Travel visa · Oceania · 2026
New Zealand visa for UAE residents (2026)
UAE passport holders do not need a visa for New Zealand, but before departure they must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and pay the International Visitor Levy (IVL). Residents on other passports apply for a visitor visa online through Immigration New Zealand.
- NZeTA + IVL (UAE passports)
- IVL NZD 100 Plus a small NZeTA processing fee; both valid for 2 years
- Stay per visit
- Up to 3 months 6 months for UK passport holders
- Visitor visa (other passports)
- INZ fee Check the current fee schedule at immigration.govt.nz
- Funds guideline
- NZD 1,000 per month Reduced to NZD 400 per month if accommodation is prepaid
Visas
Who needs this visa
- UAE citizens: NZeTA + IVL, both done online or in the app before check-in
- Residents on UK, US, Canadian and most EU passports: the same NZeTA route
- Residents on other passports: visitor visa, filed online with Immigration New Zealand
- Airlines check the NZeTA at check-in, so it must be issued before you fly
Document checklist
Document checklist
- Passport valid at least 3 months after your departure from New Zealand
- NZeTA application in the app or on the website (photo + passport details)
- For the visitor visa: online application with Immigration New Zealand
- Photo to INZ specification (visitor visa route)
- Copy of the UAE residence visa
- Employer letter or NOC
- Proof of funds: around NZD 1,000 per month of stay
- Return booking and accommodation details
- Health and character declarations; chest X-ray only for stays over 6 months
Process
How it works
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Check your passport track
Day 0Visa-waiver passports (UAE, UK, US, EU and others) — NZeTA + IVL; everyone else — visitor visa.
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Apply for the NZeTA and pay the IVL
Up to 72 hoursOne application covers both; the levy is paid together with the NZeTA fee.
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Prepare the visitor visa file
1-2 daysOnline forms, documents and fee — only for passports outside the waiver list.
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Decision
NZeTA up to 72 hours; visa weeksNZeTAs usually clear well within 72 hours; visitor visas take longer and the grant arrives by email.
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Travel
-The NZeTA is electronic and checked by the airline; keep funds proof and the return booking at hand.
Fees and rules checked September 2026 — confirm with the application center before booking.
Visa fees
Visa fees
| Fee item | Amount |
|---|---|
| NZeTA processing | Approx. NZD 12-25 (app or website) |
| International Visitor Levy (IVL) | NZD 100 |
| Visitor visa | Per the current INZ schedule |
| Children and infants | NZeTA + IVL required at all ages |
Government fees are set in local currency; service fees are set by the application center. Checked Sep 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do UAE citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
No visa, but two things: an NZeTA and the IVL levy, both applied for online before departure. The combination is valid for 2 years and allows visits of up to 3 months. Airlines refuse boarding without it.
How long is the NZeTA valid?
Two years, or until the passport expires. The IVL is paid with the first application and does not need to be paid again while your NZeTA remains valid.
I travel on an Indian passport — what do I need?
A visitor visa from Immigration New Zealand, filed online. The NZeTA shortcut applies only to listed passport holders, so check the visa-waiver list before booking; UAE residence does not change the requirement.
How much money should I show?
The guideline is NZD 1,000 per month of stay, or NZD 400 per month if your accommodation is prepaid. Bank cards count as funds — you do not need cash.
A tourist visa does not solve it? Make it a residence visa
A UAE company of your own means a residence visa, banking and 0% personal income tax. We match the license package to your visa plan.