Visitor Visa

Temporary entry to New Zealand for tourism, visiting family, business, and other short‑term lawful purposes.

Status: active
Updated: 2026-04-30
Sources: V2V2.1V2.5V2.10V2.15V2.20V2.25V2.35V3V3.1V3.5V3.105V3.10V3.25V3.30V3.35V3.40V3.45V3.50V3.60V3.65V3.70V3.80V3.81V3.85V3.90V3.95V3.100V3.100.1V3.100.5V3.100.10V3.100.15V3.100.20V3.100.25V3.100.30V3.100.35V3.110V3.110.1V3.110.5V3.110.10V3.115V3.120V3.120.1V3.120.1.1V3.120.5V3.120.5.1V3.120.5.5V3.120.5.10V3.120.5.15V3.120.5.25V3.120.5.30V3.120.5.35V3.120.5.40V3.120.10.1V3.120.10.5V3.120.10.10V3.120.10.15V3.120.10.20V3.120.10.25V3.120.15V3.120.15.1V3.120.15.5V3.120.20V3.120.25.1V3.120.25.5V3.120.25.10V3.120.25.20V3.120.25.30V3.120.25.35V3.120.30V3.125V3.130V3.135V3.140V3.140.5V3.140.10V3.145V3.150

At a glance

The Visitor Visa allows temporary stay in New Zealand for tourism, visiting family and friends, business visits, short-term study, medical treatment, and other lawful purposes. All applicants must satisfy the general requirements set out in V2. [V2]

How to apply

Applications for a Visitor Visa are lodged with Immigration New Zealand. Applicants must provide the required documentation and meet all relevant immigration instructions. For detailed procedures see the processes for lodging a temporary visa application.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a Visitor Visa, applicants must comply with the general requirements for visitors in V2. This includes, but is not limited to, being a bona fide applicant (genuine temporary intention and low overstay risk), meeting health and character standards, and having sufficient funds for their stay and onward travel. The specific requirements and any subcategories are detailed within the V2 section of the Operational Manual. [V2]

In addition to the general V2 umbrella, the following explicit conditions are set out in V2.1: [V2.1]

meet the Generic Temporary Entry instructions for lodging an application, being a bona fide applicant, and meeting health and character standards [V2.1]
meet funds or sponsorship requirements (see V2.20) [V2.1]
meet onward travel requirements, if applicable (see V2.25) [V2.1]
be coming to New Zealand for a lawful purpose [V2.1]

A lawful purpose includes holidaying, sightseeing, family and social visits, amateur sport, business consultation, medical treatment, guest of government visits, and (until 26/07/2024) staying temporarily to arrange travel due to COVID‑19. Visitors must not intend to undertake employment or a programme of study or training, except for permitted short‑term study (see V2.35 and U2.5(b)). [V2.1]

Funds or sponsorship requirements

Applicants for a visitor visa must meet the funds or sponsorship requirement set out in V2.20. [V2.20]

The applicant must either:

have genuinely available funds of at least NZ$1,000 per month for maintenance and accommodation during their stay, or NZ$400 per month if accommodation has been prepaid; or [V2.20]
be sponsored by a person, organisation, or government agency that meets the generic sponsorship requirements at E6.5 (see Sponsorship for temporary entry). [V2.20]

Acceptable evidence of sufficient funds includes cash, travellers' cheques, bank drafts, recognised credit or debit cards with sufficient credit, certification from a reputable travel agency (for group visas), a bank statement showing funds in an account the applicant will have access to in New Zealand, or a letter of financial support from the applicant's employer or home government. [V2.20]

Sponsored applicants or their sponsors must provide the relevant sponsor form. [V2.20]

No funds or sponsorship evidence is required for an applicant who is the partner or dependent child of:

a work visa holder whose income is sufficient to provide maintenance and accommodation to the applicant (see V2.20(a)); or [V2.20]
a student visa holder where the student holds a scholarship that guarantees maintenance and accommodation to the family of the student. [V2.20]

Pregnant applicants who are due to give birth while in New Zealand must, in addition, provide evidence of at least NZ$9,000 available for maternity-related services, or sponsorship covering those costs, or eligibility for publicly-funded maternity services. [V2.20]

Onward travel requirements

Applicants for a visitor visa must have the means to leave New Zealand. [V2.25]

Evidence of onward travel arrangements includes, but is not limited to: [V2.25]

actual travel tickets (confirmed or open-dated) out of New Zealand to a country where the applicant has the right of entry;
for applicants on arrival in New Zealand, a visitor visa endorsed to show the onward travel requirement has been met or waived;
written confirmation from an airline or travel agency that onward travel has been booked and paid for;
a letter from the applicant's employer or home government guaranteeing onward travel arrangements will be made, if travelling on business;
travel arrangements to be confirmed subject to payment, provided the applicant has sufficient funds to confirm the arrangements.

Sponsored applicants must provide a completed Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025) from their sponsor. [V2.25]

Evidence of onward travel is not required for an applicant who is the partner or dependent child of: [V2.25]

a work visa holder whose income is sufficient to purchase outward travel to a country where the person has the right of entry; or
a student visa holder where the student holds a scholarship that guarantees onward travel for the student's family.

