United States of America
Visiting New Zealand? From 1 October 2019, US Passport holders will need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before they travel, even if you are just passing through on the way to another country. Get it before you go on the official government website www.immigration.govt.nz/nzeta(external link)
Cruise ship passengers
Travelling to New Zealand on a cruise ship? Don’t get held up at check in. From 1 October 2019, you’ll need to hold a visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), unless you’re an Australian citizen. Check out the new rules at www.immigration.govt.nz/nzeta(external link)
Questions?
There are a couple of options available to people enquiring about applying for a visa for New Zealand, or enquiring if a visa is needed.
- The Immigration New Zealand website(external link). This website not only answers all questions relating to New Zealand visas, but is now also the portal through which an applicant can apply for their visa - through the online system. By selecting the "Contact Us" option the enquirer can also access the Knowledge Base Q&A section of the website.
- Call the Immigration Contact Centre (ICC) in New Zealand at 011 64 9 914 4100. The ICC is open from 6.00am Monday to midnight on Saturday (NZ local time). It has staff fluent in various languages that are fully trained in all aspects of immigration policy and procedure.
Pacific Islands
If you hold a passport issued by the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau or Republic of the Marshall Islands you will need a visa to visit New Zealand.
Flying via New Zealand on the way to another country? From 1 October 2019, the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau or Republic of the Marshall Islands passport holders will need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) to pass through New Zealand on the way to another country. If you want to enter New Zealand, you’ll still need a visa.
When traveling on a regular passport you can apply for your visa online (external link) or at your nearest Visitor Application Center (VAC).
Micronesia & Marshall Islands
VAC: Kiribati(external link)
Phone: +686-29263, +686-29264
Email: ttskiribatinz@ttsvias.com
Hours: Monday to Friday 0830-1630
Palau
VAC: Philippines
Phone: +632-528-2504
Email: info.nzph@vfshelpline.com
Hours: Monday to Friday 0700-1600
Persons travelling on Regular Passports are typically required to post their passport to the nearest VAC.
Temporary visa applications take between 20-25 business days to process depending on the type of application. For more information on time frames please visit the Immigration New Zealand website(external link).
Official Travel
For travel to New Zealand on official government business, please follow the below instructions to obtain a visa.
Travelling on a Diplomatic Passport
- Complete the application form and submit the completed form via email to Diplomats&Officials@mbie.govt.nz
- Copy your email to the New Zealand non-resident Embassy, based in Honolulu (HLUEnquiries@mfat.govt.nz)
Travelling on a Regular Passport
- Apply online or via the nearest VAC.
- You may request Immigration New Zealand waive the requirement for you to send your passport to the VAC. However, this is decided at the discretion of Immigration New Zealand and on a case-by-case basis. If declined, you will still be required to send your passport to the VAC.
- When you have received an email confirming your application, forward this email to Diplomats&Officials@mbie.govt.nz and copy the New Zealand non-resident Embassy in Honolulu (HLUEnquiries@mfat.govt.nz)
- In the body of your email state that the travel is for official business and request an exemption from the requirement to send your passport to the VAC.