Millions visit New Zealand yearly to explore its breathtaking views or walk the paths we know from the Lord of the Rings. But beautiful as it is, the island may leave local Kiwis yearning for adventures.
Are you thinking about a trip overseas, way beyond dropping by your Down Under neighbor? Luckily, one of the New Zealand passport benefits is that it allows you to travel visa-free to many places.
Without further ado, let’s answer the question at hand: Where can New Zealand passport holders travel without a visa?
NZ passport visa-free countries: A complete list [2024]
Currently, over 77% of NZ’s population over the age of 18 either already has a passport or is eligible to obtain one. If you’re in this group, we’ve got great news—New Zealand passport power is one of the highest (ranked #6), giving you visa-free access to 116 countries.
Look at the map below to see all available destinations.
Visa-Free Countries For NZ Passport Holders
How long can you stay in a visa-free country?
In most cases, NZ passport holders can stay in the countries marked in green for up to 90 days. There are, however, exceptions:
| Country | Duration in days |
|---|---|
| • Angola • Belarus • Brunei • Eswatini • Kazakhstan • Micronesia • Mongolia • Philippines • Singapore • Tajikistan • Thailand • United Arab Emirates • Uzbekistan • Vanuatu | 30 |
| • Kyrgyzstan | 60 |
| • Fiji • Kiribati | 120 |
| • Antigua and Barbuda • Armenia • Barbados • Dominica • Mexico • Peru • United Kingdom | 180 |
| • Georgia | 360 |
| • Australia • Belize • Dominican Republic • Jamaica • Palestinian Territories | No limit |
Pro tip: Do you have an APEC Business Travel Card? You’re allowed to travel visa-free (for business purposes) to a select number of countries stated on the back of your card.
What if your destination country isn’t on the list?
Worry not—
Even if you want to visit one of the places that don’t allow free entry to Kiwi passport holders, nothing’s lost just yet. Most places let you get a Visa on Arrival (VoA), eVisa, or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) that you can complete online in no time. Only 24 countries require you to apply for a traditional travel visa.
Before we discuss these four types in detail, study the map below to check which type of visa you’ll need to get.
Visa Exempt Countries for New Zealand Citizens
Visa on Arrival (VoA) or Electronic Visa (eVisa)
Several countries (e.g., Indonesia, Maldives, and Qatar) require all NZ passport holders to obtain either a VoA or an eVisa. How do they work?
- Visa on Arrival: VoAs are granted for tourists upon arrival at your destination. Simply go to a designated immigration officer, hand in the required documents, and pay a fee. Remember to examine which documents you must show to obtain a VoA, as it varies depending on the country. Usually, you’ll need a valid NZ passport, a return ticket, and a booking confirmation
- eVisa: If you favor peace of mind, you can apply for an eVisa before you set out on your international journey—especially if you have a layover in one of the countries we mentioned. To get an eVisa, all you need to do is apply for one online prior to your departure date and fill out a form
Pro tip: Double-check the official information on a government website of the country. Some places require you to apply for an eVisa even a month before your arrival.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
As opposed to a travel visa, countries like Canada or the US require you to get an eTA to be allowed entry based on their visa waiver agreement. The application process is a breeze—
All you need to do is submit a biometric photo (compliant with the country’s official regulations), a valid passport, and pay a fee.
Ready for your trip to Canada or the US? To apply for an eTA, you’ll need a recent picture compliant with stringent official requirements. Get one right now with our Passport Photo Booth App for iOS or Passport Photo Maker App for Android—in 3 minutes or less!
Tourist visa
Lastly, the “red countries” are those you cannot enter only with your NZ passport—you’ll need to apply for a visa. As such processes often look very different, it’s best you visit these countries’ government websites for details.
FAQ
How many countries can you visit with a New Zealand passport?
NZ passport holders can freely visit 116 countries (click here for a complete list). Additionally, many countries offer a Visa on Arrival for New Zealanders—a visa you can get upon arrival for a fee.
Do NZ citizens need a visa for Dubai?
No, they don’t. The United Emirates is one of the visa-free countries for New Zealand passport holders. You can visit Dubai only with your passport for up to 30 days.
Do I need a visa for Norfolk Island?
Yes, you do. All New Zealand citizens (and Aussies!) need a tourist visa to enter the Norfolk Island territory. It’s best to apply for your visa at the nearest embassy.
Visa-free countries for New Zealand citizens: recap
Where can you travel without a visa as a Kiwi passport holder? As of writing, you’re eligible to enter 116 countries only with your passport in hand, including most European countries and South America.
Additionally, over 50 countries give New Zealand nationals a convenient option to get a Visa on Arrival for a fee—allowing you to skip the process of applying for a traditional tourist visa beforehand.
Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and a knack for storytelling. For the past two years, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.