Length of permitted stay

The maximum stay on a visitor visa is nine months, except in specific circumstances. Additional stay may be granted to genuine tourists needing no more than an extra three months to complete their itinerary, to applicants under a special category that allows a longer stay, to those who cannot leave due to circumstances beyond their control, or to first-time residence applicants awaiting a decision (up to an additional three months, for a maximum of 12 months). A person who has stayed for 12 months under one of these exceptions must spend 12 months outside New Zealand before being approved for another visitor visa. [V2.5]

A visitor visa should normally result in a total stay of no more than nine months in the 18‑month period before the proposed visa expiry. For visa-waiver travellers granted a visa at the border, the limit is six months in the 12‑month period before expiry. [V2.5]

Special temporary provision: a further visa of up to six months may be granted to an applicant who is in New Zealand, holds a current visa, applies before 30 June 2021, and meets all other visitor visa requirements (health, character, funds, onward travel). [V2.5]

Visitors may be granted a single journey visa, which authorises travel for up to six months from the date it is granted. [V2.10]

Multiple journey visas

Multiple journey visas (V2.15) are designed for applicants who have bona fide reasons to regularly travel to New Zealand for visits of up to six months at a time. [V2.15]

To be granted a multiple journey visa, an applicant must: [V2.15]

lodge a visitor visa application from outside New Zealand [V2.15]
meet all visitor visa requirements (see V2.1) [V2.15]
not have been in New Zealand for more than nine months in the preceding 18-month period at the time of application (see V2.5) [V2.15]

A multiple journey visa may be current for travel for up to 3 years from grant (so long as the passport remains valid). For US nationals, the maximum validity is 4 years; for Chinese nationals, it is 5 years. [V2.15]

On arrival, the holder may be granted entry permission provided they will not spend more than six months in New Zealand in the 12-month period before the end of their current stay. [V2.15]

Where an applicant is applying under another visitor category that allows multiple journey visas, those instructions prevail. [V2.15]

Short-term study in schools

Visitor visa holders may undertake short-term study in primary, intermediate, secondary, or composite schools without obtaining a student visa or variation of conditions, provided the study meets the rules below [V2.35]:

The study must be a single period of up to three months per calendar year. [V2.35]
The single period must start and finish within the same calendar year. [V2.35]
The period must not be in term 1 if a visitor visa was held and a single period of study was undertaken in term 4 of the previous year. [V2.35]

Visitor visa holders undertaking such study must attend a school that is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 if either: [V2.35]

they attend for more than two weeks; or
they are fee-paying foreign students.

However, attendance at a signatory school is not required where the visitor visa holder is studying under a reciprocal exchange scheme managed by an Exchange Programme Organisation (EPO) approved by the Ministry of Education [V2.35].

Special categories of visitors (V3)

Immigration instructions recognise a number of special categories of visitors, including members of visiting forces, cruise ship passengers, film crews, cultural programme visitors, and medical evacuees. Each category has individual requirements and conditions outlined in V3. Visitors who meet the criteria for one of these categories may be granted a visitor visa under that special category, which can carry different conditions on length of stay, work rights, or other aspects. [V3] For partners of New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders, see Temporary entry class visa for partners and dependent children for the visitor visa rules under V3.15.

Medical treatment and consultation (V3.40)

Visitors who can demonstrate acceptance for, and ability to pay for, medical treatment or consultation in New Zealand may be granted a visitor visa authorising a maximum stay of six months. [V3.40] All applicants for this purpose must apply for a visitor visa before travelling, even if they are from a visa-waiver country. [V3.40]

Citizens of South Pacific countries may access funded treatment if the required treatment is not available in their home country and is funded by either their home government or New Zealand's Official Development Assistance (ODA) Medical Treatment Scheme administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. [V3.40] Renal dialysis will not be granted unless sponsored under those funding arrangements. [V3.40]

Evidence requirements: Immigration officers must be satisfied that the applicant has provided: [V3.40]

a completed Details of Intended Medical Treatment (INZ 1009) form; [V3.40]
written evidence of acceptance for treatment, such as a letter from the appropriate medical authorities to the health authority in the applicant's home country; [V3.40]
details of expected costs of medical treatment; [V3.40]
evidence that the applicant will be able to meet all medical costs, unless funded under the special arrangements described above; [V3.40]
if necessary, evidence that the applicant requires an escort due to the nature of the condition. [V3.40]

Further stay for medical treatment: Visitors needing medical treatment beyond the currency of their initial visa may be granted a further visitor visa if they were granted visas for medical treatment and need more time to continue treatment, or if they became ill or had an accident during their visit, still require treatment (cannot travel), and will meet all ongoing medical costs (unless funded under special arrangements or covered by a Reciprocal Health Agreement). [V3.40] Such applicants are not subject to the normal maximum stay requirement (see V2.5(a)(ii)). [V3.40]

Evidence for further stay: Applicants must provide a completed INZ 1009 form and a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner stating the nature of the illness or disability, details of treatment, and expected recovery time, plus evidence of how costs will be met. [V3.40] Applications may be sent to an INZ medical assessor unless the further visa is for one month or less and the immigration officer intends to approve it. [V3.40] If the assessment is unfavourable, the applicant must be given an opportunity to comment on prejudicial information before a final decision. [V3.40] If the initial visa expires while awaiting the medical assessor's assessment, a further visitor visa may be granted to cover the period. [V3.40]

Escorts: Escorts of patients coming for medical treatment or consultation may be granted a visitor visa authorising the same length of stay as the patient. [V3.40] Escorts must be a medical professional or a family member or friend, and must be required because of the nature of the patient's condition. [V3.40]

Escorts for further treatment: Escorts of patients needing further medical treatment may be granted a visitor visa to stay during the patient's further treatment if they meet the general visitor visa requirements (see V2.1), have been granted a visa as an escort of the patient, and the patient needs further time for treatment and has been granted a further visa. [V3.40]

Emergency medical treatment: In an emergency, patients may be granted a visa as an exception to normal instructions to obtain medical treatment in New Zealand, and escorts may also be granted a visa as an exception to normal instructions. [V3.40] An officer with Schedule 1 delegation may waive the mandatory requirements and conditions for a visitor visa to be granted to a patient and escort. [V3.40] An emergency includes, but is not limited to, a situation where local health authorities judge it vital to the patient's survival to transfer them immediately to New Zealand, or a passenger or crew member on a ship or aircraft has an accident or sudden illness. [V3.40]

Applicants seeking occupational registration (V3.45)

Applicants who seek entry to obtain New Zealand occupational registration may be granted a visitor visa (or, in the case of a Philippines nurse, a work visa under WS2.1.1(k)) provided the required practical or educational training lasts less than 3 months. [V3.45]

Applicants who have applied for residence while on a temporary visa and need to exceed the maximum stay to meet registration requirements may be granted a further visitor visa, again provided the training lasts less than 3 months. [V3.45]

