There are many types of New Zealand visa available. From travelling to working you will require different kinds of visa. Let us find out more.
Why New Zealand
Known for its stunning natural beauty, the island nation of New Zealand is one of the most sought after destinations by travelers from around the globe. Very few countries in the world can be compared to New Zealand in terms of scenic beauty.
This country is home to some of the best Universities and educational institutions providing quality education. This makes it popular among international students. Besides, this country also provides good opportunities to those who are planning to work, or make investments or migrate there.
Different Types Of Visas To New Zealand
Depending on your purpose of visit, New Zealand grants different kinds of visas to international travelers, students, and immigrants. You are required to figure out what type of visa to apply for after considering the following.
- Are you are traveling there as a tourist?
- The duration of visit or stay
- Will your stay be above 90 days?
- Are you a student who has enrolled in one of the educational institutions in New Zealand?
- Are you planning to work there?
- Are you planning to migrate to New Zealand?
- Nationality
- Your age
Based on your purpose of travel you can apply for the required visa. You can apply for it in the following ways.
- Through the New Zealand embassy in your country
- Apply for it online
Tourist Visa To New Zealand
Travelers who wish to travel to New Zealand as a tourist for less than 90 days requires one among the following:
- NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Tourist Visa
Do I Need An NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization) Or Visa To Travel To New Zealand?
Not all international tourists in New Zealand require a tourist visa. There are many countries (60 Visa waiver countries) that are exempted from this. Check out if your country is on that list while starting to plan your trip to New Zealand.
Travel Visa Waiver Countries
The following are the 60 eligible visa waiver countries that do not require a travel visa while traveling for less than 90 days.
| Non EU Countries | EU Countries |
|---|---|
| Argentina | Austria |
| Andorra | Belgium |
| Bahrain | Croatia |
| Brunei | Czech Republic |
| Brazil | Denmark |
| Hong Kong | Estonia |
| Iceland | Finland |
| Japan | Malta |
| Mexico | Lithuania |
| Canada | Bulgaria |
| Chile | Cyprus |
| Israel | Ireland |
| Kuwait | France |
| Liechtenstein | Germany |
| Macau | Hungary |
| Malaysia | Italy |
| Mauritius | Latvia |
| Monaco | Slovenia |
| Taiwan | Greece |
| Norway | Poland |
| Republic of South Korea | United Kingdom |
| Oman | Sweden |
| Qatar | Luxembourg |
| San Marino | Netherlands |
| Saudi Arabia | Portugal |
| Seychelles | Romania |
| United States | Slovakia |
| Singapore | Spain |
| Switzerland | |
| Vatican City | |
| United Arab Emirates | |
| Uruguay |
However, even if you belong to one of these 60 countries you might require an eTA before arriving in New Zealand.
- Beginning from the 1st of October 2019 foreign nationals belonging to one of the 60 waiver countries traveling to New Zealand must carry an NZeTA that is valid
- Travelers from these nations who wish to extend their stay beyond a period of 90 days have to apply for a New Zealand Visa.
- All those people who do not belong to one of those 60 countries must carry a valid visa to travel to New Zealand
- Travelers from the United Kingdom can stay up to 6 months using their NZeTA
- You can apply for an NZeTA online by just filling out a form
To get a traveler’s visa to New Zealand you need to remember the following.
- You have to prove that you are a genuine applicant
- Present your plane tickets
- Proof showing that you have enough money to support your stay and expenses in New Zealand
- Good character and health records
NZeTA For Permanent Residents In Australia
Holders of Australian passport do not require a visa to enter New Zealand. However, since October 1st, 2019 it is mandatory for them to apply for NZeTA to enter this country.
Transit Visa For New Zealand
If you are a citizen of one of the visa waiver countries traveling to another country through New Zealand, you do not require a transit visa. For transit visas, New Zealand has various visa waiver agreements with different countries.
Transit Visa Waiver Countries
Apart from the 60 countries that are in the visa waiver list, New Zealand has also included a few other territories and nations that do not require a transit visa. They are:
| Bahamas | Bermuda |
|---|---|
| Federated States of Micronesia | Kiribati |
| Nauru | Palau |
| Paraguay | Papua New Guinea |
| Bolivia | Tonga |
| Colombia | Solomon Islands |
| Ecuador | Tuvalu |
| Venezuela | Peru |
| Costa Rica | Philippines |
| Indonesia | Republic of Marshall Islands |
| Thailand | Samoa |
| Panama | Vanuatu |
However, people from all these countries are required to apply for an NZeTA for transit through New Zealand. This rule has been made mandatory since the 1st of October 2019.
