New Zealand entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand in 2026. You must apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. This is a quick online process, not a traditional visa application.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| NZeTA applicationNZeTA: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority — required for visa-exempt visitors. Apply at immigration.govt.nz or via the NZeTA app ($17 NZD). Takes minutes to approve. Electronic Travel Authority | Apply for your NZeTA at immigration.govt.nz or via the NZeTA app. The fee is $17 NZD via the app or $23 NZD via the website, plus the $35 NZD International Visitor Levy. Approval usually takes minutes, and the NZeTA is valid for 2 years.Apply for NZeTA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Austrian passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from New Zealand | Immigration officers at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or ticket to a third country ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Immigration may ask for proof of at least NZD 1,000 per month of stay, though this is not always enforced. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
NZeTA approvals usually come within 72 hours, but can take longer during peak travel seasons. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress.
Biosecurity is strict
New Zealand has very strict biosecurity laws. Declare any food, plants, animal products, or outdoor gear (hiking boots, tents). Fines for undeclared items can be hundreds of dollars.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for NZeTA online
Go to the official Immigration New Zealand website or download the NZeTA mobile app. Fill in your passport details, travel plans, and answer a few health and character questions. Pay the fee (around NZD $9-12) and submit. You'll usually get a decision within 72 hours.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations handy — you'll need them for the NZeTA application and possibly at immigration.
3
Arrive at Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airport
At the airport, join the 'eGate' queue if your passport is biometric (Austrian passports are). Otherwise, join the standard queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. The officer may ask about your plans and funds.
4
Show your NZeTA and passport
The immigration officer will scan your passport and check your NZeTA approval electronically. They may ask for your return ticket or accommodation proof. Answer honestly and briefly.
5
Collect your bags and proceed through customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and go through customs. New Zealand has strict biosecurity — declare any food, plants, or outdoor gear. If you're unsure, declare it.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay9 months
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~$130 USD)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or visiting family.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay9 months per visit
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~$130 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
ValidityVaries by job offer
CostNZD 495 (~$300 USD) and up
Requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 4 years
CostNZD 330 (~$200 USD)
Requires enrollment in an approved educational institution.
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 4,290 (~$2,600 USD)
For skilled workers with a job offer in an occupation on New Zealand's skill shortage list. Requires points test and health/character checks.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
NZD 330 (~$200 USD)
For full-time study at an approved institution. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays.
Apply investor visa
Investor 2 Visa
4 years, leading to permanent residency
NZD 4,290 (~$2,600 USD)
For investors with NZD 3 million to invest in New Zealand for 4 years. Requires business experience and English language skills.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visitor visa. | NZD 211 (~$130 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | NZD 211 (~$130 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFee to apply for a visitor visa extension. | NZD 270 (~$165 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying a visitor visa. | NZD 100 (~$60 USD) per day, max NZD 1,000 (~$610 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through New Zealand
No transit visa needed
Austrian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in New Zealand, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsAuckland Airport (AKL) · Christchurch Airport (CHC) · Wellington Airport (WLG)
Health & vaccines for New Zealand
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (rare)Low risk
Dengue and Ross River virus are rare but possible in some regions.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but standard hygiene practices recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Auckland
Immigration New Zealand Auckland Office
Level 3, 46 Sale Street, Auckland CBD
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa applications and inquiries.
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand Wellington Office
Level 4, 50 The Terrace, Wellington
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Head office; handles complex cases.
Practical information for AT travellers
Country basics
CapitalWellington
LanguageEnglish, Māori
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.7 NZD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+12
vs New York+17h (EST) / +16h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+20h (PST) / +19h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — same as Australia. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout New Zealand.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to New Zealand — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). It's not a traditional visa but a mandatory online authorization. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
Up to 3 months per visit. You cannot extend your stay beyond that with an NZeTA. For longer stays, you need a different visa.
The NZeTA application fee is about NZD $9-12 (around €5-7). There's also a small International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of about NZD $35 (€20) included in the application.
No. You must apply online before you travel. There is no on-arrival visa for Austrian passport holders. Apply at least 3 days before your flight.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, renew it first, then apply for the NZeTA with the new passport.
Yes, you need an onward ticket to any country after New Zealand. A flight to Australia works. Immigration may ask for proof.
Overstaying is a serious offense. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering New Zealand. Always leave before your authorized stay ends.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.