If the training will take longer than 3 months, applicants must apply for a student visa and provide satisfactory evidence of the time needed to complete registration requirements. [V3.45]

A visa may be granted for a stay longer than 3 months if the applicant provides satisfactory evidence that doing so is necessary to complete registration requirements. [V3.45]

Confirmation from registration body (V3.45.1): Immigration officers must sight written confirmation from the appropriate registration body that the applicant is eligible to undertake the registration process in New Zealand and has completed any enrolment requirements, including meeting applicable English language requirements. [V3.45]

Antarctic Treaty associated persons (V3.50)

People travelling between mainland New Zealand and the Ross Dependency are regarded as domestic travellers for immigration purposes. [V3.50]

Members of, or a person associated with, any scientific programme or expedition under the auspices of a Contracting Party to the Antarctic Treaty, or a person to whom section 5 of the Antarctica Act 1960 applies, who travels to New Zealand with orders for the Antarctic, may be granted a visitor visa valid for 12 months from first arrival in New Zealand. [V3.50]

Applicants must provide a letter from the Contracting Party to the Antarctic Treaty confirming the applicant's status under V3.50.1(a). [V3.50]

Persons in this category must meet the bona fide applicant requirement (E5) but are exempt from: [V3.50]

providing an application fee [V3.50]
meeting funds or sponsorship requirements [V3.50]
meeting onward travel requirements [V3.50]

Such persons must also meet temporary entry health and character requirements. However, a letter from the Contracting Party confirming the applicant's status under V3.50.1(a) is sufficient evidence that the applicant meets temporary entry class health and character requirements, despite V2.1(a)(iii). [V3.50]

Pitcairn Islanders (V3.60)

Pitcairn Islanders may be granted a visitor visa permitting a maximum stay of six months. Pitcairn Islanders are British citizens and travel on British passports. [V3.60] They may also be granted a visitor visa and entry permission to receive medical treatment, for which sponsorship by Pitcairn authorities (such as the Pitcairn Island administration officer) undertaking costs of repatriation and payment of expenses is acceptable. [V3.60] Immigration officers must be satisfied that Pitcairn Islanders have sufficient funds for their return passage. [V3.60]

Pitcairn Islanders who arrive in New Zealand without a passport may be given a certificate of identity, granted an initial six-week visitor visa, and advised to obtain a British passport. A further visitor visa may be granted once a British passport is produced and the certificate of identity returned. [V3.60]

Conference delegates (V3.65)

Organisers of conferences in New Zealand should contact the nearest branch of Immigration New Zealand to establish the best means of facilitating the entry of overseas delegates. [V3.65] Immigration officers should consult with the Border Security Group when considering applications for conference delegates and adopt a flexible approach to facilitate entry. Where necessary, immigration officers may consider granting or obtaining a special direction under section 378 of the Immigration Act 2009 to approve a visa waiver for travel. [V3.65]

Group visas

Group visas may be granted to groups of people who will be arriving in, and visiting New Zealand together, for the same purpose. The visa must name each member of the group and is current for travel within one month of the applicants' intended date of arrival in New Zealand, unless the immigration officer considers the applicants' circumstances warrant a longer or shorter period. [V3.1]

A leader must take charge of the group visa and must:

present it on arrival with the passports or travel documents of the people named in it; and [V3.1]
ensure that the group stays together as a single unit on arrival and completes all necessary arrival formalities. [V3.1]

Business visitors (V3.5)

Business visitors who are not considered to be undertaking employment may be granted a visitor visa, provided their intended stay in New Zealand is no longer than 3 months in any one year. [V3.5]

Such business visitors include: [V3.5]

representatives on official trade missions recognised by the New Zealand Government;
sales representatives of overseas companies in New Zealand for periods totalling no more than 3 months in any calendar year;
overseas buyers of New Zealand goods or services for periods totalling no more than 3 months in any calendar year;
persons undertaking business consultations or negotiations on establishing, expanding, or winding up any business enterprise in New Zealand, or carrying on any business in New Zealand, involving authorised representatives of any overseas company, body or person, for periods totalling no more than 3 months in any calendar year.

Business visitors who need to stay longer than 3 months in any one year, and all other business visitors, must apply for a work visa. [V3.5]

Note: These instructions reflect New Zealand's international trade commitments. [V3.5]

APEC Business Travel Cardholders (V3.105)

Business visitors from APEC economies holding an APEC Travel Card with New Zealand clearance, and who are not considered to be undertaking employment, may enter New Zealand as visitors. [V3.105] Such persons include sales representatives, buyers, and people attending business consultations or negotiations. [V3.105]

Details of APEC cardholders who have received clearance from their home economy are sent to Immigration New Zealand for pre-clearance approval. [V3.105] Cardholders who receive pre-clearance approval will be granted a visitor visa on arrival allowing a stay of three months. [V3.105]

APEC cardholders from all APEC economies except Australia who intend a stay of more than three months must apply for a work visa under normal work instructions. [V3.105]

Interim APEC Travel Cards: Business visitors who hold an interim APEC Travel Card without New Zealand clearance must meet normal visa requirements before travelling to New Zealand. [V3.105]

These instructions reflect New Zealand's international trade commitments. [V3.105]

Partners and dependent children of student or work visa holders (V3.10)

Subject to E4.5, partners and dependent children of student or work visa holders may be granted visitor visas for the duration of the principal's visa, provided they are not excluded by specific restrictions. [V3.10] This category is not available if the supporting partner or parent holds a visa under certain excluded categories (such as foreign crew fishing vessels, RSE, SSE, SMC Job Search, Working Holiday Schemes, diplomatic domestic staff, or seasonal worker pathways). [V3.10] Detailed eligibility criteria, including special rules for Accredited Employer Work Visa and Specific Purpose Work Visa holders, income thresholds for dependent children, and provisions for work rights for children awaiting residence, are set out in Temporary entry class visa for partners and dependent children. [V3.10]

Children entering New Zealand for adoption (V3.25)

Children entering New Zealand to be adopted by New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders under the Adoption Act 1955 may be granted a temporary visa authorising an initial stay of up to 12 months. [V3.25]

An application for this category must include: [V3.25]

evidence of the support of the Ministry for Children, Oranga Tamariki;
the child's birth certificate;
evidence of the immigration status or New Zealand citizenship of the adoptive parents.

