New Zealand entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
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 applicationNZeTA: "New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority — required for visa-exempt visitors. Apply at immigration.govt.nz or via the NZeTA app ($17 NZD). Takes minutes to approve." Electronic Travel Authority | Apply for an NZeTA before you fly — it's mandatory for Belgian passport holders visiting New Zealand. The application costs $17 NZD via the app or $23 NZD via the website, and you pay the $35 NZD International Visitor Levy at the same time. Approval usually takes minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.Apply for NZeTA | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport required | Your Belgian passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand. Carry the physical passport — digital copies are not accepted at immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or host invitation | Carry printed or digital confirmations for your first few nights in New Zealand. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial evidence | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but around $1,000 NZD per month is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
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 (around NZD 9–12) plus a small tourist levy (IVL, about NZD 35). Approval usually comes by email within 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 May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay9 months
Validity18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
For tourism purposes; must leave after stay period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay9 months per entry
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostNZD 422 (~USD 260)
Allows multiple visits; each stay up to 9 months.
Work visa (Skilled Migrant)
Max stayUp to 3 years
ValidityBased on job offer
CostNZD 495 (~USD 305)
Requires a job offer in an occupation on skill shortage list.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 4 years
CostNZD 330 (~USD 203)
Must be enrolled in a full-time course at an approved institution.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visitor visa. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | NZD 422 (~USD 260) |
| Stay extension feeFee for applying to extend visitor visa stay. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa conditions. | NZD 100 (~USD 62) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum penalty for overstay. | 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
No transit visa needed
Belgian passport holders do not need a transit visa to transit through New Zealand airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsAuckland Airport (AKL) · Christchurch Airport (CHC) · Wellington Airport (WLG)
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 = 1.7 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
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 9–12 (about €5–7) plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35 (about €20). Total around NZD 44–47 (€25–27).
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 May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.