New Zealand entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Greek 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 — it's a quick online process, not a traditional visa. Plan ahead: the NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years and allows multiple visits of up to 90 days each.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand visa application Apply for a visa before travel | You need a visa to enter New Zealand as a Greek passport holder. Apply online at the New Zealand Immigration website — processing times vary, so submit well before your trip. The visa is linked to your passport number, not a sticker in your passport.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for your entire stay | Your Greek passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in New Zealand. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines sometimes enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from New Zealand | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of New Zealand ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing you have enough money for your stay. No fixed amount is published, but around NZ$1,000 per month is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Biosecurity is strict
NZeTA is valid for 2 years
What happens at the border
1
Apply for NZeTA online
Go to the official Immigration New Zealand website or use the NZeTA mobile app. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and answer a few health and character questions. Pay the fee (around NZD $9–$12 for the app, $12–$17 for the web) plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35. Approval usually comes within minutes to 72 hours.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your approved NZeTA, passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in an easily accessible folder on your phone or in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airport
Most international flights land at Auckland Airport. Follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for non-New Zealand passport holders. Have your passport and NZeTA confirmation ready. The officer may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and return ticket.
4
Clear biosecurity and customs
New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws. Declare any food, plants, animal products, or outdoor gear. Failure to declare can result in a fine of NZD $400 or more. After customs, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 date
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
For tourism purposes; must leave before visa expiry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 9 months per visit
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
Allows multiple entries; good for frequent travelers.
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)
For full-time study at approved institutions.
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 4,290 (~USD 2,640)
For skilled workers with a job offer in an occupation on the skill shortage list. Requires points test and health/character checks.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
NZD 330 (~USD 203)
For full-time study at an approved New Zealand institution. Must have proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Apply investor visa
Investor 1 Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 4,740 (~USD 2,920)
For high-net-worth individuals investing NZD 10 million in New Zealand over 3 years. No age or language requirements.
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 and can invest 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 feeFee for applying to extend visitor visa stay. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; maximum cap may apply. | NZD 100 per day (~USD 62) |
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
Greek passport holders do not need a transit visa for New Zealand if transiting through an airport and staying airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visitor visa is required.
Transit hubsAuckland Airport (AKL) · Christchurch Airport (CHC) · Wellington Airport (WLG)
Health & vaccines for New Zealand
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
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 standard precautions advised.
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
Handles visa applications and extensions.
Practical information for GR 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
Getting to New Zealand
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to New Zealand — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Most applications are processed within minutes to 72 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is around NZD $9–$12 via the app or $12–$17 via the website, plus the NZD $35 IVL.
No, the NZeTA allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. You cannot extend it. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa, like a Visitor Visa, before your current permission expires.
If you're transiting through New Zealand to another country and you hold a Greek passport, you may be eligible for a transit visa waiver. However, you still need to apply for an NZeTA if you'll be transiting through Auckland or other airports. Check with your airline or Immigration New Zealand for the latest rules.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. There is no way to apply for an NZeTA on arrival. You must have it approved before you travel.
No. The NZeTA is for tourism, visiting family, or short business trips (like meetings or conferences). You cannot work for a New Zealand employer or study for more than 3 months. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa.
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), printed or digital NZeTA approval, return ticket, first night accommodation booking, and travel insurance details. Keep them in your carry-on or phone for quick access.
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in New Zealand are high — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Insurance covers accidents, illness, and trip cancellations.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.