New Zealand entry requirements for Uruguay passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Uruguayan passport holders need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) to visit New Zealand for tourism, transit, or business. It's a quick online application, not a traditional visa, and you'll need it before you board your flight.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand eVisitor visa (NZeTA)You need this online authorization before you fly – it's not a visa sticker, but it's mandatory. Apply online before travel | Uruguayan citizens must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before boarding. Apply through the official Immigration New Zealand website or mobile app. The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years for multiple visits. Processing typically takes up to 72 hours, so apply well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must stay valid for half a year after you leave New Zealand, so renew early if needed. At least 6 months from arrival | Your Uruguayan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from New Zealand. Check your passport's expiry date now – if it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the NZeTA. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a clean page to stamp your passport when you arrive. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a flight out of New Zealand booked – they won't let you in without proof you'll leave. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country you are eligible to enter. This is checked at check-in and may be requested by immigration on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's not always asked, but having evidence of funds helps avoid problems at the border. For your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough money to cover your stay in New Zealand. As a guideline, have at least NZD 1,000 per month of stay, or NZD 400 per month if your accommodation is prepaid. Carry bank statements or a credit card. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationNo separate online arrival form – just the NZeTA and the customs form you'll get on the plane. New Zealand Traveller Declaration | New Zealand does not require a separate arrival declaration form – the NZeTA serves as your electronic authorization. You will complete a customs and biosecurity declaration on arrival (paper or digital). | Not required |
| Visa extensionYou can't extend an NZeTA – plan your trip within the allowed time. Not applicable | The NZeTA does not allow you to extend your stay beyond the permitted visitor period (usually up to 3 months). If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa before your current authorization expires. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
While most NZeTA applications are approved within 72 hours, some take longer. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress. Also, the NZeTA is linked to your passport number — if you renew your passport, you'll need a new NZeTA.
The IVL fee is mandatory for tourists
The NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy is automatically added when you apply for the NZeTA for tourism purposes. It funds conservation projects and tourism infrastructure. You don't need to do anything extra — it's part of the application fee.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the NZeTA application
Go to the official Immigration New Zealand website or download the NZeTA app. Fill in your passport details, travel plans, and answer health/character questions. Pay the NZD 17 fee (plus NZD 100 if you also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy).
2
Wait for approval
Most NZeTA applications are processed within 24-72 hours. You'll receive an email confirmation. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have this approval.
3
Check in and board
At the airport, the airline will verify your NZeTA before issuing your boarding pass. Have your passport and approval email ready.
4
Arrive at Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch
You'll go through passport control. Have your passport and NZeTA confirmation ready. The officer may ask about your plans and funds. After passport control, you'll collect your bags and go through customs.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Uruguay Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor Visa (standard)
Max stayUp to 9 months (usually 3-6 months per visit)
ValidityUp to 18 months (multiple entry)
CostNZD 330 (standard fee)
For longer stays or if you don't qualify for NZeTA; requires full application.
Work Visa (e.g., Working Holiday Scheme)
Max stayUp to 12 months
Validity12 months from first arrival
CostNZD 420 (standard fee)
Uruguay is eligible for a Working Holiday Scheme; must be aged 18-30 (or 35 for some countries).
Business Visitor Visa (if not covered by NZeTA)
Max stayUp to 3 months per visit
ValidityUp to 12 months (multiple entry)
CostNZD 330 (standard fee)
For business meetings, conferences, or negotiations; not for paid work.
Working Holiday Visa
Working Holiday Visa (Uruguay)
Up to 12 months
NZD $420
For Uruguayan citizens aged 18–30 to work and travel in New Zealand.
Apply on Immigration NZ Retirement Visa
Parent Retirement Visa
Indefinite
NZD $4,090
For parents of New Zealand residents or citizens with significant funds to invest.
Apply on Immigration NZ Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) application feeRequired for visa-free travellers, including Uruguayans, for transit or short stays. | NZD 17 (mobile app) / NZD 23 (web) |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)Paid together with the NZeTA; mandatory for most visitors. | NZD 35 |
| Visitor visa extension (if applicable)For stays beyond the initial 3 months; must apply before current visa expires. | NZD 330 (standard fee) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Insufficient funds25%
Weak ties to home country20%
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
Uruguayan citizens are visa-free for transit through New Zealand, but must obtain an NZeTA before travel, even for airside transit.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you hold a valid New Zealand visa, you do not need a separate transit visa.
- If you are an Australian permanent resident, you may not need an NZeTA for transit.
Transit hubsAuckland Airport (AKL) · Wellington Airport (WLG) · Christchurch Airport (CHC)
Health & vaccines for New Zealand
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common during winter months (June–September).
CampylobacteriosisLow risk
From contaminated food or water; practice good hygiene.
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
Monday to Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand National Office
Level 4, 80 Boulcott Street, Wellington
Monday to Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm
Practical information for UY 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
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years for multiple entries.
The NZeTA itself costs NZD 17. If you're visiting for tourism, you'll also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 100, so the total is NZD 117. The IVL is collected as part of the same application.
No. The NZeTA is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa (like a visitor visa) before your 90 days are up.
Yes. Even if you're only changing planes and not leaving the airport, you need an NZeTA. The same application covers transit.
If your application is denied, you'll receive a notification with reasons. You can reapply with corrected information or apply for a visitor visa instead. It's rare for Uruguayan citizens to be denied, but it can happen if you have a criminal record or health issues.
No. The NZeTA covers you for New Zealand proper, but the Cook Islands and Niue have their own entry rules. Check with their immigration authorities if you plan to visit those territories.
No. The NZeTA is for tourism, transit, and short business visits only. You cannot work or study for more than 3 months. For work, you need a work visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.