New Zealand · Tourist Visa
Tourist and visitor visa requirements, visa-free entry, duration, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Visitors from visa-waiver countries travel to New Zealand on an NZeTA, requested before flying; everyone else applies for a Visitor visa. Visits generally run from three to nine months depending on circumstances. Since 27 January 2025, visitor visas and the NZeTA allow incidental remote work for an employer outside New Zealand — but you still cannot work for a New Zealand employer or provide services to people in New Zealand.
Many visitors to New Zealand from visa-waiver countries travel on an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), which must be requested before flying; others apply for a Visitor visa. Visits are generally for up to three to nine months depending on circumstances. Since 27 January 2025, visitor visas and the NZeTA allow incidental remote work for an employer outside New Zealand.
- Visa-waiver visitors need an NZeTA before travel; others apply for a Visitor visa.
- Since 27 Jan 2025, incidental remote work for an overseas employer is allowed on a visitor visa/NZeTA.
- You cannot work for a New Zealand employer or provide services to people in New Zealand.
- 1
Check whether you need an NZeTA or a Visitor visa
Visa-waiver nationals request an NZeTA before flying. Everyone else applies for a Visitor visa through Immigration New Zealand.
- 2
Request the NZeTA well before departure
Apply through the official Immigration New Zealand channel. Processing is not instant, and airlines check the NZeTA before boarding.
- 3
Understand what remote work is allowed
Since 27 January 2025 you may do incidental remote work for an employer outside New Zealand. Working for a New Zealand employer, or supplying services to people in New Zealand, still requires a work visa.
- 4
Prepare funds and onward travel
Be ready to show you can support yourself and that you have onward or return travel arranged for the end of your visit.
- 5
Check the stay granted on arrival
The period granted depends on your circumstances and can be shorter than the maximum. Apply for any extension before your current stay expires.
- NZeTA or Visitor visa route identified
- NZeTA requested through the official channel before flying
- Remote-work limits understood (overseas employer only)
- Proof of funds prepared
- Onward or return travel arranged
- Passport valid for the whole intended stay
- Stay period granted on arrival checked
- Immigration New Zealand — visiting
Official visitor-visa and NZeTA information.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work remotely from New Zealand on a visitor visa?
Since 27 January 2025, yes for incidental remote work for an employer outside New Zealand, on both the Visitor visa and the NZeTA. You still cannot work for a New Zealand employer or supply services to people in New Zealand — that needs a work visa.
How long can I stay in New Zealand as a visitor?
Generally between three and nine months depending on your circumstances and the route you used. The period actually granted is set for your case, so check it rather than assuming the maximum.
Is the NZeTA a visa?
No. It is an electronic travel authority for travellers from visa-waiver countries, requested before flying. It authorises travel; the immigration officer still decides admission and the length of stay on arrival.
Government portals
- govt.nz — New Zealand government services portal
- Immigration New Zealand — Visas, work/student visas, and residence
- Inland Revenue (IRD) — Income tax, GST, and the IRD number
- business.govt.nz — Company registration, employment, and compliance