Wild beaches, majestic fjords, ancient volcanoes... New Zealand attracts travelers seeking raw nature and grand adventures. But before marveling at Mount Cook or sailing through the Bay of Islands, you'll need to prepare your entry to New Zealand territory. Even though the procedures are relatively straightforward, they shouldn't be taken lightly. Here's a comprehensive, clear, and up-to-date guide to understanding New Zealand's entry requirements, whether you're a tourist, worker, or young globetrotter.

Your Passport

To enter New Zealand, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the country. However, if it was issued by a country with a French embassy or a New Zealand consulate, validity of one month after your departure date is sufficient.

It's strongly recommended to verify that your passport is biometric, that you have an international driving permit in case of vehicle rental, and to maintain at least 6 months validity on your passport to anticipate any unforeseen circumstances (connecting flights, airline ticket changes, etc.)

The NZeTA

Since October 2019, New Zealand has implemented an electronic travel authorization: the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). It is mandatory for all travelers from the 60 countries eligible for visa exemption, including France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, as well as Germany, Spain, Japan, the United States, the Netherlands, Italy, and South Korea, among others.

The NZeTA application is processed online via official government websites (immigration.gov.nz/nzeta) or through a Google Play application. Validity is 2 years with multiple entries, and each stay can last up to 90 days maximum. The NZeTA is linked to your passport number. It becomes invalid if your passport expires before the two-year period ends. It's also important to note that the NZeTA cannot be extended: you must leave the country after 90 days. However, it is possible to leave temporarily (to Australia, for example), and then reapply from abroad, within a limit of 6 months of presence over 12 months.

The IVL Tourism Tax

Alongside the NZeTA, travelers must pay a mandatory environmental tourism tax, called IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy). Its purpose is to fund environmental protection, nature conservation, and tourism development. The tourism tax amounts to approximately 100 NZD as of October 1, 2024. It is paid when applying for your visa through the same form as the NZeTA.

The following are exempt from this tax:

• Holders of a New Zealand or Australian passport
• Transit passengers at Auckland Airport
• Holders of a New Zealand resident visa
• Holders of an APEC Business Travel card.

Mandatory Electronic Declaration

Since July 10, 2023, travelers must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration, which collects confidential data, goods being transported, and information about your stay. This electronic declaration also helps prevent health risks, particularly related to Covid-19, biosecurity, or fraudulent declarations. It can be submitted online at travellerdeclaration.govt.nz at least 24 hours before your flight, or completed on paper aboard the aircraft or at Auckland Airport.

Visa Exemptions and Length of Stay

Citizens of France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and about fifty other countries do not need a visa for a tourist stay in New Zealand of 90 days or less. This visa exemption is conditional on obtaining an NZeTA beforehand.

During your stay, you are prohibited from working or pursuing long-term studies. Travelers must be able to present a return or onward flight ticket, as well as sufficient financial means. The 90-day stay is not extendable, but it can be renewed through a new visa application after temporarily leaving the country.

The Visitor Visa and Extended Stays

For any stay exceeding 90 days, a Visitor Visa is mandatory. It allows you to stay up to 9 months within an 18-month period, with the possibility of studying for up to 3 months. This visa costs approximately 341 NZD, to which the IVL tourism tax is added. It can be converted to a multiple-entry visa if needed.

The Visitor Visa can be extended for an additional 3 months (maximum 12 months within 24 months) in special circumstances: incomplete itinerary, inability to leave the country (e.g., accident, medical emergency), or first residency application.

This visa does not grant work rights. Violations of immigration law (overstaying, fraudulent declarations) may result in deportation and fines.

The AEWV Work Visa

To work temporarily in New Zealand, you must obtain a work visa called the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Since July 2022, only employers who have obtained an accreditation agreement are authorized to recruit foreign workers.

This work visa typically allows you to stay for 1 to 3 years. It is renewable according to immigration service criteria. You must provide a job offer, prove your qualifications, obtain health insurance (particularly for medical expenses), and in some cases, a medical certificate. This visa can be a stepping stone toward permanent residency (Skilled Migrant).

The Working Holiday Visa

The Working Holiday Visa or WHV (Working Holiday Visa) is a work visa for young people aged 18 to 30 (35 for Canadians) who wish to discover New Zealand while pursuing temporary employment. This visa is granted only once in a lifetime.

Once obtained, you have 12 months to enter New Zealand territory. More precisely, the Working Holiday Visa is then activated for one year with multiple entries. It allows you to work, travel freely, and study for a maximum of 6 months. The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) can be extended by 3 months on the condition of having worked for at least 3 months in horticulture or viticulture.

Please note: English-speaking travel agencies may not offer the Working Holiday Visa (WHV). This work visa must be applied for directly by travelers on the immigration service websites.

The Student Visa

To pursue a program lasting more than 3 months, you must apply for a Student Visa. This visa has no age limit and allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during courses, and full-time during holidays.

You will need to provide an admission letter, prove payment of tuition fees, demonstrate that you have at least approximately 20,000 NZD per year to live in the country, and obtain health insurance. This visa is a good entry point for a long-term expatriation project.

Other Visas Available for Traveling to New Zealand

New Zealand offers numerous specialized visas:

• The entrepreneur visa is for those wishing to start a business. (It remains difficult to obtain)
• The investor visa is reserved for those able to invest significant sums.
• The Skilled Migrant Category is for highly qualified professionals.
• Family visas allow you to join a spouse or resident family member.
• The Interim Visa is automatically granted while awaiting processing of a new temporary visa.

FAQ

How do I obtain a visa for New Zealand?

To obtain a visa for New Zealand, you must submit an application online on the official immigration service website, providing the required documents (passport, identity photo, supporting documents) and paying the fees associated with your desired visa type.

What is the processing time for a New Zealand visa?

According to official data from Immigration New Zealand, average processing times are 2 weeks for a Visitor Visa, 6 weeks for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), and up to 20 business days for a Working Holiday Visa.

What is the price of the NZeTA for New Zealand?

The NZeTA costs approximately 17 NZD via the application or 23 NZD on an official website. However, it is advisable to check for updates on NZeTA pricing.