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🇰🇷SOUTH KOREA
🇳🇿NEW ZEALANDKR-NZ

Do South Korea passport holders need a visa to visit New Zealand?

NZeTA required (NZD 17 web / 23 app) + IVL (NZD 100). Visa-free entry up to 3 months. Korean ordinary passport holders are visa-waiver eligible to New Zealand and enter visa-free for up to 3 months per visit, but must hold a valid NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before boarding any flight to New Zealand. The NZeTA costs NZD 17 via the web or NZD 23 via the mobile app, plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 100, which was raised from NZD 35 on 1 October 2024. The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years for multiple short visits. The application is fully online, typically approved in minutes to 72 hours. Korea also has access to New Zealand's Working Holiday Visa scheme for ages 18-30 (annual quota of 3,000). For longer stays apply for a paper Visitor Visa via Immigration New Zealand. NZeTA is also required for transit through Auckland Airport.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-27
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.
South Korea (PR)Living in South Korea as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-27
Visa type
Visa-waiver with NZeTA
Maximum stay
Up to 3 months per visit
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
NZD 17/23 + IVL NZD 100
consular fee only
Processing time
Minutes to 72 hours
standard track
Validity
NZeTA valid 2 years
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Apply for NZeTA
Online at immigration.govt.nz/nzeta. NZD 17 via web or NZD 23 via the official mobile app. Pay IVL NZD 100 at the same time.
· NZD 117-123 total
/02
Wait for approval
Most NZeTAs are approved within minutes; allow up to 72 hours for manual review. Approval is emailed and linked to your passport.
· 72-hour window
/03
Check passport validity
Must be a Korean ordinary passport valid 3 months beyond intended departure. 1 blank page recommended.
· 3-month buffer
/04
Book return travel and accommodation
Officers may check evidence of onward travel and accommodation. NZeTA is checked at boarding.
· return ticket
/05
Arrive in New Zealand
Use SmartGate (e-gate) at AKL, WLG, CHC available to Korean passport holders. Receive a 3-month visitor visa stamp.
· SmartGate
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
Korean passport
Valid 3 months beyond departure, 1 blank page
NZeTA confirmation
Email or digital; linked to passport
IVL payment receipt
Combined with NZeTA payment
Return or onward ticket
Within 3 months of arrival
Accommodation address
Hotel or host's address; first night required
Funds evidence
NZD 1,000+/month or pre-paid accommodation
Travel insurance
Recommended; ACC covers accident only, not illness
Biosecurity declaration
Strict food, plant, and outdoor gear rules
Mobile data plan
Spark, Vodafone, or 2degrees local SIM common option
International Driving Permit
1949 Geneva IDP (from Korean police) recognised; required to drive
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
NZeTA (web)NZD 17Online via official immigration website
NZeTA (mobile app)NZD 23Via the NZeTA app
IVL (tourism levy)NZD 100Raised from NZD 35 on 1 October 2024
Visitor Visa (paper)NZD 246For stays beyond 3 months or alternative to NZeTA
Working Holiday VisaNZD 270For Koreans aged 18-30; annual quota of 3,000
Long-stay visa (work/study)VariesThrough Immigration New Zealand
Overstay penaltiesDetention + 5-year banStrict enforcement
Total estimateNZD 117 — NZD 123incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

NZeTA online
Minutes to 72 hours
Most approvals within minutes. Allow up to 72 hours before flight.
Visitor Visa (paper)
20-30 working days
For stays beyond 3 months or NZeTA refusals.
Working Holiday Visa
Weeks
Annual quota of 3,000 for Koreans aged 18-30; up to 12 months.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
NZeTA refused (criminal record)
Past convictions, especially over 1 year of imprisonment, trigger refusal. Submit a paper Visitor Visa with supporting documents instead.
Low
/02
Wrong NZeTA fee paid
App charges NZD 23 vs web NZD 17. Both work, but choose web for the lower price.
Low
/03
Insufficient travel evidence
No return ticket, vague itinerary, or unclear accommodation can lead to questioning at the border.
Low
/04
Past NZ overstays
Any prior overstay or removal heavily affects future NZeTA approvals.
Low
/05
Biosecurity violations
NZ has the world's strictest biosecurity rules. Undeclared food, soil on shoes, or outdoor gear can lead to fines (NZD 400+).
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
2026-05-27
Korea to New Zealand route verified
Confirmed NZeTA NZD 17/23 + IVL NZD 100, 3-month visitor visa on arrival.
2024-10-01 · major
IVL raised from NZD 35 to NZD 100
New Zealand raised the tourism levy nearly threefold from 1 October 2024.
2019-10-01 · major
NZeTA introduced
New Zealand introduced the NZeTA pre-arrival authorization for all visa-waiver nationals.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Korean citizens need a visa for New Zealand?—
Not a visa, but a mandatory NZeTA (NZD 17 web or NZD 23 app) plus the IVL tourism levy (NZD 100). Korea is on New Zealand's visa-waiver list for visits up to 3 months.
How much does the NZeTA cost?+
Is the NZeTA required for transit?+
Can I extend my 3-month stay?+
Is the Working Holiday Visa available?+
Can I work or study on the NZeTA?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the South Korea passport

🇰🇷⇄
Compare the South Korea passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇰🇷◐
South Korea visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇰🇷▤
South Korea passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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