TRAVEL INFO
Entry into Aotearoa New Zealand
Plan ahead to make your travel to Aotearoa New Zealand as easy as possible.
This section provides essential information to help ensure your entry into New Zealand is smooth and compliant with local immigration laws. It's crucial to prepare well in advance to meet all entry requirements, making your visit to New Zealand both enjoyable and hassle-free.
Please note, the information provided here is for general guidance only.
All delegates must ensure they meet the specific individual entry requirements applicable to their circumstances. We encourage all delegates to regularly check the Immigration New Zealand website for the latest updates on visa requirements and travel advisories. Whether you need a visa or qualify for visa-free entry under the NZeTA program depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay.
Please review the steps outlined below carefully to determine the necessary travel documents and actions required before your trip. Remember, getting your visa arrangements in order as soon as possible ensures a smoother journey to iPRES 2025. Always check the latest travel advice and visa regulations to align with your travel plans to New Zealand. Please check that you are engaging with official Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand government websites ahead of paying any visitor fees online.
Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa New Zealand Customs Service’s Guide to Travelling to New Zealand
Documentation
New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Everyone travelling into New Zealand must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), including New Zealand passport holders. The NZTD asks questions about your travel, including customs, immigration and biosecurity information. It aims to improve the safety and security of New Zealand. It is free, and takes about 10 minutes to complete. The NZTD can be completed online or using the NZTD app, available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
The earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before you start your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand. It needs to be submitted by the time you reach passport control in New Zealand. Children and infants will need their own declaration as well.
More information on how to complete an NZTD on the New Zealand Traveller Declaration website.
Immigration and Visa Requirements
Before embarking on your journey to New Zealand, ensure that all your travel documents are current and readily available.
Outlined in the link below are the visa requirements, necessary documents, and the application process as dictated by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) authorities. These are crucial for facilitating your entry into the country.
It is imperative that you possess the correct visa or travel authority before checking in for your flight to New Zealand. Failure to have the appropriate documentation may result in being unable to board your flight or being denied entry upon arrival. The responsibility to verify and obtain the correct visa or travel authority lies with you.
From 17 June 2024, Immigration NZ states that visitor visa application supporting documents must now be translated into English. This change will help streamline the application process, allowing more timely decisions on visa applications.
For comprehensive and detailed information regarding passports and visas, please visit the Immigration New Zealand website.
Visa Types
The visa type you apply for in order to attend iPRES 2025 in Wellington in person will depend on your passport, as well as your intended length of stay.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
Some people can use an New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to travel to New Zealand without applying for a visa first. This depends on your passport, how you are travelling and if you are visiting or only transiting.
The NZeTA is valid for two years for travellers. NZeTA requests are usually processed within 72 hours, but some may take longer. To avoid delays, you should request an NZeTA well before you travel. If you apply for an NZeTA you may have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
You can request an NZeTA using the New Zealand Immigration online web form, or via the app: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/your-journey-to-new-zealand/before-you-travel-to-new-zealand/details-page/visa/nzeta
Requirements for a Visa Waiver Traveller
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requires travellers from visa waiver countries or permanent residents of Australia travelling without a visa to obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). An NZeTA is valid for two years and allows for multiple entries into New Zealand during its validity period.
Travelers who already possess a valid New Zealand visa or Australian citizens with an Australian passport do not require an NZeTA.
Visitor Visa
People travelling on a passport from some countries must apply for a Visitor Visa to visit New Zealand. We advise travellers not to book any non-refundable travel until after their Visitor Visa is approved. The average processing time is 3-5 weeks, but it can take longer.
More information about visitor visas is available here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/visitor-visa
Letter of Invitation
For iPRES delegates with passports that require a visa application, please email info@ipres2025.nz to request a visa invitation letter.
Paying the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
Most visitors coming to New Zealand must pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100.
The number of visitors coming to New Zealand has grown strongly over the past few years and growth is expected to continue. The IVL is your contribution to maintaining the facilities and natural environment you will use and enjoy during your stay. This fund supports a variety of conservation and sustainable tourism projects across Aotearoa.
If you need to pay the IVL, you pay it when you:
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request an NZeTA, or
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apply for your visa.
As of January 2025, $100 NZD is approximately 54 EUR / 45 GBP / 56 USD / 82 CAD / 404 CNY / 8690 JPY. Check other currencies here.
You do not need to pay the IVL if you:
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travel to New Zealand on:
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an Australian or New Zealand passport
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a passport from many Pacific Island nations
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are a transit passenger arriving at and leaving from Auckland International Airport
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have a New Zealand resident visa
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hold an Australian Resident Visa
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hold a Business Visitor Visa or APEC business travel card.
Learn more about the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) here.
Customs and Biosecurity
Aotearoa New Zealand has strict requirements for any items that could cause serious damage to New Zealand’s environment and economy.
Travellers are asked to consider what they bring into New Zealand. Bringing in items that must be declared or prohibited items are likely to increase processing times.
List of Prohibited and restricted items
Travellers should declare or dispose of biosecurity risk items on arrival in New Zealand. This includes items in both hand luggage and checked bags.
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You must declare all risk items that you are carrying on your arrival declaration.
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Risk items include food items, plants, and other items listed below on this page.
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Some items will not be permitted to enter New Zealand.
Risk items
Risk items include:
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food
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fruit
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vegetables
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meat
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fish
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poultry
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honey
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ingredients used in cooking
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all dairy products
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alive or dead plants and seeds
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wooden items
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alive or dead animals
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alive or dead animal products
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traditional/herbal medicines
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any shoes, sports or outdoor equipment you’ve used.
If you’re unsure, declare your items when you arrive or put them in the marked amnesty bins. If you haven’t declared a risk item, you may get a fine or be prosecuted.
Check what items you can bring to NZ
For more information, visit:
Medicines
Prescription medicines and controlled drugs have specific requirements and must be declared on your arrival declaration.
Learn more about bringing medicines into New Zealand on Medsafe - this includes guidance on over-the-counter medicines, prescription medicines, and controlled drugs.
Further information on restricted and risk items is available at https://www.customs.govt.nz/personal/travel-to-and-from-nz