Visiting New Zealand
How Visitor Visas Generally Work
A general overview of how New Zealand visitor visas generally work — for tourism, visiting family, and certain short stays — and what Immigration New Zealand generally considers. This is general information only, not personalised advice. Current requirements are on immigration.govt.nz, and how they apply to a particular situation is assessed by a licensed adviser.
General Overview
What a Visitor Visa Generally Involves
A Genuine, Temporary Purpose
Visitor visas are generally for temporary stays such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or some business meetings. INZ generally considers whether you genuinely intend a temporary visit.
Funds & Onward Travel
Applicants generally need to show enough funds to support their stay and, in many cases, evidence of onward travel or the means to buy a ticket.
Health & Character
Visitor visas generally include health and character requirements, common across NZ visa categories and assessed against current policy.
Family & Partner Visits
There are generally visitor options for partners and family of New Zealanders or visa holders. Which option fits depends on the relationship and circumstances.
Working With VisaPlex
From First Conversation to a Clear Plan
- 1
Map Your Situation
Start in the AVA workspace to organise your travel purpose, funds and supporting information against the general framework.
- 2
Adviser Review
A licensed immigration adviser reviews your circumstances against current policy and explains the options that may apply.
- 3
Prepare the Application
If you choose to proceed, your adviser guides the documents relevant to your situation.
- 4
Submission & Support
Your application is submitted and supported through to a decision.
Common Questions
Common Questions About Visitor Visas
Visitor stays and any maximum periods are set by Immigration New Zealand and depend on the visa and circumstances. The current rules are on immigration.govt.nz and confirmed for your situation by an adviser.
Visitor visas generally do not allow work. If you intend to work, a work visa is generally required. What applies to your plans is confirmed during your review.
Limited short-term study is generally possible on a visitor visa, within set limits. Longer study generally requires a student visa. The current rules are published by INZ.
Whether you need a visitor visa or can travel on an NZeTA depends on your nationality and circumstances. This is set by INZ; an adviser can confirm what applies to you.
Next Step
Talk Through Visiting NZ
Tell us a little about your plans and our licensed adviser will review how the visitor visa options may apply to you.