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🇦🇺Australia
🇳🇿New ZealandAU-NZ

Australia to New Zealand visa requirements

Trans-Tasman: Australian citizens enter NZ with no visa, no NZeTA, and no IVL. Australian permanent residents need an NZeTA before travel but are IVL-exempt. Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents can normally live, work, and study in New Zealand without applying for a visa before travel. Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport need no NZeTA and pay no IVL. Australian permanent residents need an NZeTA before travel unless they already hold a valid New Zealand visa, but MBIE lists them as exempt from the NZD 100 IVL. On arrival, Immigration New Zealand normally grants an Australian Resident Visa if the traveller meets character requirements; Australian permanent residents must also hold a current Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Resident Return Visa.
VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-20
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →Australia (PR)Living in Australia as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-20
Visa type
Australian Resident Visa on arrival; NZeTA required for Australian permanent residents
Maximum stay
Indefinite if Australian Resident Visa is granted on arrival
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
Free for citizens; NZeTA from NZD 17 for Australian permanent residents; IVL exempt
consular fee only
Processing time
Resident visa on arrival; NZeTA may take up to 72 hours
standard track
Validity
Per entry; NZeTA valid 2 years
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm Australian status
Australian citizens travel on a valid Australian passport or a foreign passport endorsed with an Australian declaratory visa. Australian permanent residents should carry proof of a current Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Resident Return Visa.
· AU status
/02
Handle NZeTA correctly
Australian citizens do not need an NZeTA. Australian permanent residents normally must hold an NZeTA before travel unless they already have a valid New Zealand visa; apply early because Immigration New Zealand says processing may take up to 72 hours.
· NZeTA for PR
/03
Do not budget for IVL
The IVL is NZD 100 for most international visitors, but MBIE lists both Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents among the exceptions.
· IVL exempt
/04
Complete the NZ Traveller Declaration
Everyone travelling into New Zealand must complete an NZTD. For air travel, the earliest submission time is 24 hours before starting the trip to New Zealand, and it must be submitted by passport control.
· NZTD
/05
Request resident entry on arrival
At eGate, SmartGate, or the main passport-control line, answer the NZTD Australian passport / Permanent Residence question correctly. If Immigration New Zealand confirms status and character requirements, it normally grants an Australian Resident Visa on arrival.
· resident visa
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
Australia -> New Zealand · Australian Resident Visa on arrival; NZeTA required for Australian permanent residents
0 / 10 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredAustralian passport (citizens)
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
Valid for the duration of stay
RequiredAustralian PR proof (permanent residents)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Current Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Resident Return Visa
RequiredAccommodation address
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Required on the NZTD
RequiredBiosecurity declaration
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Mandatory — declare food, plant material, used outdoor gear
RequiredNZeTA (Australian permanent residents only)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
From NZD 17; 2-year validity; apply before travel
RequiredIVL
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Not payable by Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents
ConditionalCurrency declaration
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
If carrying NZD 10,000+ in cash
ConditionalOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Visa-free routes usually do not require a visa form; submit any arrival card or authorization if required.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesImmigration NZ — Australian citizens and permanent residentsImmigration NZ — Australian Resident VisaImmigration NZ — NZeTA
Application link included: Immigration NZ — Australian Resident Visa
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Trans-Tasman entry (citizens)FreeNo visa, no NZeTA, no IVL
Australian Resident Visa on arrivalFreeNo fee when granted to Australian citizens or permanent residents on arrival
NZeTA (Australian permanent residents)From NZD 17Valid 2 years
IVLFreeAustralian citizens and permanent residents are exempt
NZ Traveller DeclarationFreeMandatory health/customs form
Total estimateFree — From NZD 17incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Australian Resident Visa on arrival
Minutes
Granted at the border if Australian status and character requirements are met.
NZeTA approval (Australian PR only)
Up to 72 hours
Apply before travel unless you already hold a valid New Zealand visa.
NZ Traveller Declaration
Within 24 hours before air travel
Submit before reaching passport control in New Zealand.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Character grounds
Australian citizens and permanent residents can be refused entry or residence for character reasons. Disclose any history honestly in the NZTD and, for PRs, the NZeTA.
Low
/02
Biosecurity violation
NZ enforces biosecurity strictly — undeclared food, plants, soil on hiking boots, or wooden items can result in NZD 400 instant fines or refusal.
Medium
/03
Permanent residents without NZeTA
Australian permanent residents without a valid New Zealand visa normally need an NZeTA before travel and can be denied boarding without one.
Medium
/04
Permanent resident proof missing
Australian permanent residents should carry proof of a current Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Resident Return Visa, especially if travelling on a foreign passport.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-06-20
Reviewed by Claude Code
Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.
2026-06-20 · major
Codex web search fact-check
Updated official Immigration New Zealand and MBIE sources; corrected Australian permanent residents to IVL-exempt and clarified that they normally receive an Australian Resident Visa on arrival after obtaining NZeTA.
2026-05-27
Australia to New Zealand route verified
Confirmed Trans-Tasman free entry for citizens and the NZeTA distinction for Australian permanent residents; the 2026-06-20 check supersedes the earlier IVL note.
2024-10-01 · major
IVL raised to NZD 100
NZ tripled the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy from NZD 35 to NZD 100. Australian citizens and permanent residents remained exempt.
2023-07-01
Streamlined Resident Visa for AU citizens
NZ began offering a streamlined Resident Visa to long-staying Australians, mirroring the pathway available to NZ citizens in Australia.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Australians need an NZeTA?—
Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport do not need an NZeTA. Australian permanent residents normally do need one before travel unless they already hold a valid New Zealand visa.
Do Australian permanent residents pay the IVL?+
How long can I stay in New Zealand?+
Can I work in NZ as an Australian citizen or permanent resident?+
What does an Australian permanent resident need to carry?+
What is the NZTD?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Australia passport

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Australia passport power
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