Before You Travel

Get organised before you travel to make your arrival into New Zealand as easy as possible

Welcome to the preliminary travel guide for attendees of our upcoming event in New Zealand! 

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.

We encourage all participants 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. Early preparation is key to avoiding last-minute issues that could impact your travel plans. Remember, getting your visa arrangements in order as soon as possible ensures a smoother journey to our event.

Planning travel to New Zealand 

As you prepare for your journey to New Zealand, it's essential to be well-informed about the necessary preparations and visa requirements to ensure a smooth entry into the country. This will contribute significantly to a positive and memorable experience during your stay.

Please note, the information provided here is for general guidance only. All participants must ensure they meet the specific individual entry requirements applicable to their circumstances. We recommend checking the latest travel advice and visa regulations to align with your travel plans to New Zealand.

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.

Translations must be completed and certified by an experienced translator. Visitor visa applications may be declined if English translations are not included.

For comprehensive and detailed information regarding passports and visas, please visit the Immigration New Zealand website:

Visa Types

The visa type you apply for will depend on your participation in the event, as well as your intended length of stay as noted in the table below as an example.

For members with passports that require a visa application, please email Brian Diettrich (Chair, LAC) for the visa invitation letter: brian.diettrich@vuw.ac.nz. 

Visa waiver country staying for less than 3 months

Request an NZeTA online here:

Non visa waiver country staying or staying for more than 3 months

Apply for a Visitor Visa General online here:


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.

Check what items you can bring to NZ

Check if you can bring or send an item to New Zealand.

You won’t be able to bring prohibited items into New Zealand.

You may be able to bring some restricted items into New Zealand, but only if you have a permit for them, or after they have gone through treatments like fumigation.