Immigration officers may waive, by special direction, the funds, onward travel, and health requirements for these children. [V3.25]

Applications made before these instructions came into effect that had not yet been decided may still be granted a visa allowing an initial stay of up to 12 months, despite the requirement to determine applications under the instructions in effect at the time the application is made (E7.10(a)(ii)). [V3.25]

Further temporary visas of up to 12 months each may be granted to enable a total stay sufficient to submit a full adoption order if: [V3.25]

any interim order issued under the Adoption Act 1955 is still valid (unless the adoption is a Hague Convention adoption under the Adoption (Intercountry) Act 1997); and
the Ministry for Children, Oranga Tamariki advises INZ of progress on the adoption.

The further visa pathway ensures the child may lawfully remain in New Zealand while the adoption process is completed. [V3.25]

Children adopted overseas before citizenship is confirmed (V3.30)

Children entering New Zealand with their adoptive parents may be granted a visitor visa authorising a maximum stay of 6 months, provided that the child has applied for New Zealand citizenship, the overseas adoption order has the same effect as a New Zealand adoption order under section 17 of the Adoption Act 1955 or the Adoption (Intercountry) Act 1997, and a birth certificate and evidence of the adoptive parents' citizenship are submitted. [V3.30]

Where the adoption order is described in sections 17(1) and 17(2) of the Adoption Act 1955, a visa cannot be granted under these instructions unless the adoption is from an exempt country listed in Schedule 1AAB of that Act. In such cases, there is no discretion to grant a visa under V3.30, though an immigration officer may consider an application under other temporary entry instructions. [V3.30]

Further temporary visas may be granted for up to 12 months at a time to cover the period while the Department of Internal Affairs processes the child's citizenship application. Immigration officers must sight confirmation that the DIA is processing the application before granting any further visa. [V3.30]

Culturally arranged marriage visitors (V3.35)

People who have married, or intend to marry, a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder may be granted a visitor visa under this special category if the marriage follows an identified and recognised cultural tradition where the arrangements for the marriage are made by third parties (persons who are not parties to the marriage). The visa authorises a maximum stay of 3 months from the date of arrival. [V3.35]

To qualify, the applicant must meet all of the following conditions: [V3.35]

the marriage follows an identified and recognised cultural tradition where arrangements, including facilitation of the initial selection of the persons to be married, are made by persons who are not parties to the marriage [V3.35]
it is intended that the marriage will be maintained on a long term and exclusive basis [V3.35]
the New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder the applicant intends to marry: supports the application; is an eligible partner under partnership residence instructions; and meets the character requirements for partners supporting partnership-based temporary entry applications [V3.35]
there is no legal impediment to the intended marriage — both parties must be free to marry (neither already married to another person) and must not be close relatives within the prohibited degrees of marriage under Schedule 2 of the Marriage Act 1955 [V3.35]
where the applicant will marry in New Zealand, the couple genuinely intend to marry within 3 months of the applicant's arrival [V3.35]

If applicants are already in New Zealand when applying, the visa will be current for a maximum of 3 months from their date of arrival in New Zealand. [V3.35]

The applicant does not require an outward ticket if the New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder they intend to marry, or another New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder, formally sponsors the applicant using the relevant INZ sponsorship form. In such cases the sponsor must satisfy an immigration officer they will meet their sponsorship undertakings. [V3.35]

Evidence requirements (V3.35.1): Immigration officers must establish, through interview and/or documentary evidence, and be satisfied that there is a genuine intent to marry (or that the marriage ceremony genuinely occurred if already married before travelling to New Zealand), that the marriage follows a recognised cultural tradition with third-party arrangements, and that the couple intend to live together in a long-term exclusive relationship. [V3.35]

All applicants must provide the Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146) completed by their intended New Zealand partner, confirming the partner supports the application, is an eligible partner under partnership instructions, complies with the minimum requirements for recognition of partnerships, and meets the character requirements for partners supporting partnership-based temporary entry applications. [V3.35]

Substantive evidence must be provided to demonstrate that the marriage follows an identified and recognised cultural tradition where the arrangements are made by third parties. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to: [V3.35]

communication between the parents of the couple, or a person acting as a go-between or matchmaker, or both [V3.35]
other documents indicating public recognition of the arrangement, or ceremony, or both [V3.35]
confirmation from independent sources that such arrangements or ceremonies, or both, are in accordance with the cultural custom of the parties concerned [V3.35]

Crew members joining vessels or aircraft (V3.70)

Crew members who hold a crew ETA before travelling to New Zealand and travel to New Zealand as a passenger on a commercial aircraft for the purpose of leaving New Zealand as aircraft crew, cargo ship crew (including crew of a foreign ship authorised to carry coastal cargo), or cruise ship crew, may be granted a visitor visa on arrival. [V3.70]

The maximum stay granted on arrival is: [V3.70]

7 days for aircraft crew [V3.70]
35 days for cargo ship crew (including crew of a foreign ship authorised to carry coastal cargo) and cruise ship crew [V3.70]

Crew members must obtain a visitor visa before travelling to New Zealand if: [V3.70]

they do not hold a crew ETA and travel to New Zealand as a passenger on a commercial aircraft for the purpose of leaving New Zealand as crew [V3.70], or
they are not described in the above categories and are from a country that does not have a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand, and are entering New Zealand to join a vessel or aircraft that will depart for another country [V3.70]

A visitor visa allowing a maximum stay of 28 days will be granted to applicants who need a visa before travelling if they provide fully documented evidence of their engagement as a crew member in New Zealand. [V3.70]

All visitor visas granted under these instructions carry conditions enabling the holder to work as crew in or on the craft. [V3.70]

Visitors arriving by yacht or private aircraft (V3.80)

