New Zealand is one of the most desired travel destinations in the world. From 90 mile beach in Northland to the glaciers of the South Island, and Hobbiton in between, New Zealand has it all. Travelers enjoy world class surfing, hiking, and skiing, along with glow worm caves and world class islands and sounds. Your trip to New Zealand will be the trip of a lifetime. But make sure you understand the passport and visa requirements before you go!
Do I need a passport or visa to visit New Zealand?
A valid passport is required for all international travel, including travel to New Zealand. A valid passport should be in your possession, undamaged, with at least one blank page for visa stamps. Your passport cannot be expired nor can it be close to expiring. If your passport is close to expiring, please see the New Zealand Three Month Validity Rule section below.
Passport processing can take 4-6 weeks or longer for routine processing. For many travelers that need their passport sooner, this option will not work. While you can expedite your passport at the post office for 2-3 week service, there is no guarantee on the turnaround time. If you need your passport fast, consider using an expediting service. RushMyPassport can secure your passport as fast as you need it.
Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?
A tourist visa is not required for all stays under three months. Make sure you check the dates of your trip. If you think you are cutting it close, be sure to contact the nearest New Zealand Embassy or Consulate for visa information. Most travelers will not need a visa to visit New Zealand. If you are traveling to New Zealand for school or business, you will need a student or work visa.
New Zealand Three Month Validity Rule
New Zealand requires that all travelers have at least three months of validity beyond the last day of their trip to New Zealand. This means your passport should expire at least 3 months after you’ve already returned home. If you do not have at least three months of validity on your passport prior to leaving for New Zealand, you MUST renew your passport immediately. Contact us today for expedited passport renewal service and get your passport renewed as quickly as 24 hours.
The US Department of State lists the current passport and visa requirements to visit New Zealand.
New Zealand Travel Tip: World Buskers Festival
Consider yourself an off-the-beaten path traveler? An appreciator of artistic expression, out-of-the-box thinking, and good old wacky fun? The World Buskers Festival is a great place to honor and observe artists of all kinds whose ideas, acts and art are generally considered unusual, experimental or new. Since 1993, the World Buskers Festival has been an opportunity for comedians, street performers, acrobats, hula-hoopers, circus, vaudeville and burlesque acts, trapeze artists, musicians, visual artists, dancers and all around fringe festival performers to display their art for the world – as well as its being one wild party!
(1/10 – 2/3) Christchurch, New Zealand