official government source — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.