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Learn about the New Zealand visa, customs and quarantine regulations. This includes types of visa applications, what to declare and what is prohibited in New Zealand.
Quick find guide
You do not need a visa to enter New Zealand as a visitor for up to 6 months, but you will need to get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel.
If you are an Australian citizen you can visit New Zealand without needing a visa. You do not need an NZeTA if you are an Australian citizen.
The New Zealand Government recently introduced the International Visitor Conservation & Tourist Levy (IVL). It is designed to help to support small communities who see a large influx of international visitors during summer and who need improvements to their infrastructure (such as public toilets) to be able to cope.
The IVL enables travellers to contribute towards the infrastructure they use as well as protecting the natural environment of New Zealand. This costs NZD$35 per person and will be charged at the same time as making the application for the NZeTA. The exception to this is Australian Passport holders or residents who are not required to pay the ILV.
Please click here to access the Immigration New Zealand website and apply for your NZeTA today or visit www.immigration.govt.nz to find out more information on the application process and eligibility requirements.
It is important to be aware that requesting an NZeTA is a mandatory process for anyone visiting New Zealand and includes those transiting via New Zealand, even if it is not their final destination.
If you are travelling to New Zealand via an Australian airport, you may also need an Australian visa – go to the Australian Government website for more details on the Australian Government website.
If you are travelling to New Zealand via an airport in the USA, you will need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before you travel. This can be applied for online on the ESTA website for a cost of $US14 and lasts for two years.
You will need to complete a Passenger Arrival Card before passing through Customs Passport Control. A passenger arrival card will be given to you during your flight. If you’re not provide with one during your flight, then cards are also available in the arrivals area.
In order to protect New Zealand and its environment, certain items are not allowed to be brought into the country, have restrictions for entry or must be declared if they are deemed to present a biosecurity risk. These include food, plants, animal products and outdoor recreational equipment.
Your baggage may be sniffed by a detector dog and/or x-rayed, and it may be searched to identify any risk goods you might be carrying.
To avoid penalties it is best to familiarise yourself with these guidelines prior to travel. For a detailed list of prohibited, restricted or declarable items, please visit the Ministry for Primary Industries Biosecurity Agency website.
As a visitor to New Zealand you may be entitled to various concessions and duty free entries on some of your goods. If you are 17 years or older, you are entitled to allowances for alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco. For detailed information on allowances and duty free concessions, please visit New Zealand Customs.