Visitors arriving by private craft (yacht or private aircraft) must, in addition to meeting standard visitor instructions and mandatory requirements, provide: [V3.80]

evidence of NZ$400 per month if living on board a yacht; [V3.80]
an outward ticket (or evidence of sufficient funds to purchase one) if departing by commercial transport. [V3.80]

If not departing by commercial transport, the visitor must provide: [V3.80]

for owners and their dependants, evidence of craft ownership and adequate insurance; or [V3.80]
for crew and passengers, a letter from the owner or captain confirming they will depart on that craft. [V3.80]

A visitor visa to stay beyond the maximum permitted period may be granted if: [V3.80]

a yacht or aircraft needs refitting or major repairs; or [V3.80]
yacht crews wish to wait out the South Pacific hurricane season (October to April). [V3.80]

Owners and crew of super yachts (V3.81)

Owners and crew of super yachts are not considered to be undertaking employment. They may be granted a visitor visa allowing multiple entry and an initial stay of up to six months. If required, further visitor visas may be granted on application, allowing a total stay of up to 12 months. [V3.81]

For the purposes of these instructions, a super yacht is any privately owned yacht over 20 metres in length powered by motor and/or sail. [V3.81]

Sports events, tours, and tournaments (V3.85)

Sports people, support staff, match and tournament officials, and media and broadcasting personnel undertaking short-term engagements of up to three months, associated with a sports event, tour, or tournament, may be granted a visitor visa. [V3.85]

Nationals of visa‑waiver countries may be granted a visitor visa and entry permission on arrival. [V3.85]
Nationals of countries that require a visitor visa must apply for a visitor visa before travelling to New Zealand. [V3.85]
Engagements longer than three months require a work visa applied for before travel. [V3.85]

Support staff and match/tournament officials must satisfy an immigration officer that they are essential to the success of the sports event, tour, or tournament. Positions include, but are not limited to: team management (coaches, administrative and logistics staff), medical personnel (doctors, physiotherapists), match officials (referees, umpires), and tournament officials (judicial and anti‑doping officials). [V3.85]

Media and broadcasting personnel must satisfy an immigration officer that they are accredited by the event's international governing body or the New Zealand organising committee to cover the event. [V3.85]

Visitor visas for refugee or protection status claimants (V3.90)

Refugee or protection status claimants may be granted visitor visas while they await a decision on their claim. [V3.90] Applications must be made in the prescribed manner (see E4), but an appropriately delegated immigration officer may waive, by special direction, the requirement to produce evidence of funds or sponsorship and the requirement to produce evidence of travel tickets or onward travel arrangements. [V3.90]

Applicants are exempt from paying the application fee, Immigration Levy, and International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. [V3.90]

Immigration officers should refer to E8.10 for further guidance on temporary visas for refugee or protection status claimants. [V3.90] For the full refugee and protection claims framework, see Refugee and protection objective.

German law students and graduates (V3.95)

Law students and law graduates from Germany, who come to New Zealand as unpaid observers with New Zealand law firms, are not considered to be undertaking employment and may be granted a standard visitor visa permitting a stay of up to 6 months. [V3.95] Immigration officers must sight a written offer of a temporary position as an unpaid observer with a New Zealand law firm for a specified period (up to 6 months). [V3.95]

Guardians accompanying students to New Zealand (V3.100)

A person may be granted a visitor visa as the legal guardian of a foreign fee-paying student to live with and care for that student in New Zealand [V3.100]. The student must hold a current student visa and be aged 17 or younger, or enrolled in school years 1–13 [V3.100]. Only one legal guardian per student (or per family, if more than one student visa is held by members of the same family) will be granted a visa under these instructions at any given time [V3.100].

Definition of legal guardian: A legal guardian is the person with the legal right and responsibility to provide for the care (including education and health) of the international student, and who provides that care in the student's home country — for example, a biological or adoptive parent, testamentary guardian, or court-appointed guardian [V3.100.5].

Length of permitted stay: Successful applicants receive a multiple-entry visitor visa current for the same period as the student's visa [V3.100.10]. If the student is not enrolled in school years 1–13 and turns 18 during the validity of the student visa, the guardian's visa may only be granted until the day before the student turns 18 [V3.100.10].

Further visitor visas: Further visas may be granted if the guardian continues to meet the requirements, makes an application and pays the fee, and the guardian has lived with and cared for the student during the previous visa [V3.100.15]. The length of stay for further visas is in line with V3.100.10 [V3.100.15].

Funds: Applicants must have at least NZ$1,000 per month for maintenance and accommodation, or NZ$400 per month if accommodation has been prepaid [V3.100.20].

Onward travel: Evidence of onward travel arrangements must be provided in accordance with V2.25 [V3.100.25].

Health and character: Applicants must meet the temporary entry health and character requirements [V3.100.30].

Deportation liability: A guardian visa holder becomes liable for deportation if the student becomes liable for deportation [V3.100.1]. The visa is also subject to the condition that the holder lives in New Zealand with the student (unless a temporary exemption under U7.25 has been granted); breach of this condition may also trigger deportation liability [V3.100.1]. The note in V3.100 warns that if the guardian's presence and support was material to enrolment, failure to live with and care for the student may lead to the student's deportation under U7.10 [V3.100.1].

Work and study while in New Zealand: Guardian visa holders are not eligible for a work visa under Accredited Employer Work Visa instructions or Specific Purpose or Event instructions, nor for a student visa under Student instructions [V3.100.35]. They may apply for a variation of conditions to allow part-time work between 9:30am and 2:30pm Monday to Friday (inclusive), or part-time study, provided they meet general work or student requirements [V3.100.35]. A variation of conditions will not be granted if the proposed employer (or an associated person) has a history of non-compliance with employment standards or is on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's list of non-compliant employers [V3.100.35].

