Key takeaways
- Most travelers need either an NZeTA + IVL (NZ$47) or a visitor visa (NZ$210) — check your nationality.
- Indian and Indonesian citizens use the eVisa platform (NZ$240 total).
- Pakistani applicants face extra fees: NZ$250 health surcharge + NZ$100 character fee (NZ$560 total).
- Multiple‑entry visas cost NZ$150 extra but allow up to 36 months cumulative stay.
- Always apply via the official Immigration New Zealand website; avoid agents promising guaranteed approval.
Quick answer: As of October 2026, the New Zealand visa requirements for most travelers mean either a NZ$210 visitor visa or an NZeTA (NZ$12‑NZ$15) plus a NZ$35 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Indian and Indonesian citizens use the new eVisa (NZ$240 total), while Pakistani nationals pay an extra NZ$250 health surcharge and NZ$100 character fee.
What are the New Zealand visa requirements for US citizens in 2026?
US passport holders do not need a traditional visitor visa for short stays. Instead, you must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before boarding. The NZeTA costs NZ$12 via the mobile app or NZ$15 via the web form and is valid for two years for multiple entries.
All visa‑free travelers also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZ$35, collected during the NZeTA application. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure.
The NZeTA allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. You cannot work or study on an NZeTA; longer stays require a visitor visa (NZ$210 online).
Apply at the official Immigration New Zealand NZeTA page. Approval is usually instant but can take up to 72 hours—apply at least 72 hours before departure.
How long can Indian citizens stay in New Zealand on a visitor visa?
Indian passport holders now apply through New Zealand's eVisa platform, launched in 2026. The total cost is NZ$210 visa fee + NZ$30 eVisa service charge = NZ$240. Applications are online only; paper forms are no longer accepted.
A single‑entry visitor visa permits a maximum stay of 9 months per entry. A multiple‑entry visa (additional NZ$150) allows up to 12 months per entry with a cumulative maximum of 36 months over the visa’s validity.
Proof of funds: Show at least NZ$4,200 per month for the first three months (total NZ$12,600) in bank statements or a sponsorship letter. Immigration may request return tickets, accommodation bookings and travel insurance.
Typical decision time is 7–10 business days; during peak season (Nov–Feb) allow up to 15 days. Track your application via the Immigration New Zealand online portal.
Do Pakistani passport holders need a health surcharge for a New Zealand visa?
Yes. Pakistani applicants pay the standard NZ$210 online fee plus two mandatory extras:
- Health surcharge: NZ$250 (raised in 2026)
- Character check fee: NZ$100
Total upfront cost: NZ$560. The health surcharge covers potential medical costs; the character fee covers police‑certificate processing.
Stay limits mirror other nationals: 9 months per entry on a single‑entry visa, or 12 months per entry up to 36 months total on a multiple‑entry visa (additional NZ$150). Processing averages 12–15 business days for complete online applications.
Common refusal reasons include insufficient funds, missing police certificates, or discrepancies in travel history. Submit a clear scan of your passport bio page, recent passport photo, six months of bank statements, and a detailed itinerary.
What is the difference between a single‑entry and multiple‑entry New Zealand visitor visa?
| Feature | Single‑entry visitor visa | Multiple‑entry visitor visa |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay per entry | 9 months | 12 months |
| Total cumulative stay | 9 months (one entry only) | 36 months over visa validity |
| Base fee (online) | NZ$210 | NZ$210 |
| Multiple‑entry surcharge | N/A | NZ$150 |
| Total fee | NZ$210 | NZ$360 |
| Best for | One‑off holiday, family visit | Frequent business trips, multiple holidays within 2–3 years |
You choose the visa type at application. Switching from single‑ to multiple‑entry requires a new application and full multiple‑entry fee.
How much does the New Zealand eVisa cost for Indonesian applicants?
Indonesian nationals became eligible for the eVisa platform in 2026. The fee structure matches India:
- Visa fee: NZ$210
- eVisa service charge: NZ$30
- Total: NZ$240
Decision time is 7–10 business days. Required documents:
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond departure (scan of bio page)
- Recent passport‑style photo (digital, 45×35 mm, white background)
- Proof of funds: NZ$12,600 for first three months
- Return/onward ticket confirmation
- Accommodation details (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation (recommended)
Apply only via the official Immigration New Zealand eVisa portal. No paper applications are accepted for Indonesian passport holders.
Can green‑card holders travel to New Zealand without a visa?
