Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand from the UK: Entry guide

Maybe you’re planning a trip to New  Zealand to catch up with family or friends, take part in a professional training programme, or simply discover the idyllic landscapes where Lord of the Rings was filmed.

Whatever your reason for visiting, this comprehensive guide breaks down the visa and entry requirements for the island nation of New Zealand.

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Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand from the UK?

No. British passport holders travelling to New Zealand from the UK do not need to get a visa for short stays or holidays of up to six months. You’re also able to study for up to three months without a visa.

However, before you hop on a plane you’ll need to fill out a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). This allows you to travel to NZ under the visa-waiver system, and you’ll receive entry permission as a visitor when you arrive.

You’ll also be able to travel to New Zealand multiple times while your NZeTA is valid (normally for 2 years).¹

Non-British passport holders travelling from the UK may also need to get a visa, depending on their nationality.

Entry Requirements for New Zealand

First things first: you’ll need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), which allows you to stay in the country for up to six months.

You can apply in advance of travelling online via the official website or using the official mobile app. Approval usually comes within a few minutes to 72 hours.¹

Your passport will need to be valid for at least three months after your planned date of departure.

On arrival, you might be asked to show a return (or onward) ticket, plus proof that you have enough funds for your stay.

No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand from the UK.²

Types of Visas available³

If you plan to work or study longer than what’s allowed under visitor status, you’ll need to get the appropriate visa before you travel. Here are the main types of visas available:

• Working holiday visa: Allows UK citizens between 18-35 to temporarily work while travelling, plus study for up to six months.⁴
• Work visa: Only available to anyone who already has a job offer in New Zealand. You’ll need to apply for it in advance of entering the country.
• Student visa: For anyone accepted into an educational programme in New Zealand longer than 3 months. Work of up to 20 hours a week is typically allowed under this permit.
• Medical treatment visitor visa: For anyone undergoing medical treatment in NZ, for up to 6 months or until it’s safe to travel again after the procedure.

The following chart gives an overview of the NZeTa/visa waiver, as well as the different types of visas.

How to apply for a visa

You can apply for most visas - including student or work visas - online via the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website. The NZeTA / Visitor entry can be obtained either through the website or mobile app.

INZ also has a special application for those applying for the Working Holiday Visa.⁴

The typical documents which you’ll need to submit with your application include:⁵

• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay)
• Passport-sized photo (if required)
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
• Travel itinerary or return ticket
• Job offer letter (for work visas)
• Letter of acceptance from a New Zealand educational institution (for student visas)
• Health and character documents (e.g., medical exams, police certificates) if required

All visas are typically approved within two to eight weeks, but some have shorter or longer processing times depending on demand.

How much does the visa cost?⁶

The following breaks down the approximate current costs for the NZeTa and each type of visa.

• NZeTa: Between NZ $117-123⁷
• United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa (WHV): NZ $770
• Fee‑Paying Student Visa (for full‑time study):NZ $850
• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) / many other temporary work visas: NZ $1,540
• Visitor Visa (if needed instead of visa‑waiver/NZeTA; not for working): Approximately NZ $341–$441
• Medical visa: From NZ $341

Most visa and entry permit applications also require an additional non-refundable cost of NZ $100 for the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).⁷

Keep in mind that there might also be extra costs for work visas such as health checks, police certificates and chest X-rays.

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FAQs

What travel documents do I need for visiting New Zealand?

To visit New Zealand you’ll need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), and a passport valid at least three months after your date of departure. Border agents may also ask to see proof of sufficient funds for your stay and an onward or return ticket.

Can I get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) at the border?

No, the NZeTA needs to be approved before you travel. If you arrive without an approved NZeTA, you may be refused entry.

How much does the NZeTa cost?

If you apply for the NZeTa using the official mobile app, you can expect to pay NZ $17, whereas you’ll pay NZ $23 using the official website. On top of that, there’s a mandatory visitor levy: the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which is NZD $100 per person.

Do I need any vaccinations to travel to New Zealand?⁹

No vaccinations are required, although it’s a sound idea to keep up to date with routine immunisations such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and to consult a GP or travel clinic if you have any medical concerns before your trip.

Sources used for this article:

Sources checked on 30-November-2025