Parent and grandparent multiple entry visitor visa (V3.110)

The parent and grandparent multiple entry visitor visa facilitates visits by parents or grandparents (and their partners) to their New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder children or grandchildren. It is a special category under V3. [V3.110]

Eligibility: Applicants must apply for a visitor visa from outside New Zealand, meet Generic Temporary Entry Instructions, and provide a full medical certificate as if intending to remain in New Zealand for more than 12 months (see Health requirements). [V3.110] Children of the principal applicant or their partner must obtain their own visitor visa; they cannot be included under this category. [V3.110] The applicant must be sponsored by their child or grandchild aged 18 or older who meets the sponsorship requirements at E6 (see Sponsorship for temporary entry). [V3.110] If the child or grandchild is under 18, a parent of that child or grandchild (whether or not that parent is also a child of the principal applicant) may sponsor if they meet E6 sponsorship requirements, with evidence of the family relationship. [V3.110] A sponsor may sponsor only one person or one family unit (principal applicant and partner) at a time. [V3.110]

Supporting documents: Applicants must submit a completed Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025) completed by their sponsor, and immigration officers must sight evidence of the sponsor's New Zealand immigration or citizenship status and documents confirming the applicant's relationship to the child or grandchild. [V3.110.1]

Length of permitted stay: A visa granted under these instructions is a 3-year multiple entry visitor visa, allowing visits of 6 months from each date of arrival, provided the sponsor intends to be in New Zealand during each visit and supports the application. [V3.110.5] The total stay must not exceed 18 months during the currency of the visa. [V3.110.5]

Further visas: A further visa under these instructions will not normally be approved within 3 years of the date the most recent visa under these instructions was granted. [V3.110.10] People who were granted a visa under these instructions and whose sponsor was not in New Zealand during their visit(s), or who stayed in New Zealand in excess of the maximum allowable 18 months, will not normally be eligible for a subsequent multiple‑entry visitor visa under these instructions. [V3.110.10]

Work visa holders dismissed during trial period (V3.115)

Holders of a current work visa who held a visa subject to the condition that they may only take up employment with a specific employer, had a trial period of up to 90 days under section 67A of the Employment Relations Act 2000 in their employment agreement, were notified of dismissal during that trial period, and have not previously been the principal applicant in a successful application under these instructions, may be granted a visitor visa for up to three months. [V3.115]

Applicants must: [V3.115]

meet funds or sponsorship requirements for visitors (see [V2.20]);
provide evidence of travel tickets, onward travel arrangements or sufficient funds for the purchase of onward travel (see [V2.25]);
meet health and character requirements for temporary entry.

Partners and dependent children may be included in the principal applicant's visitor visa application. [V3.115]

Temporary Retirement Category (V3.120)

The Temporary Retirement Category allows people aged 66 or older to visit New Zealand for up to two years, provided they meet significant investment and income requirements. This is a special visitor visa category under V3. [V3.120] Dependent children cannot accompany the applicant. [V3.120]

Eligibility: The principal applicant must: be aged 66 or over [V3.120.1]; nominate at least NZ$750,000 in investment funds and undertake to invest them in New Zealand for two years [V3.120.5]; nominate NZ$500,000 in maintenance funds [V3.120.10.5]; and demonstrate an annual income of at least NZ$60,000 [V3.120.10.5]. Evidence of age may include a birth certificate, passport, or identity document. [V3.120.1.1] Both the principal applicant and any partner included in the application must meet health and character requirements and hold acceptable travel and/or health insurance. [V3.120]

Investment funds (NZ$750,000): The investment must be placed in an acceptable investment in New Zealand for two years. [V3.120.5] Acceptable investments include: bonds issued by the New Zealand government or local authorities; bonds issued by New Zealand firms traded on the NZDX or with at least a BBB- rating; equity in New Zealand firms (including managed funds); bonds or equities in New Zealand registered banks; residential property developments; or bonds in qualifying finance companies. [V3.120.5.25] The investment must be capable of a commercial return, not for personal use (such as a personal residence, car, or boat), made in New Zealand currency, and invested in lawful enterprises. [V3.120.5.25] [V3.120.5.30]

Nominated funds may be owned solely by the principal applicant or jointly with their partner (if the partnership is genuine and stable). [V3.120.5.1] Funds must be unencumbered, not borrowed, and legally earned or acquired. [V3.120.5.1] [V3.120.5.5] [V3.120.5.10] Gifts are permitted only if the funds were earned lawfully by the donor and are not New Zealand-based. [V3.120.5.1] Funds already held in New Zealand may be included at market value at the time of application, but prior investment periods cannot be counted toward the two-year requirement. [V3.120.5.15] Evidence of nominated funds must be provided through valuations no more than three months old from a reliable independent agency. [V3.120]

Managed funds and residential property development: Managed funds must be invested only in New Zealand companies; international exposure is acceptable only for the proportion invested in New Zealand. [V3.120.5.35] Residential property development investments must be new developments on new or existing sites (not renovations or extensions), approved by regulatory authorities, intended to produce a commercial return on the open market, and not occupied by the principal applicant's family or associates. [V3.120.5.40]

Maintenance funds (NZ$500,000) and annual income (NZ$60,000): The aim is to ensure the applicant can support themselves and their partner during the two-year visa. [V3.120.10.1] Maintenance funds may be owned solely by the principal applicant or jointly with their partner, and may be held in New Zealand or offshore bank accounts or as net assets. [V3.120.10.10] [V3.120.10.15] Evidence of annual income may include pensions, rental earnings, dividends, interest, company profits, or share trading. [V3.120.10.25] Income can be earned by the principal applicant alone or combined with their partner. [V3.120.10.20]

Health insurance: The principal applicant and their partner must hold travel and/or health insurance with a minimum policy limit of NZ$500,000 per annum, covering medical expenses, prescribed medicines (up to NZ$3,000), emergency dental care (up to NZ$3,000), and evacuation or return home in case of serious illness or disability. [V3.120.15] The insurer must have a credit rating of at least A (strong) or equivalent. [V3.120.15] Allowed exclusions include pre-existing conditions, elective cosmetic treatment, HIV/AIDS, suicide or attempted suicide, alcohol or non-prescribed drug-related incidents, regular pharmaceuticals, and assisted reproductive services. [V3.120.15.1] Evidence of insurance must be provided before visa grant, and the policy must be renewable to cover the full 24-month period. [V3.120.15.5]

