Border & Arrival

Your New Zealand Arrival Toolkit

All the essential websites and apps to help you navigate the border, stay connected, and manage your spending without the heavy bank fees. Get organised before you head to the airport.

Which Visa Do You Need?

Coming for a holiday?
Use the official checker to see if you need an NZeTA or a Visitor Visa.

Tell me which visa I qualify for

NZeTA

The entry requirement for most “visa-waiver” countries. Approved within 72hours.

Download

Visitor Visa

For passport holders from countries not on the waiver list.

Apply online

Working Holiday Visa

Fund your travels by working as you go. This visa allows for an extended stay and gives you the freedom to work while you explore.

Check Eligibility

Pre-Departure Essentials

Apply Early

Don’t leave it until the last minute! While NZeTA’s are often fast, Visitor and Working Holiday visas can take several weeks to process during peak travel months. We recommend applying at least 6–8 weeks before you fly.

Check Your Passport

While New Zealand requires 3 months validity past your stay, aim for 6 months to be safe. Many airlines and transit hubs (e.g., Australia) enforce a 6-month rule. Even if you are an NZ/AU citizen exempt from the 3-month rule, your transit countries may not be—always check your full flight path!

Biosecurity & The “Declare It” Rule

New Zealand has world-class biosecurity to protect our environment. You must declare all “risk items” on your New Zealand Traveller Declaration-this includes all food, plants, animal products, and outdoor gear (like used hiking boots or camping equipment). When in doubt, declare it or dispose of it. If you aren’t sure about an item, use this official MPI Check Tool before you fly. Failing to declare risk items can result in an instant $400 fine and your items being confiscated.

Digital Arrival Declaration

You are required to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before passing through customs. This can be done for free starting 24 hours before your trip begins.

Do it online: Complete your declaration here
Download the app: Apple Store | Google Play

Note:

Most visa and NZeTA applications automatically include a $100 NZD International Visitor Levy (IVL). This mandatory fee supports NZ’s conservation efforts and tourism infrastructure. Find out about the kind of projects that the levy will be used to fund here.

Day 1 Essentials

Landing is much smoother when your tech and money are ready to go.
Plan It Kiwi recommends these two digital essentials to help you skip the airport queues and avoid high roaming fees or hidden exchange rates. Get them sorted before you fly so you can hit the ground running. Read our full connectivity guide and money guide for the deep dive.

Instant Data

Skip the airport Wi-Fi hunt. Get online the second you touch down with a pre-loaded eSIM.

GET A SAILY eSIM

Smart Money

Avoid hidden bank fees and bad rates. Spend at the real exchange rate and get fee-free ATM withdrawals.

Open a Wise Account

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