New Zealand entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders must get a visa before traveling to New Zealand. Apply online through Immigration New Zealand before your trip. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to New Zealand. Apply online through the New Zealand Immigration website — processing takes 20–25 days for most visitor visas. The visa costs NZD $246 and allows stays up to 9 months.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand | Your passport needs at least 3 months validity after your planned departure from New Zealand. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and at border | You need a confirmed onward or return flight out of New Zealand. Immigration officers at Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington check this for every arriving passenger — no ticket means you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have hotel bookings or a letter of invitation ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying for the first few nights — a printed booking confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry bank statements showing at least NZD $1,000 per month of your stay, or a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration officers rarely ask, but having proof avoids delays. | Recommended |
Biosecurity is strict
New Zealand has some of the world's strictest biosecurity laws. Declare any food, plants, animal products, or outdoor gear. Fines for undeclared items start at NZD 400 and can go up to NZD 100,000. If in doubt, declare it.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended
New Zealand's public healthcare system is high quality, but non-residents face significant costs for treatment. A hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is a smart investment.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and fill out the visitor visa application. Upload a digital photo and your passport details. Pay the NZD 211 fee plus NZD 35 IVL with a credit card. Most applications are processed within 3–7 working days.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Book a return or onward flight and your first night's accommodation. Save the confirmations on your phone — immigration may ask to see them at the border.
3
Prepare your documents for the border
When you land at Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington airport, join the queue for 'Visitors'. Have your passport, visa approval (printed or on your phone), and return ticket ready. The officer will ask about your plans and may ask for proof of funds or accommodation.
4
Clear biosecurity
New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules. Declare any food, outdoor gear, or animal products. If you are unsure, declare it — fines for undeclared items start at NZD 400.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or visiting family.
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) base
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 institution.
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
Up to 4 years (course duration)
NZD 330 (~USD 203)
For full-time study at an approved institution. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays.
Apply investor visa
Investor 1 Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency after 3 years)
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 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; multiple entries allowed within validity. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| NZeTA (if transiting or visa-free)Required for visa-waiver countries; not applicable for Vietnam passport holders who need a visa. | NZD 9 (~USD 6) via app, NZD 12 (~USD 8) via web |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)Paid with visa application or NZeTA. | NZD 35 (~USD 22) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum penalty; overstayers may also face deportation. | NZD 1,000 (~USD 620) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Vietnam passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in New Zealand, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid New Zealand visa or resident visa may transit without a transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Australian permanent resident 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 ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common during winter months (June–September).
CampylobacteriosisLow risk
Foodborne illness from undercooked poultry or unpasteurized milk.
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 VN 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
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 3–7 working days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. You can apply online at the Immigration New Zealand website.
The standard fee is NZD 211 (about USD 130) for both single and multiple entry visas. You also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35 (about USD 22) as part of the application.
No, tourist visas for Vietnamese passport holders are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a different visa type (like a work or student visa) before your current visa expires.
Yes, Vietnamese passport holders need a transit visa even if you stay airside. The only exceptions are if you hold a valid New Zealand visa or resident visa, or a valid Australian permanent resident visa. The main transit airports are Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington.
Overstayers are fined NZD 1,000 (about USD 620) per day, up to a maximum penalty. You may also face deportation and a ban from re-entering New Zealand. Always leave before your visa expires.
The top reasons are: insufficient funds proof (30% of rejections), no return ticket (25%), incomplete application documents (20%), previous overstay history (15%), and suspicious travel patterns (10%). Make sure your application is complete and honest.
No, a tourist visa does not allow you to work or study. For work, you need a work visa (requires a job offer, base cost NZD 495). For study, you need a student visa (requires enrollment in an approved institution, cost NZD 330).
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.