Visa conditions: The visa is valid for a maximum of two years and allows multiple journeys. [V3.120.20] It is subject to the condition that the holder maintains acceptable travel and/or health insurance for the duration of their stay. [V3.120.20]

Approval in principle and transfer of funds: The transfer process is designed to ensure the legitimacy and lawful ownership of funds. [V3.120.25.1] Successful applicants receive approval in principle and must then transfer and invest the nominated funds within three months. [V3.120.25.5] [V3.120.25.20] Funds must be transferred through the banking system directly from the principal applicant's bank account to a New Zealand bank account, or via a foreign exchange company that uses the banking system. [V3.120.25.10] A business immigration specialist may accept borrowed funds in limited circumstances where the applicant owns net assets of equal or greater value and liquidating those assets is not economically viable. [V3.120.25.10] A temporary three-month visitor visa may be granted after approval in principle to allow the applicant to arrange the transfer and investment. [V3.120.25.30] Investments may be transferred between qualifying investments during the two-year period, provided the funds remain in New Zealand in New Zealand currency at all times. [V3.120.25.35]

Subsequent applications: For a further Temporary Retirement Category visa, applicants must demonstrate they maintained the NZ$750,000 investment and acceptable insurance throughout the previous visa period. [V3.120.30]

Partners and dependent children of military visa holders (V3.125)

Partners (see Temporary entry class visa for partners and dependent children) and dependent children (see E4.1.10) of military visa holders may be granted visitor visas if appropriate, for the same period as the military visa held or deemed to be held. [V3.125]

Applicants must meet temporary entry class requirements (lodging, bona fide, health, character) but are exempt from: [V3.125]

providing evidence of enrolment [V3.125]
providing guarantees of accommodation and maintenance [V3.125]
meeting onward travel requirements [V3.125]

Before granting a visitor visa, immigration officers must be satisfied that the applicant's partner or parent holds a military visa, is eligible to be granted one, or is deemed to hold one. [V3.125]

Partners of military visa holders (V3.125.1): Partners must prove they are living together in a genuine and stable partnership at the time of application, comply with minimum partnership requirements (E4.5.15 and F2.15), and have the military visa holder's support. [V3.125] Evidence of the relationship must include evidence of the relationship and living together (as per E4.5.35). [V3.125]

Visiting academics (V3.130)

Visiting academics are a special category of visitors whose activities are largely excluded from the definition of work, allowing them to enter on a visitor visa in many cases. [V3.130]

Eligibility and visa pathway:

Nationals of visa-waiver countries (see E2.1) may be granted a three-month visitor visa and entry permission on arrival. [V3.130]
Nationals required to hold a visitor visa must apply for a visitor visa before travelling. [V3.130]
If the visiting academic wishes to stay for more than three months, make multiple visits totalling more than three months in any calendar year, or undertake any activity that falls within the definition of work and is not listed in the excluded activities below, they must apply for a work visa before travelling. [V3.130]

Letter of invitation: Applicants must provide a letter of invitation from the Tertiary Education Institute (TEI) or Institutes where they plan to undertake the academic work, confirming: [V3.130]

the name of the applicant; [V3.130]
that the applicant meets the visiting academic definition (see below); [V3.130]
the activity or activities the applicant will undertake while in New Zealand; [V3.130]
the dates or duration of the activity or activities. [V3.130]

Note: Tertiary Education Institutes include New Zealand universities, institutes of technology, polytechnics, and the three wānanga (Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa). [V3.130]

Definition of visiting academic: A visiting academic must be: [V3.130]

well-qualified in their field; [V3.130]
either employed by an overseas academic or research institution, or have wide experience in such employment; [V3.130]
undertaking activities of a pedagogical, educational, professional management, or research nature. [V3.130]

Activities excluded from the definition of work: The following activities are not work and can be undertaken on a visitor visa: [V3.130]

collaborating on research projects with New Zealand TEI academics, including publishing work with New Zealand academics; [V3.130]
presenting at one-off seminars or conferences organised by the TEI; [V3.130]
providing teaching or tutoring for short courses in specialised areas where New Zealand academics lack the subject knowledge; [V3.130]
sourcing research material only available in New Zealand (including literature) or conducting research only able to be undertaken in New Zealand; [V3.130]
planning and management (including designing, developing, implementing and reviewing/auditing academic and research courses, programmes and resources; professional development, including teaching methods and curriculum development; and sourcing resource materials for academic and research programmes); [V3.130]
meeting with a post-graduate student they co-supervise if the student is enrolled at a New Zealand institution from which they will receive their qualification, if successful; [V3.130]
undertaking performance classes (e.g. in theatre, dance or music) or studio master classes (recording and mastering music); [V3.130]
participating on assessment panels for oral or practical examinations, including for theses; [V3.130]
study tours. [V3.130]

Child victims of people trafficking (V3.135)

Child victims of people trafficking may be granted visitor visas valid for 12 months. The applicant must have certification from the New Zealand Police that they are believed to be a victim of people trafficking. Applications must be made in the prescribed manner (see E4.50), but an appropriately delegated immigration officer may waive the application fee and the requirement to produce evidence of funds or sponsorship. A child victim of people trafficking is a person who was under the age of 18 at the time they were identified as a victim of people trafficking. A child victim may be in New Zealand unaccompanied, or may be a victim together with their parent(s). [V3.135]

Approved arts or music festival (V3.140)

Performers and/or immediate support crews may be granted a visitor visa to participate in an ‘approved’ arts or music festival. [V3.140] Visiting performers and/or immediate support crew from visa-waiver countries may be granted a three-month visitor visa and entry permission on arrival; those from countries requiring a visitor visa must apply for an approved arts or music festival visitor visa before travelling. [V3.140]

Applicants must meet temporary entry class requirements for lodging an application, being a bona fide applicant, having sufficient funds and onward travel, and meeting health and character requirements. [V3.140.10]

