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🇻🇳Vietnam
🇳🇿New ZealandVN-NZ

Vietnam to New Zealand visa requirements

Vietnamese ordinary passport holders need a Visitor Visa to travel to New Zealand for tourism. Vietnam is NOT on New Zealand's visa-waiver list, so the NZeTA is not an option — a full Visitor Visa must be applied for and approved before travel. New Zealand does not grant visa-free entry or NZeTA eligibility to Vietnamese citizens. Vietnam is not among the roughly 60 visa-waiver countries and territories, so ordinary Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a New Zealand Visitor Visa before departure. The visa is applied for online (or on paper) through Immigration New Zealand, costs from NZD $441 plus a separate NZD $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), and is typically decided within about 2 weeks for 80% of applications. It permits stays of up to 9 months within an 18-month period and can be issued single- or multiple-entry at the case officer's discretion. Applicants must show genuine visitor intent, proof of funds (about NZD $1,000 per month or NZD $400 if accommodation is pre-paid), onward/return travel, and good health and character.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
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 2026-05-30
Visa type
Visitor Visa (tourist) — applied online or on paper
Maximum stay
Up to 9 months within an 18-month period
per entry
Entries
Single or multiple entry (at officer's discretion)
from issue date
Visa fee
From NZD $441 + NZD $100 IVL
consular fee only
Processing time
~2 weeks (80% of applications)
standard track
Validity
Travel typically within 12 months of issue; passport valid 3+ months beyond departure
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a Visitor Visa
Vietnam is not a visa-waiver country, so you cannot use an NZeTA. Apply for a full Visitor Visa before booking non-refundable travel.
· Required for Vietnam passport
/02
Create a RealMe / Immigration Online account
Register on the Immigration New Zealand online portal to start a Visitor Visa application; this is the fastest and cheapest channel.
· immigration.govt.nz
/03
Gather supporting documents
Prepare passport bio page, photo, proof of funds, travel itinerary, return ticket, accommodation details, and evidence of ties to Vietnam.
· Digital copies
/04
Complete the online application and pay
Fill in the Visitor Visa form, upload documents, and pay the visa fee (from NZD $441) plus the NZD $100 IVL.
· NZD $441 + IVL
/05
Wait for a decision
Most applications are decided within about 2 weeks; provide extra documents promptly if Immigration New Zealand requests them.
· ~2 weeks
/06
Travel with your e-visa confirmation
Carry your visa approval, passport, return ticket and funds evidence; the visa is linked electronically to your passport.
· Approval letter
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Vietnam -> New Zealand · Visitor Visa (tourist) — applied online or on paper
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredVietnamese passport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted online Visitor Visa application
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRecent passport-style photo meeting INZ specifications
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
ConditionalProof of funds (~NZD $1,000/month, or NZD $400/month if accommodation pre-paid)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RequiredConfirmed return or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedTravel itinerary and accommodation bookings
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedEvidence of ties to Vietnam (employment, property, family)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredVisa fee + NZD $100 IVL payment (credit/debit card)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
ConditionalMedical/chest X-ray certificate if staying over 6 months
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
conditional
RecommendedTravel/medical insurance
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
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.
Application link included: Immigration New Zealand — Visa waiver countries and territories
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Visitor Visa application fee (online)NZD $441From this amount; paper applications cost more
International Visitor Conservation & Tourism Levy (IVL)NZD $100Paid with the application; non-refundable
Biometrics / photo (if applicable)NZD $0–60Some applicants may need biometrics at a VFS centre
Total estimateNZD $541NZD $620incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Paper application via VFS Global
3–5 weeks
Higher fee; for those unable to apply online
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Genuine tourism and family visits
Most Vietnamese travelers apply to sightsee or visit relatives in New Zealand.
High
/02
Visiting friends or relatives
Many Vietnamese have family or friends living/studying in New Zealand.
High
/03
Business meetings and conferences
Short business visits (not paid employment) are allowed on a Visitor Visa.
Medium
/04
Transit to other destinations
Some travelers stop in New Zealand en route to the Pacific or elsewhere.
Low
/05
Short-term study (up to 3 months)
A Visitor Visa permits a single course of study up to three months.
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
2026-05-30
Vietnam to New Zealand route verified
Confirmed against Immigration New Zealand that Vietnam is not a visa-waiver country and that ordinary Vietnamese passport holders require a Visitor Visa (NZeTA not available). Verified visa fee from NZD $441, NZD $100 IVL, and ~2-week processing.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Vietnamese citizens use an NZeTA instead of a visa?
No. The NZeTA is only for visa-waiver nationalities. Vietnam is not on the waiver list, so Vietnamese passport holders must apply for a full Visitor Visa.
How long can I stay in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa?+
How much does it cost in total?+
How long does processing take?+
Do I need to show proof of funds?+
Is the IVL refundable if my visa is declined?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Vietnam passport

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