Each nation has its own unique entry and exit requirements, and New Zealand is no different . Bringing the right documentation not only protects you while traveling abroad, it also helps protect the people of the country you’re visiting. Plan ahead to be prepared for your trip

New Zealand Travel Requirements: Know Before You Go

From documents to vaccinations, here’s everything you’ll need for an international arrival in New Zealand.

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New Zealand Required Documents

  • Passport: If you’re not a New Zealand citizen, you’ll need to travel with a valid passport that has at least two blank pages. It should also be valid for at least three months beyond your date of travel, so check the expiration date far in advance.
  • Valid NZeTA or Visa: With a few exceptions, all foreign nationals are required to have valid travel documentation to enter New Zealand, be it an NzeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), New Zealand Tourist Visa, New Zealand e-Visa, or New Zealand Business Visa. If you’re an Australian citizen, however, you can visit, work and live in New Zealand without obtaining a visa beforehand.
  • Entry and Exit Forms: Entry forms are required for anyone arriving in New Zealand by air or sea, cruise-ship passengers included. On flights, travelers currently need to fill in a paper Passenger Arrival Card, which is handed out onboard your flight to New Zealand. Beginning in July 2023, travelers arriving at select international airports in New Zealand will be able to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration form online.

New Zealand’s entry requirements may vary by country. For the most up-to-date information, confirm if there’s anything else you need to enter New Zealand by contacting Entriva , or your country’s New Zealand embassy.

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How Do I Obtain a Passport?

If you do not already have a passport, you can apply for one at your local passport office. The process typically takes four to six weeks, so make sure to apply well before you’re hoping to travel overseas. If you already have a passport, check the expiration date and renew it if necessary.

To get a United States passport, an American citizen needs to follow these steps:

  1. Fill out form DS-11: The DS-11 form is available online or can be obtained at a passport acceptance facility.
  2. Gather required documents: You will need to provide proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate) and a government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license).
  3. Get a passport photo taken: Your photo must meet specific requirements, such as size, lighting, and positioning.
  4. Pay the application fee: The fee varies depending on the type of passport and processing time selected. The average processing time for a new passport is four to six weeks, but expedited services are available for an additional cost.
  5. Submit your application in person: You can submit your application at a passport acceptance facility, which can be found at many post offices, courthouses, and libraries.
  6. Track your application status: You can check the status of your passport application online or by phone.
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How Do I Obtain A New Zealand Visa?

You can obtain a visa by applying online with Entriva. Booking a visa with Entriva ensures you get the right visa in time, every time. In addition to mandatory New Zealand government fees, Entriva charges amongst the industry’s lowest handling fees (starting at just $50)

You’ll typically receive an NZeTA  within 72 hours and a Business Visitor Visa  within 19 business days. Some visas may take longer (the Entrepreneur Work Visa could take up to seven months), and in some cases you may need to apply through the New Zealand embassy in your country.

Curious to see if you can visit New Zealand without a visa? We’ve got you covered.

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How Do I Obtain an Entry and Exit Form?

The entry and exit form can be obtained on the plane or at the airport upon arrival in New Zealand. Make sure to fill it out completely and accurately, as it will be checked by New Zealand immigration officials.

Beginning July 2023, travelers arriving at selected international airports in New Zealand will be able to complete an online declaration. The process will begin with Christchurch and Wellington airports, then Queenstown and Auckland airports later in August 2023. The Passenger Arrival Card will still be accepted by local authorities for a period of time after the New Zealand Traveller Declaration form is introduced.

New Zealand Health Requirements and Screenings

To keep yourself and the rest of the country healthy and safe, monitor local media ahead of your trip for any health-related issues , keep an eye on New Zealand travel restrictions  that may be developing, pay attention to your health post-arrival, and perhaps most importantly, be aware of—and follow—New Zealand’s health requirements for entry.

Please note that this information is subject to change. For the latest on New Zealand health requirements, always check government sites directly as noted below.

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COVID-19

Travelers no longer need to take a pre-departure test: New Zealand has lifted its COVID-19 restrictions. Masks are not required on international flights into the country, there are no quarantine requirements, and visitors don’t need to provide proof of vaccination status upon entry.

As the COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing global health issue, restrictions are subject to change. Be sure to check for updates from the New Zealand government’s Unite Against COVID-19 or visit the website of your nearest New Zealand embassy.

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Vaccinations

The New Zealand Ministry of Health has no vaccine requirements for American travelers. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends being up-to-date on your normal immunizations, such as flu, polio, shingles, and COVID-19.

Other recommended immunizations include Hepatitis A and B, measles (for infants six to 11 months old), and rabies. Due to the risk of hantavirus, leptospirosis, and tuberculosis, you should also try to avoid rodents, contaminated water, and sick people.

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Prescriptions

If you need to bring prescription medication with you during your trip, you should do the following:

  • Carry the medications in their original labeled packing
  • Bring a copy of the prescription or a letter from your health provider
  • Declare your medications on your Passenger Arrival Card to present to New Zealand Customs Service

In New Zealand, illegal drugs are classified by law under the level of doing harm, including morphine and cannabis. To ensure that medicinal cannabis products, including CBD items, are legal to bring into the country without violating local laws, check with New Zealand’s Ministry of Health and its business unit, Medsafe, or a New Zealand embassy or consulate.

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Medical Records

If you’re traveling for medical care on a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, you’ll need to provide information about your medical care and consultation as well as a completed Details of Intended Medical Treatment form. You will need to provide:

  • written evidence of your acceptance for treatment, such as a letter from the appropriate medical authorities to the health authority in your home country
  • details of the expected costs of the treatment
  • evidence that you have enough money to pay for all medical costs, unless the treatment will be funded under special arrangements for citizens of South Pacific countries
  • evidence, where necessary, that you need an escort because of the nature of your condition
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Travel Insurance

When making your arrangements, it’s strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance. Look for a comprehensive plan with policies to cover any potential issues, such as medical evacuation and natural disasters.

Preparing for Your New Zealand Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a New Zealand visa. Start your New Zealand visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to New Zealand , such as banking, money, and currency  and cultural customs and traditions, visit our New Zealand content hub.