Visit family, friends, or explore the great outdoors. A New Zealand visitor visa opens the doors. We'll take the paperwork out of your hands.

Who the Visitor Visa Is For

A New Zealand visitor visa is designed for people who want to:

• Holiday or travel in New Zealand for up to 9 months
• Visit friends and family living here
• Explore study or work options before committing long-term
• Attend short-term courses (up to 3 months) such as English language training
• Join family members already on visas, before deciding on a longer-term pathway

It’s the perfect option if you’re not ready to study or work yet, but want to experience what life in New Zealand is really like.

The Most Common Visitor Visa Types

Not all visitor visas are the same. Here are the main options Immigration NZ offers:

• Standard Visitor Visa
  For tourism, visiting friends/family, or short-term courses. Usually valid up to 9 months in an 18-month period.
• Family Visitor Visa
  For partners, children, or extended family visiting loved ones in New Zealand.
• Business Visitor Visa
  For short-term business trips such as meetings, conferences, or exploring business opportunities.
• Group Visitor Visa
  For organised groups (tour groups, sports teams, or cultural exchanges) travelling together.
• Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa
  For parents or legal guardians accompanying children under 18 studying in New Zealand.
• Visa Waiver Visitors
  Citizens of certain countries can visit without applying in advance, but they must request a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before arrival.

What the Visa Lets You Do

A visitor visa is flexible, but it has limits. With it, you can:

• Stay in New Zealand for up to 9 months in an 18-month period
• Travel freely around the country during your stay
• Study short courses (up to 3 months, including English language courses)
• Explore future options for study or work visas while you’re here
• Visit family or attend special events like weddings and reunions

You cannot work on a visitor visa (other than very limited volunteering). If you’re hoping to work, you’ll need a work visa instead.

What You’ll Usually Need to Apply

Immigration NZ wants to know you’re a genuine visitor and won’t overstay. Typical requirements include:

• Proof of onward travel: return ticket or evidence you can afford to buy one
• Proof of funds: around NZD $1,000 per month (or $400 per month if accommodation is prepaid)
• Valid passport: must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure
• Medical insurance: strongly recommended (mandatory for some visa types)
• Accommodation details: hotel bookings, Airbnb confirmations, or family/friend invitations
• Genuine visitor evidence: a travel itinerary, holiday plans, or invitation letters from family/friends

Processing Times & Costs

Processing times can vary, but most visitor visas are decided within 20–60 days. NZeTA requests are usually processed within 72 hours.

Costs to budget for:

• Standard visitor visa application: around NZD $200–$250
• NZeTA: NZD $23–$35 (depending on whether you apply online or via the app)
• Medical insurance: varies, but typically $300–$600 for 6 months
• Proof of funds: at least $1,000 per month of stay

Pathways After a Visitor Visa

Many people use the visitor visa as a first step into New Zealand. Once here, you might:

• Switch to a Student Visa if you decide to study
• Apply for a Work Visa if you find a suitable opportunity and meet the criteria
• Apply for a Partner or Family Visa if you start or join a relationship with a New Zealander
• Extend your visitor visa if you want to stay longer (up to 12 months in a 24-month period in some cases)

Visitor visas aren’t just for short trips — they can be the beginning of a bigger move.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We see a lot of visitor visa applications delayed or declined for simple reasons:

• Not showing enough funds: Immigration NZ needs proof you can afford your stay
• Unclear travel plans: vague itineraries raise red flags
• Applying too late: especially for peak travel times, when processing queues are longer
• Confusing visitor visas with work visas: you can’t legally work on a visitor visa, even casual or part-time jobs
• Relying only on verbal invitations: family/friends should provide written invitation letters with supporting evidence

Avoiding these mistakes makes your application much smoother.

How We Can Help

Applying for a visitor visa may look simple, but small errors can cause big delays. We can:

• Check your documents and financial evidence before you apply
• Help you prepare a clear travel itinerary and invitation letters
• Advise whether you qualify for a visa waiver or need a full visitor visa
• Handle communication with Immigration NZ if more info is requested
• Plan your next steps if you’re considering study, work, or family visas after your visit

Our goal is to make the process stress-free so you can focus on your trip.