New Zealand entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Belgian passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand. For short visits (up to 3 months), you can apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) online before you travel. This requirement has been in place since 2019.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| NZeTA (eTA) – Electronic Travel AuthorityYou must have an approved NZeTA before you travel – it is not issued on arrival. Visa waiver for Belgian citizens | Belgian passport holders must obtain an NZeTA before boarding a flight to New Zealand. Apply online or via the official mobile app. The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years for multiple entries. Processing typically takes up to 72 hours; apply well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond departure | Your Belgian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand. Ensure your passport meets this before applying for the NZeTA. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have 2 blank pages to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketCarry a printed or digital copy of your onward travel booking. Proof of departure | Although not always checked, you must be able to show evidence of a return or onward ticket to a country you have the right to enter. This is a standard requirement for visa waiver visitors. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsBe prepared to show you can support yourself during your visit. Financial self-sufficiency | You may be asked to show you have enough money to cover your stay. A common guideline is NZ$1,000 per month of stay, or NZ$400 per month if accommodation is prepaid. Have bank statements or credit card statements ready. | Required |
| Arrival declarationComplete this declaration to speed up your arrival – it is mandatory. New Zealand Traveller Declaration | All travellers must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration before arrival. This is done online or via the app within 24 hours before departure. It replaces the paper arrival card. | Required |
| Visa extensionYou cannot extend your stay – plan your trip accordingly. Not possible for NZeTA visitors | The NZeTA does not allow you to extend your stay. You must leave New Zealand before your permitted stay expires (usually 3 months per visit). Overstaying can lead to penalties. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
NZeTA processing can take up to 72 hours, but sometimes longer if there are issues. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress.
Biosecurity is strict
New Zealand has very strict biosecurity rules. Declare any food, outdoor gear, or wooden items. Fines for undeclared items start at NZD 400 (€230).
What happens at the border
1
Apply for NZeTA online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website or download the NZeTA mobile app. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and answer health/character questions. Pay the fee (NZD 17 via app or NZD 23 online) plus the NZD 35 IVL. Approval usually comes by email within minutes, but allow at least 72 hours.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Book a return or onward flight and your first night's stay. Keep confirmation emails or screenshots on your phone. If you're staying with friends/family, have their address and contact info ready.
3
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your NZeTA approval, passport, flight itinerary, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Store them in a cloud folder (Google Drive, iCloud) and on your phone.
4
Arrive at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Queenstown airport
Hand your passport to the immigration officer. They'll scan it and may ask about your plans, funds, and return ticket. Answer honestly. You'll get a visitor visa stamp valid for up to 3 months. The whole process usually takes 5–15 minutes.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor Visa (standard)
Max stayUp to 9 months
ValidityTypically 18 months from issue date
CostNZD $246
For longer visits or if you don't meet NZeTA requirements; apply online
Business Visitor Visa
Max stayUp to 3 months per visit
ValidityUp to 12 months
CostNZD $246
For business meetings, conferences, or negotiations; not for paid work
Work Visa (e.g., Essential Skills)
Max stayVaries (up to 5 years)
ValidityBased on job offer
CostFrom NZD $495
Requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer and may require a labour market test
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 2,710 (~USD 1,670)
For skilled workers with a job offer in an occupation on the skill shortage list. Requires points test and health/character checks. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Full-time study)
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
NZD 330 (~USD 203)
For full-time study at an approved institution. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays. Must have sufficient funds and health insurance.
Apply investor visa
Investor 2 Resident Visa
4 years (leads to permanent residency)
NZD 4,750 (~USD 2,930)
For investors with NZD 3 million to invest in New Zealand over 4 years. Requires business experience and English language skills. Pathway to residency.
Apply retirement visa
Parent Retirement Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 3,130 (~USD 1,930)
For parents of New Zealand residents or citizens who have an adult child in NZ. Requires NZD 1 million investment and annual income of NZD 60,000. Limited places.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) application feeVia mobile app; NZD $23 via website | NZD $17 |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)Paid together with NZeTA; mandatory for most visitors | NZD $35 |
| NZeTA extension (if eligible)Only for exceptional circumstances; must apply before current NZeTA expires | NZD $100 |
| Visitor visa extension (for stays beyond 3 months)Standard visitor visa extension fee; subject to eligibility | NZD $246 |
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
Belgian citizens transiting through New Zealand airports do not need a transit visa if they hold an NZeTA (which is required for all international arrivals). For airside transit without passing through immigration, an NZeTA is still required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are an Australian permanent resident or hold a valid visa for Australia, you may be exempt from NZeTA for transit.
- If you are a citizen of a visa waiver country (Belgium is included) and hold a valid NZeTA, you can transit without a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsAuckland Airport (AKL) · Wellington Airport (WLG) · Christchurch Airport (CHC)
Health & vaccines for New Zealand
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Ross River virus)Low risk
Rare but present in some rural areas; use insect repellent.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but practice good hygiene to avoid traveler's diarrhea.
Sun exposureModerate risk
High UV levels; use sunscreen and protective clothing.
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, 20 Amersham Way, Manukau, Auckland 2104
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa applications and inquiries.
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand Wellington Office
Level 4, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington 6011
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Head office; handles complex cases.
Practical information for BE 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 = 1.76 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) before you travel. It's an online application, not a sticker in your passport. Apply at least 3 days before your flight.
Up to 3 months per visit. You cannot work on this visa. If you want to stay longer, you'd need a different visa (e.g., a working holiday visa or visitor visa extension).
The NZeTA fee is NZD 17 via the mobile app or NZD 23 on the website, plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35. Total around NZD 52–58 (about €30–35).
No. You must have an approved NZeTA before you board your flight to New Zealand. Airlines check this. Apply online at least 72 hours before departure.
Denials are rare but can happen if you have a criminal record or health issues. You'll receive a letter explaining why. You can appeal or apply for a different visa (e.g., a visitor visa) through the New Zealand embassy in Brussels.
Yes. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. A return flight or a ticket to another country works. Keep a copy on your phone.
Yes, you can apply for a visitor visa extension before your current visa expires. The fee is around NZD 165 (€95). You'll need to show you have funds and a reason to stay longer. Apply online via Immigration New Zealand.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.