US permanent residents (green‑card holders) are not visa‑free. You must obtain an NZeTA (NZ$12 app / NZ$15 web) plus the IVL (NZ$35), exactly like US citizens. The key difference: you must travel on your country‑of‑nationality passport, not the green card.
Example: An Indian citizen with a US green card applies for an NZeTA using their Indian passport. They pay NZ$12 + NZ$35 = NZ$47 total. Stay limit: 90 days per visit. No work or study permitted.
Step‑by‑step NZeTA application for permanent residents:
- Download the NZeTA mobile app (iOS/Android) or use the web form.
- Enter passport details from your national passport.
- Answer health and character questions truthfully.
- Pay NZ$12 (app) or NZ$15 (web) + NZ$35 IVL via credit/debit card.
- Receive approval email (usually within minutes, up to 72 hours).
- Carry the same passport used for the NZeTA when boarding.
What documents are needed for a New Zealand tourist visa for Filipino citizens?
The Philippines is not yet on the eVisa platform. Filipino applicants use the standard online visitor visa (NZ$210) or a paper application (NZ$210 + VAC service fee).
Document checklist:
- Passport valid ≥ 6 months beyond intended departure (scan + photocopy)
- One recent passport photo (45×35 mm, white background)
- Proof of funds: NZ$12,600 (bank statements last 6 months or sponsor’s statement + affidavit)
- Return/onward flight booking
- Accommodation proof: hotel bookings or invitation letter from a NZ resident
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Employment certificate or business registration (if self‑employed)
- Leave approval letter from employer (if employed)
- Optional: invitation letter from NZ resident with their passport copy
Processing: 10–15 business days online; 20–30 business days via paper at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). The VAC in Manila charges an additional service fee (~PHP 1,500).
Are there any visa‑free options for Nigerian passport holders visiting New Zealand?
No. Nigeria is not on New Zealand's visa‑waiver list. Nigerian passport holders must apply for a visitor visa (NZ$210 online). There is no extra health surcharge beyond the standard fee.
Stay limits: 9 months per entry on single‑entry; 12 months per entry up to 36 months total on multiple‑entry (additional NZ$150). Processing averages 12–15 business days online.
Common refusal reasons for Nigerian applicants:
- Insufficient proof of funds (statements not covering 6 months or large unexplained deposits)
- Missing or expired police clearance certificate
- Inconsistent travel history (previous refusals not disclosed)
- Weak ties to Nigeria (no employment letter, property, or family obligations)
Submit a cover letter explaining your travel purpose, detailed itinerary, and evidence of strong ties (employment contract, land title, family photos).
New Zealand visa comparison table by nationality (October 2026)
| Nationality / Group | Visa type | Total fee | Max stay per entry | Processing (online) | Key extra requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US citizen | NZeTA + IVL | NZ$12 + NZ$35 = NZ$47 | 90 days | Instant – 72 hrs | Passport valid 3+ months |
| US green‑card holder | NZeTA + IVL | NZ$12 + NZ$35 = NZ$47 | 90 days | Instant – 72 hrs | Use national passport |
| Indian citizen | eVisa | NZ$210 + NZ$30 = NZ$240 | 9 mo (single) / 12 mo (multi) | 7–10 business days | Proof of NZ$12,600 funds |
| Pakistani citizen | Visitor visa | NZ$210 + NZ$250 + NZ$100 = NZ$560 | 9 mo (single) / 12 mo (multi) | 12–15 business days | Health surcharge + character fee |
| Indonesian citizen | eVisa | NZ$210 + NZ$30 = NZ$240 | 9 mo (single) / 12 mo (multi) | 7–10 business days | Proof of NZ$12,600 funds |
| Filipino citizen | Visitor visa | NZ$210 (+ VAC fee if paper) | 9 mo (single) / 12 mo (multi) | 10–15 business days | Standard docs + employment proof |
| Nigerian citizen | Visitor visa | NZ$210 | 9 mo (single) / 12 mo (multi) | 12–15 business days | Strong ties evidence critical |
Source: Immigration New Zealand fee schedule, October 2026. Fees in NZD. Processing times are medians; allow extra time during peak season.
