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🇨🇳China
🇳🇿New ZealandCN-NZ

China to New Zealand visa requirements

Usually yes. Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Visitor Visa for a normal visit to New Zealand; an NZeTA is only available in limited cases such as direct travel from Australia with an eligible Australian visa or arriving by ship. Chinese ordinary passport holders generally need a Visitor Visa before travelling to New Zealand. Since 3 November 2025, Chinese passport holders travelling directly from Australia with an eligible Australian visa can use an NZeTA for a visit of up to 3 months during a 12-month trial; Chinese citizens may also use an NZeTA for Auckland airport transit or arrival by cruise/cargo ship. If none of those NZeTA cases applies, or the stay will be longer than 3 months, apply for a Visitor Visa through Immigration New Zealand. The current China guide lists cost from NZD 441 for one applicant and 80% of Visitor Visa applications decided in about 2 weeks.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-19
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.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-19
Visa type
Visitor Visa; NZeTA only in limited China-specific cases
Maximum stay
Visitor Visa: up to 6 months in any 12 months on a multiple-entry visa, or up to 9 months in 18 months on a single-entry visa. NZeTA exception: up to 3 months.
per entry
Entries
Single or multiple for Visitor Visa; multiple while NZeTA is valid
from issue date
Visa fee
Visitor Visa from NZD 441 for one applicant; NZeTA exception NZD 17 app or NZD 23 web plus NZD 100 IVL
consular fee only
Processing time
Visitor Visa: 80% decided in about 2 weeks; NZeTA: allow up to 72 hours
standard track
Validity
Multiple-entry Visitor Visa up to 5 years; NZeTA usually valid 2 years
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Check whether an NZeTA exception applies
Use NZeTA only if you are travelling directly from Australia with an eligible Australian visa, arriving by cruise/cargo ship, or transiting Auckland without entering New Zealand. Otherwise prepare a Visitor Visa application.
· NZeTA exception· Australia trial
/02
Create RealMe / INZ account
Register on the Immigration NZ online portal and start a Visitor Visa application if the NZeTA exception does not apply.
· online· INZ portal
/03
Complete the application
Fill in details about purpose, travel plan, sponsor, and provide your background information.
· online form
/04
Pay fees
Pay the current application amount online by card; for one Chinese applicant the INZ guide lists cost from NZD 441, including the NZD 100 IVL where required.
· card payment· IVL
/05
Upload documents
Upload passport, photo, supporting documents (funds, employment, accommodation, sponsor letter if any).
· digital uploads
/06
Complete China-specific forms
If applying from Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau, include the required supplementary form for applicants aged 17 or older.
· INZ 1027· China guide
/07
Attend a VAC if instructed
If INZ asks for in-person submission or identity steps, book through the New Zealand Visa Application Centre operated by VFS Global.
· VFS Global· if instructed
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

14 items
Personalized checklist
China -> New Zealand · Visitor Visa; NZeTA only in limited China-specific cases
0 / 14 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredChinese passport
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
Valid at least 3 months beyond departure
RequiredINZ online account
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
RealMe or guest application
RequiredRecent digital photo
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
Per INZ specifications
ConditionalFunding evidence
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
NZD 1,000 per person per month, or NZD 400 per month if accommodation prepaid; bank statements
RequiredEmployment or business proof
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Employer leave letter, salary slips, business licence, or social security records
RequiredReturn or onward ticket
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
Booked flights or evidence of funds to buy one
RequiredTravel plan or invitation
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
Itinerary, hotel, or host's invitation letter
RequiredHukou and family records
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Family register, marriage, or relationship evidence when visiting family
RequiredSupplementary Form INZ 1027
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Required for applicants 17+ applying from Mainland China; Hong Kong/Macau use the relevant supplementary form
ConditionalSponsorship form 1025
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
If a sponsor is involved (NZ resident or organisation)
RequiredTravel history
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
Old passports help build credibility
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
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 New Zealand — Visitor VisaImmigration New Zealand — Visitor Visa application guide for citizens of ChinaImmigration New Zealand — NZeTA application guide for citizens of China
Application link included: Immigration New Zealand — Visitor Visa
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Visitor Visa (one applicant from China)From NZD 441Current INZ China guide headline cost; includes the NZD 100 IVL for one eligible person
Additional family applicantsNZD 100 IVL per personOne application fee and immigration levy can cover included partner/dependent children, but IVL is charged per eligible person
NZeTA exception (mobile app)NZD 17 + NZD 100 IVLOnly for eligible Chinese passport holders; app is the cheaper official channel
NZeTA exception (website)NZD 23 + NZD 100 IVLOfficial web request for eligible NZeTA cases
VAC service or identity stepsVariesOnly if INZ or VFS Global instructs you to attend a Visa Application Centre
Total estimateNZD 441 — Varies by family size, IVL liability, and VAC service needsincl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Visitor Visa
About 1 week average; 80% about 2 weeks
The China guide and current INZ wait-times page both show most Visitor Visa applications decided within about 2 weeks. Case complexity can still add time.
NZeTA exception
Up to 72 hours
Use only if eligible; request through the official app or website well before travel.
Additional verification
Longer
If INZ requests more documents, medical checks, or interviews.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Wrongly assuming NZeTA applies
Chinese passports can use NZeTA only in limited cases, such as direct travel from Australia with an eligible Australian visa or arrival by ship.
High
/02
Bona fide visitor not established
Officer is not satisfied of genuine temporary intent.
High
/03
Insufficient funds
Bank evidence or sponsor support below NZD 1,000 per person per month threshold.
High
/04
Weak ties to China
Employment, family, or property evidence too thin.
Medium
/05
Document inconsistencies
Form details, employer letter, or itinerary do not match.
Medium
/06
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
2026-06-19
Reviewed by Claude Code
Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.
2026-06-19
Codex checked/re-verified China to New Zealand route
Updated Visitor Visa cost and wait time, clarified limited NZeTA eligibility for Chinese passport holders, and refreshed official INZ sources.
2026-05-26
China to New Zealand route verified
Confirmed then-current NZD 211 online visitor visa fee, NZD 100 IVL, and that Chinese passports were not generally NZeTA-eligible.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Chinese citizens use NZeTA?—
Only in limited cases. Chinese citizens can request an NZeTA if travelling directly from Australia with an eligible Australian visa, transiting Auckland without entering New Zealand, or arriving by cruise/cargo ship. Otherwise, apply for a Visitor Visa before travel.
What changed for travel from Australia?+
How long can I stay on a Visitor Visa?+
Do I need to provide biometrics?+
What is the IVL?+
Can I work or study on a Visitor Visa?+
/11 — Passport tools

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