Visas for New Zealand can vary based on the length of stay and other permitting factors. Here are the different types available and what goes into their visa application processes.

Types of New Zealand Visas

New Zealand offers several types of visas, including NZeTAs, visitor visas, medical-treatment visitor visas, and work visas.

NZeTAs are a convenient option for those who want to apply for their visa online. Visitor visas are for travelers who plan to stay for more than three months. Medical visas are for those traveling for approved medical treatments or consultations and permit a stay of up to six months. Business visas are for those traveling for work-related purposes and valid up to three months.

Entriva offers a range of New Zealand visa services, including tourist visas, business visas, and e-NZeTAs. The company provides comprehensive visa application services, from assistance with the application process to support with tracking your New Zealand visa application.

New Zealand E-visa

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority—also known by the acronym NZeTA—permits passport holders who are citizens of visa-waiving countries and territories to travel to New Zealand without first applying for a visa.

Applicants have to meet certain criteria if entering New Zealand by plane. An NZeTA also can apply to those who will arrive in New Zealand by cruise ship and do not have a visa.

The US is included on the visa-waiver list. If you have a valid passport issued from another country, it’s best to check the visa-waiver list to see if it’s included. The visa-waiver countries are:

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia (citizens only), Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (residents with HKSAR or British National–Overseas passports only), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, South, Kuwait, Latvia (citizens only), Liechtenstein, Lithuania (citizens only), Luxembourg, Macau (only if you have a Macau Special Administrative Region passport), Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal (if you have the right to live permanently in Portugal), Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,Taiwan (if you are a permanent resident), United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (if you are traveling on a UK or British passport that shows you have the right to reside there permanently), United States of America (including nationals), Uruguay, and Vatican City.

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NZeTA Validity

Upon approval, an NZeTA is valid for two years for travelers and can be used for multiple visits while it is still valid. After it expires, holders need to reapply for an NZeTA. You can only visit New Zealand for up to six months in any 12-month period.

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NZeTA Required Documents

Along with information about your passport, you also have to submit a photo of your face. There are specific requirements for your photo, such as sizing, to be valid; if not met, your NZeTA application could be delayed or removed. You can also include your partner and children ages 19 and under in your application.

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NZeTA Costs

Securing a visa to New Zealand requires a fee (between NZ$17 and $23) paid to the New Zealand government, in addition to Entriva’s handling fee, which starts at $50. On top of the visa fees, Each person must pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35.

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NZeTA Average Processing Time

The wait time for your NZeTA to be processed is 72 hours, though it could take longer depending on demand and other factors.

New Zealand Visitor Visa

If you’re a US traveler planning on staying in New Zealand for more than three months, a visitor visa is required. This type of visa lets you enter New Zealand as a guest, to see family, friends, or a sporting event. You can also come to study for a short time.

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New Zealand Visitor Visa Validity

If you’re a US traveler planning on staying in New Zealand for more than three months, a visitor visa is required. This type of visa lets you enter New Zealand as a guest, to see family, friends, or a sporting event. You can also come to study for a short time.

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New Zealand Visitor Visa Required Documents

  • One photo if you apply online; two photos if you use a paper application form
  • A copy of your passport (you may need to send the original after you’ve applied)
  • Proof of good health (a chest x-ray, medical examination, or both may be required)
  • Police certificates as proof of good character
  • Proof that you must genuinely intend to meet the conditions of your visa

You will also need enough money to financially support yourself during your stay in New Zealand, agree to financially cover your healthcare costs, and prove that you can leave New Zealand (i.e., you have financial sponsorship or enough funds to purchase a return ticket).

You can include your partner and any dependent children ages 19 and under in your application.

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New Zealand Visitor Visa Costs

Each person applying for the Visitor Visa and NZeTA pays the New Zealand government an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) in the amount of NZ$35 (US$22). In addition to mandatory government fees, Entriva charges amongst the industry’s lowest handling fees.

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New Zealand Visitor Visa Average Processing Time

Allow between nine and 20 weekdays for New Zealand Visitor Visas to be processed, excluding public holidays. It can often take up to 36 days.

New Zealand Business Visa

If you’re looking to start, invest in, or operate a business in New Zealand, there are various business-related visa options.