Quick‑action checklist by passport group
US citizens & green‑card holders
- ☐ Apply for NZeTA via app (NZ$12) or web (NZ$15) at least 72 hrs before flight
- ☐ Pay IVL NZ$35 during NZeTA application
- ☐ Confirm passport validity ≥ 3 months beyond departure
- ☐ Green‑card holders: travel on national passport, not green card
Indian & Indonesian citizens
- ☐ Gather passport scan, digital photo, 6‑month bank statements (NZ$12,600)
- ☐ Book refundable return flight & first‑night accommodation
- ☐ Apply on Immigration NZ eVisa portal (NZ$240 total)
- ☐ Track application; expect decision in 7–10 business days
Pakistani citizens
- ☐ Prepare police clearance certificate (character check)
- ☐ Budget NZ$560 total (visa + health surcharge + character fee)
- ☐ Submit complete online application with all supporting docs
- ☐ Allow 12–15 business days; avoid peak season if possible
Filipino citizens
- ☐ Decide online vs paper (VAC in Manila adds ~PHP 1,500)
- ☐ Compile employment certificate, leave approval, bank statements
- ☐ Include invitation letter if visiting friends/family
- ☐ Apply 4–6 weeks before travel for paper; 2–3 weeks for online
Nigerian citizens
- ☐ Obtain police clearance certificate early (can take weeks)
- ☐ Prepare 6‑month bank statements with steady income deposits
- ☐ Write cover letter detailing ties to Nigeria (job, property, family)
- ☐ Apply online; allow 3–4 weeks for processing
Scam warning: protect yourself from fake job offers & visa agents
Every year workers lose thousands to scammers posing as licensed immigration advisers or employers. Red flags:
- Requests for payment via Western Union, MoneyGram or crypto
- "Guaranteed visa approval" promises
- Job offers without a formal interview or verified employer accreditation
- Agents not listed on the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) register
Always verify an employer's accreditation on the Immigration NZ accredited employers list. For visa advice, use only IAA‑licensed advisers or apply directly via the official website.
Frequently asked questions
What are the New Zealand visa requirements for US citizens in 2026?
US citizens need an NZeTA (NZ$12 app/NZ$15 web) plus the NZ$35 IVL. No visitor visa is required for stays up to 90 days.
How much does the New Zealand eVisa cost for Indian citizens?
The total cost is NZ$240 (NZ$210 visa fee + NZ$30 eVisa service charge).
Do Pakistani applicants pay a health surcharge for a New Zealand visitor visa?
Yes, a NZ$250 health surcharge and a NZ$100 character fee are mandatory, bringing the total to NZ$560.
Can I apply for a New Zealand visitor visa on paper?
Paper applications are only accepted for nationalities not yet on the eVisa platform (e.g., Philippines). Most applicants must apply online.
How long does a New Zealand visitor visa take to process?
Online visitor visas typically take 7–15 business days depending on nationality; NZeTA is usually instant up to 72 hours.
Key takeaways
- Most travelers need either an NZeTA + IVL (NZ$47) or a visitor visa (NZ$210) — check your nationality.
- Indian and Indonesian citizens use the eVisa platform (NZ$240 total).
- Pakistani applicants face extra fees: NZ$250 health surcharge + NZ$100 character fee (NZ$560 total).
- Multiple‑entry visas cost NZ$150 extra but allow up to 36 months cumulative stay.
- Always apply via the official Immigration New Zealand website; avoid agents promising guaranteed approval.
Last verified & sources
All fees, processing times and policy details verified 22 October 2026 against:
- Immigration New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz) — official fee schedule & visa guides
- New Zealand Tourism (newzealand.com) — NZeTA & IVL information
- AECC Global 2026 visa guide — eVisa rollout details
- Visarun.ai 2026 database — nationality‑by‑nationality requirements
- New Zealand Embassy press releases, 2026 — health surcharge & eVisa announcements
Disclaimer: Visa fees, health surcharges, processing times and entry rules change without notice. Always confirm current requirements on immigration.govt.nz or with the nearest New Zealand embassy/consulate before booking travel. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
What are the New Zealand visa requirements for US citizens in 2026?
US citizens need an NZeTA (NZ$12 app/NZ$15 web) plus the NZ$35 IVL. No visitor visa is required for stays up to 90 days.
How much does the New Zealand eVisa cost for Indian citizens?
The total cost is NZ$240 (NZ$210 visa fee + NZ$30 eVisa service charge).
Do Pakistani applicants pay a health surcharge for a New Zealand visitor visa?
Yes, a NZ$250 health surcharge and a NZ$100 character fee are mandatory, bringing the total to NZ$560.
Can I apply for a New Zealand visitor visa on paper?
Paper applications are only accepted for nationalities not yet on the eVisa platform (e.g., Philippines). Most applicants must apply online.
How long does a New Zealand visitor visa take to process?
Online visitor visas typically take 7–15 business days depending on nationality; NZeTA is usually instant up to 72 hours.
