New Zealand is an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, comprising the North Island, South Island, and numerous smaller islands. Its visa policy is administered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), a branch of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). New Zealand operates a tiered entry system: the Trans-Tasman arrangement with Australia, the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for visa-waiver countries, and traditional visa requirements for other nationalities. From 1 October 2019, the NZeTA became mandatory for most visa-waiver nationals. An International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 100 also applies to most visitors.

2. Trans-Tasman Arrangement — Australia

Australia has a unique and privileged arrangement with New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement. Australian citizens and permanent residents may enter, live, and work in New Zealand indefinitely without requiring a visa or prior authorisation. They are granted a Special Category Visa (SCV) on arrival. This arrangement is reciprocal between both countries.

Trans-Tasman Arrangement Details • Australian citizens: unlimited right to live and work in New Zealand • Australian permanent residents: right to live and work in New Zealand • No NZeTA required for Australian citizens or permanent residents • No IVL (International Visitor Levy) applies to Australian citizens • Visa granted: Special Category Visa (SCV) on arrival

3. New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

Since 1 October 2019, nationals of visa-waiver countries must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling to New Zealand. The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years from the date of issue and can be used for multiple trips. It is obtained online and is linked electronically to the traveller’s passport.

NZeTA Key Details • Mandatory for all visa-waiver nationals (except Australian citizens/PR) • Valid: 2 years from date of issue • Multiple entries permitted within validity period • Application: online via the Immigration New Zealand website or mobile app • Processing: typically within 72 hours (apply well in advance) • Maximum stay per visit: 3 or 6 months depending on nationality

4. NZeTA-Eligible Countries — Stay Duration

The following nationalities are eligible for the NZeTA. UK nationals may stay for up to 6 months; most other NZeTA countries are permitted up to 3 months per visit.

Category	Stay Allowed	Representative Countries
United Kingdom	Up to 6 months	UK (all territories)
European Union & EFTA	Up to 3 months	All EU/EFTA member states
GCC States	Up to 3 months	Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE
North America	Up to 3 months	Canada, United States
Northeast Asia	Up to 3 months	Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan
Southeast Asia	Up to 3 months	Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei
South America	Up to 3 months	Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay
Others	Up to 3 months	Israel, Mexico, Monaco, San Marino, Seychelles, Mauritius, Vatican City

5. International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)

Most international visitors to New Zealand are required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 100. This levy supports conservation and tourism infrastructure. It is paid as part of the NZeTA application process or separately where applicable.

IVL Exemptions • Australian citizens and permanent residents • Citizens of Pacific Island nations (Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu) • NZeTA holders from certain Pacific nations

6. Special Territories of New Zealand

The Realm of New Zealand includes several self-governing and dependent territories with their own entry requirements:

Territory	Entry Policy
Cook Islands	All visitors: 31-day visa on arrival (most nationalities)
Niue	All visitors: 30 days visa on arrival
Tokelau	Entry permit required; organised by boat from Samoa

7. China and Pacific Islands Forum — Special Arrangements

Chinese nationals and certain Pacific Islands Forum country nationals who are transiting through Australia with a valid Australian visa may qualify for entry to New Zealand under simplified arrangements. This facilitates travel within the Pacific region.

8. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

Eligible business travellers holding a valid APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) may enter New Zealand for business purposes for up to 90 days without a visa or NZeTA. The ABTC must display New Zealand in the list of approved economies on the reverse.

9. Visitor Statistics

Country of Origin	Arrivals (2018)	Notes
Australia	1,494,541	Trans-Tasman — largest market
China	448,189	Second largest market
United States	352,074	Third largest market
United Kingdom	237,166	Fourth largest market
South Korea	~120,000 est.	Growing market
Japan	~100,000 est.	Established market

10. Important Notes

New Zealand’s immigration policies may change, particularly in response to bilateral relationships. The NZeTA is not a guarantee of entry — Border Force officers retain the right to refuse entry. Travellers with criminal convictions may be denied entry. All visitors must hold valid travel insurance and sufficient funds for their stay. Visitors wishing to work in New Zealand must obtain an appropriate work visa before commencing employment.