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Types of New Zealand Business Visas

  • Entrepreneur Work Visa: for those looking to buy or set up a business without living in New Zealand permanently
  • Global Impact Work Visa: designed for individuals who have innovative business ideas with the potential to make a significant positive impact globally.
  • Business Visitor Visa: for those traveling to New Zealand for business reasons and intending to leave after three months
  • Active Investor Plus Visa: for those looking to invest and stay in New Zealand; funds of at least NZ$15 million are required
  • Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa: for visitors ages 66 and up who want to invest and stay in New Zealand for up to two years
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Business Visa Validity

Here’s how long the different types of Business Visas are valid:

  • Entrepreneur Work Visa: 12 months for the start-up stage of the visa and then another 24 months once the applicant has shown that they’ve set up their business. The visa also permits applicants to work in their business in New Zealand for up to a total of three years.
  • Global Impact Work Visa: Three years
  • Business Visitor Visa: Up to three months
  • Active Investor Plus Visa: Indefinitely, as long as you meet the conditions of your visa within the 48-month investment period and keep your visa in a valid passport.
  • Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa: Two years
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Business Visa Required Documents

For business visas, the New Zealand government may request the following documents in PDF form; photos can be in JPEG or JPG formats.

  • A photo of yourself and of each person included in your application
  • A copy of your passport and a copy for each person included in the application
  • Evidence of nominated funds and assets
  • Medical certificates and x-ray certificates (if applicable)
  • Police certificates (if applicable)
  • Proof and history of your relationship with any partner or dependent children included in the application (if applicable)

For Entrepreneur Work Visa: In addition to the above, applicants must make a capital investment of at least NZ$100,000 (approximately US$62,770). The requirement may be waived if your business is in the science or ICT sectors, or shows a high level of innovation or export potential.

Applicants also must score at least 120 points on an Entrepreneur Work Visa points scale and provide a business plan for the business you intend to buy or set up in New Zealand.

If your application is approved, you must sign a declaration agreeing that you’ll take part in an evaluation of the Entrepreneur Work Visa Category. After this visa, you can apply for residence under the Entrepreneur Residence Visa Category.

For Global Impact Work Visa: Individuals must have been accepted by the Edmund Hillary Fellowship to join their three-year program as an innovative entrepreneur or investor. They will also be assessed on their health, character, and command of the English language and are required to possess NZ$36,000 (approximately US$22,162) in maintenance funds to support themselves and their family, including dependents ages 19 and under, for the first year.

For Business Visitor Visa: You must have enough money to live on or have the financial support of your employer while in New Zealand. You must also have a ticket to leave New Zealand or be sponsored for the cost of your onward travel.

For Active Investor Plus Visa: You must have NZ$15 million (approximately US$9.2 million) and want to invest and stay in New Zealand. If your application is approved in principle, you are required to transfer your investment funds to New Zealand within six months.

For Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa: Applicants must have NZ$750,000 (approximately US$460,000) or more to invest in New Zealand for this period of time, and another NZ$500,000 (approximately US$306,700) to live on, plus an annual income of NZ$60,000 (approximately US$36,800) or more.

If your application is approved in principle, you must transfer your investment funds to New Zealand within three months. You must have acceptable travel and/or health insurance for the length of your stay.

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Business Visa Required Costs

  • Entrepreneur Work Visa: From NZ$3,920 (approximately US$2,417)
  • Global Impact Work Visa: NZ$860 (approximately US$526). If you’ve held a Global Impact Work Visa for at least 30 months, continue to have the support of the Edmund Hillary Fellowship, and want to live in New Zealand permanently, you can apply for the Global Impact Permanent Residence Visa. Its cost is from NZ$4,240 (approximately US$2,596).
  • Business Visitor Visa: Government fee starting at NZ$211 (approximately US$129), plus Entriva’s handling fees
  • Active Investor Plus Visa: NZ$7900 (approximately US$4,845)
  • Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa: From NZ$3,790 (approximately US$2,325)
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Business Visa Average Processing Time

  • Entrepreneur Work Visa: Seven months
  • Global Impact Work Visa:5 business days
  • Business Visitor Visa: Usually within 19 days, though longer waits are possible depending on demand
  • Active Investor Plus Visa: Three to six weeks, reportedly.
  • Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa: Within a period of 47 days

Medical Treatment Visitor Visa

If you are going from the US to New Zealand for an approved medical treatment or consultation, you can apply for a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa.

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Medical Treatment Visitor Visa Validity

New Zealand’s Medical Treatment Visitor Visa permits a stay of up to six months.

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Medical Treatment Visitor Visa Required Documents

Applicants must be able to pay for their treatment, unless it’s funded under a special agreement. You must have already been accepted for medical treatment or consultation and provide details about it within your application.

You can be accompanied by a partner and your children ages 19 and under, but they must be in good health.

