Visitor Visa
Short-term visa for tourism, visiting family, or short courses of study.
Official New Zealand pageWho this route is for
People from visa-required countries who want to visit New Zealand for tourism, to see family or friends, or to do a short course of study.
Eligibility requirements
- Be of good health and good character with genuine intentions to visit and leave at the end of the stay
- Show sufficient funds: at least NZD $1,000/month (or NZD $400/month if accommodation is pre-paid), or have an acceptable sponsor
- Hold a passport valid well beyond the planned departure date and show onward travel arrangements or funds
- Comply with conditions (no employment except remote work for an overseas employer)
Requirements reviewed July 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Australian citizens do not need a visa; eligible visa-waiver travellers use the NZeTA instead. Work is not permitted except remote work for an overseas employer. For long-stay parent visits, see the separate Parent Boost Visitor Visa.
Other New Zealand routes
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
TemporaryNew Zealand's main employer-sponsored temporary work visa.
Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa
TemporarySeasonal work in horticulture and viticulture under an annual cap.
Working Holiday Visa
TemporaryCountry-specific work-and-travel visas for young people from 40+ partner countries.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
PermanentPoints-based residence for skilled workers, scored against the NZ median wage.