Visa For Cruises
If you belong to a country that is not included in the transit visa waiver list and you are traveling by air to New Zealand to join a cruise you require a:
New Zealand Tourist visa
If you are traveling to New Zealand on a cruise ship and you are from a country not mentioned in the transit visa waiver list, you are supposed to carry an NZeTA for cruises.
Visa For Medical Treatment In New Zealand
For consultation and medical treatment in New Zealand all foreign nationals are required to apply for a New Zealand Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
This is also applicable to people belonging to the countries on the visa-waiver list. You have to fill out the necessary forms and submit them at the New Zealand consulate/embassy in your country.
Student Visas To New Zealand
Students from foreign nations who wish to pursue a course in New Zealand for a period above 3 months require a student visa to do so. A student visa allows you to:
- Attend a school
- Attend college/University
- Do a long-term course (Above 3 months)
- Various kinds of academic training
Students have the choice to select any student visa based on the following.
- Length of the course
- Their age
- Nationality
The following are some of the student visas to New Zealand.
- Visa for Exchange Students
- Visa for foreign government-supported students
- Visitors Visa
- Visitor visa for occupational registration
- Visa for fee-paying students
A student visa allows a student to do part-time jobs in New Zealand during their period of stay in the country. However, they have to abide by the rules set by the New Zealand authorities.
If the student wishes to stay in New Zealand and work after completing their course they have to apply for the appropriate work visa to do so.
Work Visas And Business Visas
International citizens who wish to do business or work for a company in New Zealand require a work visa or a business visa to do so. There is a wide range of visa options to choose from depending on the following.
- Nationality of the applicant
- Age
- Hired by company/ employer who is operating legally in New Zealand
- No job offers so far
- Family status of the applicant
The following are the important visas granted to foreigners who wish to work in New Zealand.
- Visa for post-study work
- Visa for skilled migrants
- Visa for specific purpose work
- Work visa for the partner of a student
- Work visa for the partner of a worker
- Visa for business visitors
- Work visa for talents (Arts, Sports, Culture)
- NZeTA for business
- Work visa for silver fern job search
Visas For Joining Family Members Living In New Zealand
Depending on the applicant’s relationship to the family member in New Zealand and the applicant’s nationality there are different types of visas to join your family member in New Zealand. The type of visa to be chosen varies depending on whether you have plans to
- Join your spouse/partner
- Parents
- Children and
- Extended family
New Zealand Visa For Spouse/Partner
The following visas can be applied for if you are a spouse/ partner
- Visitor visa for a partner of a student
- Work Visa for the partner of a student
- Arranged marriage visitor visa
- Visa for the partner of New Zealand scholarship student
- Visitor visa for a partner of a New Zealander
- Work visa for the partner of a New Zealander
- Visitor visa for a partner of worker
- Work visa for a partner of worker
- Resident visa for a partner of New Zealander
- Visa for Permanent Residency
- Visitor Visa to New Zealand
New Zealand Visas For Parents
To join your child/children living in New Zealand the parent has to apply for one among the following visas. The visa granted depends on the age of the New Zealand resident and his/her status.
- Resident visa-for refugee family support
- Visitor visa for the guardian of a student
- Visitor visa for parents and grandparents
- Resident visa for parents
- Visitors visa
Visas For Children
To join their parent who is a resident in New Zealand one among the following visas has to be applied for.
- Visitor visa for a child of a New Zealander
- Visitor visa for adoption
- Visitor visa for pre-adoption
- Visitor visa for child of a student
- Visitor visa for child of a worker
- Resident visa for dependent child
- Student visa for dependent child
- Resident visa for intercountry adoption
- Visitor visa for child of a military worker
Visas For Extended Family
The extended family of the New Zealand resident can apply for one among the following visas. The visa required depends on the resident’s age and current status.
- Visitor Visa
- Visitor visa for visa waiver nationals
- Resident visa for support of refugee family
- Visitor visa for parent and grandparents (Grand Parents)
Compared to many other nations the visa regulations in New Zealand are not too strict. Genuine applicants are never denied a visa to this country.
Also See
- What Is The Cost Of Living In New Zealand?
- How to Migrate to New Zealand as a Student, Professional and Entrepreneur
- Non Residents Banned from Buying Property in New Zealand
- How to Apply for a New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa?
- How to Apply for New Zealand Investor Visa