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Medical Treatment Visitor Visa Costs

US Citizens don’t have to pay a fee or immigration levy to apply for a medical treatment visa. The mandated cost of the visa itself starts at NZ$211 (or approximately US$131), plus Entriva’s handling fee.

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Medical Treatment Visitor Visa Average Processing Time

Processing time usually runs 47 days.

What to Know Before Applying for a New Zealand Visa

Before you apply for a New Zealand visa, there are a few things you should do:

  • Check on your passport to make sure it’s valid for travel to New Zealand. Check that it will not expire until three months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand.
  • Visas can require applicants to be in good health and good standing. Review the eligibility criteria for the visa category you intend to apply for. Other visa requirements can include having the financial means to live in New Zealand or having a financial sponsor.
  • Certain visitor visas may require proof that you can leave New Zealand, including enough funds to purchase a return ticket or be sponsored for the cost of your travel
  • Do not buy your plane or other travel ticket before being granted a visa or before your application is approved in principle. You may lose the cost of your ticket or have to rearrange your travel if there is a delay in processing your application or if you aren’t granted a visa.
  • Travel insurance is strongly encouraged. Some visa categories require you to hold insurance as a condition of your visa.
  • The New Zealand Traveller Declaration has been reintroduced. It requires travelers arriving at certain international airports in New Zealand, including Christchurch and Wellington, to complete an online declaration form.

Average Processing Time

The average processing time for a New Zealand visa depends on the type of visa you’re applying for. Generally, it takes about a month or more to process a standard visa application.

The Business Visitor Visa can usually be processed within 19 days, while the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa can be processed within a period of 47 days. Some visa types, such as e-visas, may be processed more quickly. The NZeTA has the shortest processing time, listed at 72 hours.

How to Track Your Visa Application Process on Entriva

When planning a trip, few things are more stressful than waiting for your visa to arrive with no idea if it will get there in time. At Entriva, we take the stress out of the equation by letting you monitor your application in real-time. Here’s how:

After registering and setting up your profile, you’ll get access to your personal Traveler Hub, and once you have submitted your visa application to Entriva, you can track the progress of your application online. To track your application, log in to your Entriva account and click on the “My Applications” tab.

On the “My Applications” tab, you will see a list of all of your visa applications. You can click on the “View Details” link for an individual application to see the status of your application.

The status of your application will be updated as it progresses through the processing system. The possible statuses for your application are:

  • Pending: Your application is currently being processed.
  • Approved: Your application has been approved and your visa will be sent to you.
  • Denied: Your application has been denied. You will receive an email explaining why your application was denied.

In addition to checking your Traveler Hub for updates about processing, approval, and more, you can also use it for things like organizing to-dos before your trip and checking out our other New Zealand travel resources to answer all your questions.

If you have any questions about your visa application, please contact Entriva customer support.

FAQs about New Zealand Visas and New Zealand Visa Applications

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Can I travel to New Zealand without a visa?

The United States belongs to a list of visa-waiver countries for New Zealand that do not require a visa to travel to New Zealand. However, US travelers do need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) in advance of their trip.

How long can I stay in New Zealand with my visa?

An NZeTA is valid for multiple visits for two years. With a visitor visa, you can stay up to nine months, depending upon your plans.

Can I extend or renew my New Zealand visa?

No, you cannot extend your visa. Rather, you must apply for a new visa (or a temporary visa) before your current one expires.

Can I travel to New Zealand with a different or separate passport than the one I used to get my visa?

If you’re not using the same passport you used when you applied for your visa, you must apply to transfer your visa to the new passport before you travel. Your visa details are linked to the passport you used to apply, and if they don’t match your travel may be delayed.

To request a transfer of your visa and get an e-visa, you must complete an Application for Transfer or Confirmation of a Visa Form and include copies of your new passport and your old passport, if available.

Where can I find the Government of New Zealand’s official visa and e-visa portal?

This is the Government of New Zealand’s official authorized visa website, where you can learn more about regular visas or NZeTAs.

Where should I keep my New Zealand visa while traveling?

The New Zealand visa is electronically linked to your passport; it’s not a physical document that you need to keep on hand. When you arrive at the New Zealand border, immigration authorities will scan your passport, and your visa details will come up on their system.

However, it’s best to keep a printed or digital copy of your visa approval notice with you when you travel in case you need to confirm your visa status, especially if you’re traveling through countries that may require proof of onward travel or proof of your permission to enter your final destination.

Didn’t find the answer you needed? Reach out to us directly—we’re happy to help.

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 visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to New Zealand, such as health and safety, local laws, and cultural customs, check out our New Zealand content hub.