Is it safe to travel to New Zealand right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of New Zealand’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in New Zealand set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the New Zealand High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter New Zealand, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from New Zealand, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries require at least 6 months validity on your passport. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit New Zealand without a visa for up to 6 months. However you do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

At New Zealand border control, you will also need to show:

• proof of a return or onward ticket
• proof that you have enough money for your stay

Check the full criteria for visa-free entry on New Zealand Immigration.

New Zealand has strict immigration rules, particularly on employment. You must have a visa to work or study in New Zealand.

Check the visa options and costs on New Zealand Immigration.

To extend your visa, first check your visa expiry date on the New Zealand Visa Verification Service. See how to apply for a visa extension.

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

If you are entering without a visa, you need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy when you apply.

Allow up to 72 hours for it to be processed. Your NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years.

Travelling through New Zealand

You will need to get a NZeTA before you travel if you are travelling through New Zealand to another country.

In most cases, transit passengers must hold an NZeTA or transit NZeTA before travel.

New Zealand Traveller Declaration

Everyone travelling into New Zealand needs to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). It is free and you can use the online form or the NZTD app. There is a paper declaration form for travellers who cannot complete it online.

Your declaration is linked to your passport and is checked when you arrive at the e-Gate or by a border officer.

Travelling by air

The earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before you start your trip to New Zealand. It needs to be submitted by the time you reach passport control in New Zealand.

If you are travelling on a domestic flight, familiarise yourself with security procedures, you can read information on these from the New Zealand government.

Travelling by sea

The earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before departing the vessel’s last foreign port. It needs to be submitted by the time the vessel has arrived at its first port in New Zealand.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s New Zealand guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of New Zealand. It is illegal to import most food products. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Some products, including wood and leather products, golf clubs, tents and fishing equipment, can carry harmful pests or diseases. Check what items you are permitted to bring into New Zealand. If in doubt, declare items to a Biosecurity New Zealand official or dispose of them in one of the marked bins available at the airport.

If you break any of these rules you could get a fine of up to 100,000 New Zealand dollars or a prison sentence.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave from New Zealand.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Electronic travel authority

Canadian tourists entering New Zealand without a visa need to get an electronic travel authority (NZeTA) online before their arrival, even if transiting to another country.

The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years and allows multiple entries.

Other requirements

You must pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy when you request an NZeTA or apply for a visa.

Travellers to New Zealand must also complete a digital declaration form before they arrive. The New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) can be completed via their website or the NZTD mobile application.

Useful links

• NZeTA – Immigration New Zealand
• International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy – Immigration New Zealand
• Traveller Declaration website – New Zealand Customs Service
• Download the NZTD app – New Government

The following documents are required to visit New Zealand:

• an onward or return ticket
• a visa for the next destination if required
• proof of sufficient funds

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).