New Zealand entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Chinese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to New Zealand. There are no visa-on-arrival or eTA options. Apply and receive approval before your trip; processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visitor Visa required | Apply for a Visitor Visa online at the New Zealand Immigration website before you travel. Processing takes 20–25 days for most applications, so apply well ahead of your departure date. The visa costs NZD $246 and is usually valid for multiple entries up to 18 months.Apply for Visitor Visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa approval | New Zealand Immigration requires proof of a return or onward ticket when you apply for the Visitor Visa and when you arrive at the border. Immigration officers at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch airports routinely ask to see this. A ticket to any onward destination outside New Zealand works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration officers at the border may ask where you are staying for the first few nights. A printed booking confirmation or a digital copy on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — at least NZD $1,000 per month of your stay, or NZD $400 per month if your accommodation is prepaid. Bank statements or credit card statements from the last three months are accepted. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can take a month
New Zealand visa processing for Chinese applicants often takes 20–30 days. During peak travel seasons (Chinese New Year, summer holidays), it can stretch longer. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
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 start at NZD 400. When in doubt, declare it.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and create an account. Fill out the visitor visa application form, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, bank statements), and pay the fee. Processing takes 20–30 days on average, so apply at least 2 months before your trip.
2
Receive visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a visa label or electronic visa (eVisa) sent to your email. Print a copy and save it on your phone. Check that all details (name, passport number, validity dates) are correct.
3
Book flights and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations easily accessible — you'll need them at check-in and on arrival.
4
Arrive at Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airport
At passport control, present your passport and visa. The officer may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and funds. Answer honestly and have your documents ready. After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs (declare any food, plants, or outdoor gear).
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 9 months
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
Requires proof of funds, itinerary, and return ticket.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 9 months per visit
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Work visa
Max stayVaries by job offer
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostNZD 495 (~USD 305)
Requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 4 years
CostNZD 330 (~USD 203)
Requires enrollment in an approved educational institution.
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite, with pathway to permanent residence
NZD 4,950 (~USD 3,050)
For skilled workers with a job offer in New Zealand. Requires points-based assessment, age under 55, and English proficiency.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Up to 4 years, depending on course
NZD 330 (~USD 203)
For full-time study at an approved institution. Requires proof of enrollment, funds, and health insurance.
Apply investor visa
Investor 1 Resident Visa
Indefinite, with pathway to permanent residence
NZD 5,000 (~USD 3,080)
For high-net-worth individuals investing NZD 10 million in New Zealand for 3 years. Requires funds to be invested in acceptable investments.
Apply retirement visa
Parent Retirement Resident Visa
Indefinite
NZD 3,000 (~USD 1,850)
For parents of New Zealand residents or citizens aged 66+ with a guaranteed lifetime income and investment of NZD 1 million.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visitor visa. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Stay extension feeFor applying to extend a visitor visa beyond initial stay. | NZD 190 (~USD 117) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa conditions. | NZD 100 (~USD 62) per day, max NZD 1,000 (~USD 620) |
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
Transit visa required
Chinese passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in New Zealand, even if staying airside. Apply for a Transit Visa before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid New Zealand visa or residence visa may transit without a transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Australian permanent resident visa or Australian resident return visa may transit without a transit visa.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Ross River virus)Low risk
Rare in urban areas; risk increases in rural and outdoor settings.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but travelers should practice good hygiene.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in alpine and outdoor activities; dress appropriately.
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 1010
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 6011
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and complex cases.
Practical information for CN 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
Processing usually takes 20–30 days, but can be longer during peak seasons (November–February). Apply at least 2 months before your planned travel date.
No. Chinese passport holders must get a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option for Chinese citizens.
The standard visitor visa fee is NZD 246 (about CNY 1,080) as of 2025. This includes the application fee and an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a recent passport photo, a completed application form, travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation), proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for the last 3 months), and a letter explaining your travel purpose.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and are assessed case by case. Apply at least 2 weeks before your visa expiry.
Yes, Chinese passport holders need a transit visa even if you're just changing planes and staying airside. Apply for a Transit Visa (NZ$ 246) before travel.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or incomplete documents. You can reapply with stronger evidence or appeal the decision within 14 days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.