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🇨🇳CHINA
🇳🇿NEW ZEALANDCN-NZ

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit New Zealand?

Yes, Chinese citizens need a Visitor Visa — NZeTA is not available for Chinese passports. Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Visitor Visa to enter New Zealand. The NZeTA is only for visa-waiver nationals and Chinese passport holders are not eligible. Apply online via the Immigration New Zealand portal. Most applicants also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-26
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.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-26
Visa type
Visitor Visa
Maximum stay
Up to 9 months (typical), case-specific
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
NZD 211 (online from China)
consular fee only
Processing time
10-28 working days (typical)
standard track
Validity
Up to 3 years (multi-entry) for many cases
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Create RealMe / INZ account
Register on the Immigration NZ online portal and start a Visitor Visa application.
· online· INZ portal
/02
Complete the application
Fill in details about purpose, travel plan, sponsor, and provide your background information.
· online form
/03
Pay fees
Pay the visa fee plus the IVL online by card.
· card payment· IVL included
/04
Upload documents
Upload passport, photo, supporting documents (funds, employment, accommodation, sponsor letter if any).
· digital uploads
/05
Provide biometrics if requested
Biometrics may be required at the New Zealand Visa Application Centre (operated by TT Services) in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
· TT Services· if requested
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
Chinese passport
Valid at least 3 months beyond departure
INZ online account
RealMe or guest application
Recent digital photo
Per INZ specifications
Funding evidence
NZD 1,000 per person per month, or NZD 400 per month if accommodation prepaid; bank statements
Employment or business proof
Employer leave letter, salary slips, business licence, or social security records
Return or onward ticket
Booked flights or evidence of funds to buy one
Travel plan or invitation
Itinerary, hotel, or host's invitation letter
Hukou and family records
Family register, marriage, or relationship evidence when visiting family
Sponsorship form 1025
If a sponsor is involved (NZ resident or organisation)
Travel history
Old passports help build credibility
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Visitor Visa (online from China)NZD 211Online application fee
Visitor Visa (paper)NZD 246+Higher fee for paper applications
International Visitor Levy (IVL)NZD 100Conservation and tourism levy
Biometrics (if requested)Around CNY 360TT Services NZVAC fee
Total estimateNZD 311+ — NZD 400+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard online application
10-28 working days
Typical for Chinese applicants. Variable by case complexity.
Peak season
Up to 8 weeks
Apply early during NZ summer (Dec-Feb) and Chinese holidays.
Additional verification
Weeks longer
If INZ requests more documents or interviews.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Bona fide visitor not established
Officer is not satisfied of genuine temporary intent.
High
/02
Insufficient funds
Bank evidence or sponsor support below NZD 1,000 per person per month threshold.
High
/03
Weak ties to China
Employment, family, or property evidence too thin.
Medium
/04
Document inconsistencies
Form details, employer letter, or itinerary do not match.
Medium
/05
Adverse immigration history
Past refusals, overstays, or breaches anywhere weigh against the applicant.
Medium
/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
2026-05-26
China to New Zealand route verified
Confirmed NZD 211 online visitor visa fee, NZD 100 IVL, and that Chinese passports are not NZeTA-eligible.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Chinese citizens use NZeTA?—
No. NZeTA is only for nationals on the visa-waiver list. Chinese passport holders must apply for a Visitor Visa.
How long is the visa valid?+
Do I need to provide biometrics?+
What is the IVL?+
Can I work or study on a Visitor Visa?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the China passport

🇨🇳⇄
Compare the China passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇨🇳◐
China visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇨🇳▤
China passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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