Applicants must provide a letter of invitation from the organisers of the ‘approved’ arts or music festival confirming their participation, including the applicant's name, the activity or activities they will undertake, and the dates or duration of the activities. [V3.140.10]

Definition of an 'approved' arts or music festival: An ‘approved’ arts or music festival is a festival hosted in New Zealand which has had a formal proposal accepted by Immigration New Zealand. [V3.140.5] Festival organisers must submit a proposal demonstrating that the festival has been established in New Zealand for at least three years and intends engaging at least 10 international participants (performers and/or direct support crew). [V3.140.10] INZ may consult with relevant organisations such as the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Creative New Zealand, and the Music Commission. [V3.140.10] Approval is valid for four years and may be renewed upon application where INZ is satisfied the festival organiser still meets the requirements. [V3.140.10] INZ will rescind a festival’s approval where it considers that festival organisers’ conduct has created an unacceptable risk to the integrity of New Zealand's immigration or employment laws or policies. [V3.140.10]

Short-term live entertainment acts (high-end music acts) (V3.145)

Performers and their immediate support crew who are promoted in New Zealand by a promoter on Immigration New Zealand's Approved Promoter List are considered 'short-term live entertainment acts' and may be granted a visitor visa to perform. [V3.145] Performances by these acts are excluded from the definition of work in section 4 of the Immigration Act 2009. [V3.145]

Nationals of visa-waiver countries may be granted a visitor visa and entry permission on arrival. [V3.145]
Nationals of countries that require a visa must apply for a visitor visa before travelling to New Zealand. [V3.145]

Applicants must meet temporary entry class requirements for lodging an application (E4), being a bona fide applicant (E5), meeting funds and onward travel requirements (V2.20, V2.25), and meeting health and character requirements (A4.5, A5.5). [V3.145] They must also provide written confirmation from the Approved Promoter confirming the applicant's name, the performance(s) to be undertaken, and the dates or duration of the performances. [V3.145]

Approved Promoter List requirements (V3.145.5):

To be added to the Approved Promoter List, promoters must submit a proposal to INZ demonstrating: [V3.145]

the promoter has been established for at least three years; [V3.145]
the promoter has a credible record of promoting international performers in New Zealand in the past three years; [V3.145]
the promoter has a history of compliance with immigration requirements. [V3.145]

Support from the New Zealand Music Commission, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, or Creative New Zealand is required; INZ will consult with these organisations to confirm support. [V3.145]

Approval is valid for four years and may be renewed upon application where INZ is satisfied the promoter still meets the requirements. [V3.145] INZ will rescind a promoter's approval where it considers the promoter's conduct has created an unacceptable risk to the integrity of New Zealand's immigration or employment laws or policies. [V3.145]

International Tour Escorts (V3.150)

Tour escorts accompanying tour groups may perform their duties in New Zealand while holding a visitor visa. [V3.150]

A tour escort is a person who: [V3.150]

arrives, leaves and travels within New Zealand with a tour group; [V3.150]
resides offshore; [V3.150]
is employed by an employer outside New Zealand (e.g. an overseas travel agent); [V3.150]
has the primary role of providing pastoral care, facilitating arrival and departure formalities, translation, logistical support and organisation for the tour group rather than leading activities or providing in-depth local knowledge. [V3.150]

Tour escorts from visa-waiver countries may be granted a three-month visitor visa and entry permission on arrival. [V3.150] Tour escorts from non-visa-waiver countries must apply for a visitor visa before travelling. [V3.150]

Applicants must hold a letter from their employer containing the required information. The letter must be no more than 12 months old from the date of arrival and must include: [V3.150]

the name of the applicant; [V3.150]
the passport number, nationality and expiry date; [V3.150]
the activities, duties and responsibilities the applicant will undertake while in New Zealand; [V3.150]
a copy of the tour itinerary for the current tour; [V3.150]
be on the employer's letterhead; [V3.150]
the contact details of the employer, such as contact names, phone numbers, email and address; [V3.150]
be signed by the employer; [V3.150]
be written or translated in English. [V3.150]

The letter must be provided either with the visitor visa application (for applicants applying before travel) or upon request by an immigration officer if the applicant is from a visa-waiver country and applies for a visitor visa at an immigration control area. [V3.150]

Note: Persons intending to travel to New Zealand as a tour guide are required to obtain a work visa. For the purposes of these instructions, ‘tour guides’ are distinct from ‘tour escorts’: tour guides generally lead tours in New Zealand providing in-depth local knowledge of New Zealand culture, history, society, and geography and are generally employed by New Zealand employers; tour guides may also be licensed or accredited. If a tour escort also performs some or all of the role or duties of a tour guide, they will be required to obtain a work visa. [V3.150]

Interpretation & edge cases

The general requirements at V2 act as an umbrella. They are applied together with other immigration instructions, including those relating to bona fide applicants (E5), health (A4), character (A5), and bond requirements (E4.55). Where a specific subcategory of visitor visa is sought, the instructions for that category also apply. Decision-makers must assess the applicant against all relevant criteria. [V2]

Under V2.1.5, an applicant who is in, and applying from, a Pacific Forum country (excluding Australia) must use the approved online form. [V2.1]

The length‑of‑stay rules require careful application of the exceptions. A "genuine tourist" (defined in V2.5.10) must have not worked in New Zealand, not held a student visa, not be sponsored, and have sufficient funds for maintenance and accommodation. Special categories under V3 may prescribe their own permitted lengths; where V3 is silent, the general V2.5.1 rule applies, allowing a maximum of nine months. [V2.5]

Under V2.15.1, a further multiple journey visa is not normally granted if the applicant has already used the maximum entitlement and wants to cancel the existing visa to reapply. [V2.15]

Antarctic Treaty associated persons are treated as domestic travellers between mainland New Zealand and the Ross Dependency for immigration purposes. They may be granted a visitor visa for up to 12 months and are exempt from application fees, funds/sponsorship, and onward travel requirements. A letter from the Contracting Party is accepted as sufficient evidence of health and character requirements. [V3.50]