You may need to apply for a visitor visa or permit, which will allow you to stay in New Zealand for up to nine months.

Do I need a visa or permit?
Take the quick check to see whether you need a visitor visa to travel to New Zealand, or check the list of visa-free countries. If your home country is on the list, you can enter New Zealand without a visa.

Visa free countries are:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia****, Finland, France, Germany, Greece *****, Hong Kong ***, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia****, Liechtenstein, Lithuania****, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal*, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Korea, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States of America**, Uruguay, Vatican City.

* Portuguese passport holders must also have the right to live permanently in Portugal.
** Including nationals of the USA.
*** Residents of Hong Kong travelling on Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or British National (Overseas) passports.
**** Visa waiver does not apply to people travelling on alien's (non-citizen's) passports issued by these countries.
***** Greek passport holders whose passports were issued on and after 1 January 2006.

Nationals from ALL other countries need to apply for a visitor visa via their local Immigration New Zealand office before travelling to New Zealand. Click here for further information.

Requirements
If you need a visitor visa to come to New Zealand, you will need to meet their requirements, including funds, health and character.

How to apply for a visitor visa
Find out how to apply for a visitor visa, and get the forms you will need. This section includes useful checklists to help you supply the right information when you lodge your application.

There are four key steps in lodging a visitor visa or permit application. Click here to view them.

If you are overseas, your application must be made and approved before you travel to New Zealand. Find out where to send your application.

Checklists for visitors
Ready to apply?
You need to include the documents and information stated in the application form and guide. Click here for details.