Visiting New Zealand – Visa Waiver Countries & NZeTA

New Zealand is the favourite destination for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. INZ is expecting nearly 2 million visitors this year. 

Does everyone need an NZ visitor visa to Visit New Zealand? The answer is no. There are many Visa-Free countries whose citizens don’t need a Visa, but they need to make a few requests before travelling, and there are some limitations. In this blog, we will try to cover details about New Zealand Visa Waiver countries.

NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)

If you are a passport holder from a country or territory with a visa waiver, you do not need a visa to travel to New Zealand. However, you must request an NZeTA before travelling.

Short Visit to New Zealand

You need to request an NZeTA if:

• You hold a passport from a visa waiver country (see the list below).
• You plan to visit New Zealand for up to 3 months. British citizens can visit for up to 6 months.

Medical Treatment in New Zealand

If you are visiting New Zealand for medical consultation or treatment and hold a passport from a visa waiver country, you must apply for a visa, even if you are from a visa waiver country.

For medical purposes, apply for the Medical Treatment Visitor Visa.

Visa Waiver Countries and Territories

If you are a citizen of any of the following countries or territories, you do not need a visa to visit New Zealand, but you must obtain an NZeTA:

• Andorra

• Argentina

• Austria

• Bahrain

• Belgium

• Brazil

• Brunei

• Bulgaria

• Canada

• Chile

• Croatia

• Cyprus

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Estonia (citizens only)

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hong Kong (HKSAR or British National–Overseas passports only)

• Hungary

• Iceland

• Ireland

• Israel

• Italy

• Japan

• South Korea

• Kuwait

• Latvia (citizens only)

• Liechtenstein

• Lithuania (citizens only)

• Luxembourg

• Macau (Macau SAR passports only)

• Malaysia

• Malta

• Mauritius

• Mexico

• Monaco

• Netherlands

• Norway

• Oman

• Poland

• Portugal (if you have permanent residency rights 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 (UK) (British citizens and those with the right to reside permanently in the UK)

• United States of America (including USA nationals)

• Uruguay

• Vatican City

Ensure you check whether you need an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand.