New Zealand Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to New Zealand is operating normally overall. International flights and airports are operating, but travellers should be aware of recent changes to visitor and transit visa application procedures and current localized road and weather-related transport issues.

Ordinary travel continues

International tourism and domestic travel are operating normally across most of New Zealand.

NZeTA

Visitors from visa-waiver countries generally need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority before travelling unless an exemption applies.

Allow 72 hours

Immigration New Zealand recommends allowing up to 72 hours for an NZeTA request to be processed. Travellers should obtain it before beginning their journey.

NZeTA validity

An NZeTA is generally valid for two years for travellers and allows multiple trips during its validity period, subject to New Zealand’s entry rules.

Visitor visas

Travellers who are not eligible for visa-waiver travel generally need an appropriate visa before travelling.

Enhanced Immigration Online

Most new visitor-visa applications are now made through Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system following changes introduced in September 2026.

Paper applications ended for additional visas on 1 October

From 1 October 2026, paper applications are no longer accepted for a specified group of visitor visas and the Transit Visa. Applicants in the affected categories must now apply through enhanced Immigration Online.

Earlier paper applications remain valid

Valid paper applications submitted before 1 October continue to be processed. The change does not mean that applicants with an existing valid paper application must automatically submit a new online application.

Visa eligibility has not changed because of this measure

The 1 October change concerns how affected visa applications are submitted. It does not by itself change which nationalities need a visitor visa, Transit Visa or NZeTA.

New Zealand Traveller Declaration

Everyone entering New Zealand must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Air passengers can submit it from 24 hours before their journey begins.

Biosecurity

New Zealand has strict biosecurity controls. Food, plants, animal products, outdoor equipment and other risk items must be declared when required.

Passport validity

Travellers using an NZeTA should have a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date they intend to leave New Zealand.

Road conditions

Road conditions can change quickly because of snow, heavy rain, landslides and other weather events. Check current highway conditions before long-distance journeys.

South Island mountain roads

Snow and ice can affect alpine routes and mountain passes. Travellers driving through these areas should monitor weather and road information closely.

1 October 2026 — Paper applications end for additional visa categories

Immigration New Zealand has stopped accepting paper applications for a specified group of visitor visas and the Transit Visa. Applications in the affected categories must now be submitted through enhanced Immigration Online.

Existing paper applications continue to be processed

Valid paper applications submitted before 1 October are not cancelled by the change and will continue through the existing processing system.

24 September 2026 — Visitor visa system changed

Immigration New Zealand moved most new visitor-visa applications exclusively to its enhanced Immigration Online system.

Current road disruption

New Zealand Transport Agency currently lists localized roadworks, delays and restrictions around the country. These do not amount to a nationwide transport shutdown.

No nationwide aviation disruption identified

Commercial flights and New Zealand’s major passenger airports continue to operate. The latest significant change concerns visa application procedures rather than the operation of the border itself.

Check your airline and flight status before departure.

Confirm whether your passport requires a visitor visa or qualifies for travel using an NZeTA.

If you need an NZeTA, apply before travelling and allow up to 72 hours for processing.

If you need a visitor or transit visa, check whether your application category must now be submitted through enhanced Immigration Online. Do not rely on an old paper application form without checking the current Immigration New Zealand instructions.

If you submitted a valid paper application before 1 October, the new online-only requirement does not automatically mean that you need to apply again.

Complete your New Zealand Traveller Declaration before arrival.

Check New Zealand Transport Agency road conditions before long-distance driving, particularly when travelling through mountainous or remote regions.

Declare food, plants, animal products and other biosecurity risk items when entering New Zealand.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.