New Zealand Visa Requirements

Citizens from 60 countries including the US, UK, EU nations, Japan, and Singapore can visit visa-free for up to 3 months with NZeTA authorization. Indian, Chinese, Filipino, and most other nationalities must apply for a visitor visa.

NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is required for visa waiver visitors. Apply via the NZeTA app (NZD 17) or online (NZD 23). Valid for 2 years with multiple entries. You must also pay the IVL levy (NZD 100).

The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is NZD 100 ($60) and helps fund tourism infrastructure and conservation. It's required for most visitors regardless of whether they need NZeTA or a visa. Australians are exempt.

Processing times vary by nationality and season. Indian applicants typically wait 15-20 days, Chinese 15-25 days. Apply well in advance. NZeTA is usually approved within 10 minutes to 72 hours.

New Zealand has a moderate approval rate of around 86%. Chinese applicants see rates around 95%, Filipinos 92%, while Indian applicants face rates around 72% due to stricter genuine visitor assessments.

Visa waiver visitors (with NZeTA) can stay up to 3 months. Visitor visa holders get stays determined by their visa conditions, typically 9 months within an 18-month period. Australians can stay indefinitely.

Required: valid passport, completed online application, recent photo, proof of funds (NZD 1,000/month or NZD 400/month if accommodation prepaid), onward ticket, accommodation details, and evidence of ties to home country.

Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current visa expires. Apply online through Immigration New Zealand. Extensions are not guaranteed and require valid reasons and sufficient funds.