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

Thai ordinary passport holders need a Visitor Visa to enter New Zealand for tourism. Thailand is NOT on New Zealand's visa-waiver list, so an NZeTA is not an option — you must apply for and obtain a Visitor Visa online before you travel. New Zealand does not grant Thailand visa-waiver status, so Thai passport holders cannot use the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). To visit for tourism, a Thai national must apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa online via Immigration New Zealand before departure. The visitor visa fee starts from NZD $441, plus the mandatory International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100, which is paid as part of the application. Immigration New Zealand processes around 80% of visitor visa applications within two weeks, though peak periods can take longer, so apply 4–6 weeks ahead. A visitor visa typically allows a stay of up to 9 months within an 18-month window (single-entry) or up to 6 months per visit for multiple-entry grants, with the exact conditions decided case by case. Applicants must show a valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure), proof of sufficient funds (about NZD $1,000 per person per month, or NZD $400 per month if accommodation is prepaid), onward/return travel, and genuine tourist intent. Verified against official Immigration New Zealand sources on 30 May 2026.