Requirements to travel to New Zealand

REQUIREMENTS TO TRAVEL TO NEW ZEALAND

1. Passport

As for any international destination, you need to bring your valid passport. So it’s no surprise! To enter New Zealand as a tourist, this document must meet certain requirements.

Have at least one blank page of your passport so that they can stamp your entry into the country. This document must have a minimum of three months valid from the planned departure date of your trip to New Zealand. For example, if you plan to stay from January 1 to January 30, your passport must be valid until April 30. Otherwise, you must renew it before starting your trip.

It is common to take advantage of a trip to New Zealand to visit a nearby archipelago. If this is in your plans, keep in mind that they are different countries with their own immigration rules. You will need your passport to be valid for a minimum of six months after your departure, in both Fiji and the Cook Islands. Both destinations are true paradises!

2. IV

New Zealand is a country that is extremely respectful of nature. That is why they have introduced a so-called IVL rate – International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. The objective of this is to invest in projects focused on productive, sustainable and inclusive tourism that protects the environment and nature of the country. The IVL costs 35 NZD (20€) which must be paid at the time of processing the corresponding visa. We’ll tell you how to do it right away 😉

3. Visa to travel to New Zealand

3.1. NZeTA, visa-free electronic travel authorization

Since October 2019 it is necessary to obtain a electronic permit to travel to New Zealand. The objective is to have control over all international travelers and improve the security of the country. This document is required even if you only have a stopover at a New Zealand airport. It is essential process it at least 72 hours before the trip. Before boarding you will have to present the NZeTA approval to the staff of the airline you are traveling with.

The NZeTA replaces a conventional visa, so in order to manage this electronic permit your nationality must be part of the visa exemption program. Argentina, Chile, the United States, Spain, Mexico and Uruguay are some of the countries that apply to the NZeTA. You can consult the complete list of countries here.

Once your NZeTA is approved, you have a validity of two years. But that doesn’t mean you can stay in the country for that long. Only stays of up to 3 months each are allowed.

Can apply for the NZeTA through the New Zealand government’s immigration website. It has a price of 23 NZD (about €13). But there is also a mobile app to do the procedure, you will find the links to download it on iOS or Android on the same website. In that case, the price is 17 NZD (about €10).

You can also do the process with the e-Visa agency through this application form for the New Zealand visa. It is much simpler, you can do everything in Spanish and you will have assistance in case you have questions. Additionally, they will review your application for any errors before submitting it to the New Zealand government. It has a price of €64.95 and includes the NZeTA and IVL fee. It’s a good option if you don’t speak English or need help answering the questions!

In both cases, you will need to have your passport and a credit or debit card on hand to make the online payment.

3.2. How to apply for a visa for New Zealand

If you meet any of the following conditions, the NZeTA will not be valid for your trip to New Zealand.

• Your nationality is not included in the visa waiver program.
• You want to stay in New Zealand for more than 3 months.
• You intend to work or undergo medical treatment
• You have a criminal record.
• You suffer from an illness or problems that may be a danger to public health.

In these cases you do not have to process the NZeTA, but rather a visa. There are different types of visa: tourist, business, transit, medical… As each traveler is different, we recommend that you contact the New Zealand embassy in your country. There they will inform you of the requirements to process the visa for new zealand in your specific case if you are not eligible to obtain at NZeTA.

You can also visit the New Zealand government’s immigration website. You must complete a very simple form with your nationality, the purpose of your visit and the expected duration of your stay. This will indicate the visa options available in your case.

Transport in New Zealand: how to get around the country

4. Other requirements to travel to New Zealand that you should consider

The passport and visa (or electronic travel authorization) are two essential requirements to travel to New Zealand. But there are other things that immigration officers may also ask you once at passport control.

If agents suspect that you are trying to stay in the country longer than you should, they may ask you to New Zealand exit ticket. It can be the flight back home or a continuation of your trip to another country. You must also be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of your trip.

You should know that at the New Zealand borders They are very strict with the objects that are allowed to enter the country. You will have to declare food, plants, animal products or equipment that has previously been in contact with the ground, for example, tents or gardening tools. The goal is to keep New Zealand’s biodiversity safe from possible infections caused by all of these elements. After passing passport control, your luggage will be x-rayed to make sure you are not carrying anything prohibited.

These are all the requirements to travel to New Zealand. Make sure you comply with all of them to avoid any mishaps during your visit. Once you get past the boring part of bureaucracy, paperwork and visa processing, all you have to do is enjoy this wonder of a country. Get ready for the adventure!