New Zealand entry requirements for France passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
French passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand in 2026. The standard option is the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), which you can apply for online in minutes. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your arrival date.
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 French passport holders. The application costs $17 NZD via the mobile app or $23 NZD on the website, and includes the $35 NZD International Visitor Levy. Approval usually takes minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before departure to be safe.Apply for NZeTA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your French passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in New Zealand. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required, but airlines sometimes enforce 3 months — check with your carrier. | 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 booking out of New Zealand ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay. No fixed amount is published, but around $1,000 NZD per month is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in New Zealand. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the NZeTA. Airlines may deny boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
NZeTA processing time
Most NZeTA applications are approved within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for NZeTA online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and fill out the NZeTA application. You'll need your passport details, a recent photo, and a credit card for the fee (NZD 9 to NZD 12). Approval is usually instant, but allow a few days just in case.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Keep the confirmation emails or screenshots on your phone. Immigration may ask for these at the border.
3
Arrive at Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airport
When you land, go through passport control. Have your passport and NZeTA approval ready. The officer may ask about your plans, return ticket, and accommodation. Answer clearly. After that, collect your bags and go through customs.
4
Show your documents at immigration
At the immigration counter, hand over your passport. The officer will scan it and check your NZeTA. They may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Be polite and direct. You'll get a stamp or electronic entry record.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor Visa (single entry)
Max stay9 months
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~$130 USD)
For tourism, visiting family, or short-term study. Must have sufficient funds and onward ticket.
Visitor Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay9 months per visit
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~$130 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travelers.
Working Holiday Visa
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostNZD 420 (~$260 USD)
For French citizens aged 18-30. Allows work and travel. Must have sufficient funds and health insurance.
Silver Fern Job Search Visa
Max stay9 months
Validity9 months from issue date
CostNZD 420 (~$260 USD)
For skilled young people (20-35) to search for skilled employment. Limited quota.
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 3,310 (~$2,050 USD) for principal applicant
For skilled workers with a job offer in New Zealand. Points-based system. Requires age, experience, and qualifications.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
NZD 330 (~$200 USD) for application
For full-time study at approved institutions. Allows part-time work. Must have offer of place and sufficient funds.
Apply investor visa
Investor 1 Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency after 3 years)
NZD 4,750 (~$2,950 USD) for application
For high-net-worth individuals investing NZD 10 million in New Zealand for 3 years. No age or language requirements.
Apply retirement visa
Parent Retirement Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 3,310 (~$2,050 USD) for application
For parents of New Zealand residents or citizens. Requires a guaranteed income and investment of NZD 1 million.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (single entry)For tourism or visiting family, valid for up to 9 months. | NZD 211 (~$130 USD) |
| Visitor Visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period, up to 9 months total stay. | NZD 211 (~$130 USD) |
| NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)Mandatory for visa-waiver travelers, including French citizens, for short stays up to 3 months. | NZD 9 (~$6 USD) via mobile app, NZD 12 (~$7 USD) via web |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)Paid as part of NZeTA application, contributes to tourism infrastructure. | NZD 35 (~$21 USD) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa conditions; may also lead to deportation. | NZD 1,000 (~$600 USD) per month or part thereof |
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
French citizens do not need a transit visa for New Zealand if transiting through an airport for less than 24 hours and not leaving the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visitor visa or NZeTA may be required.
Transit hubsAuckland Airport (AKL) · Christchurch Airport (CHC) · Wellington Airport (WLG)
Health & vaccines for New Zealand
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (rare)Low risk
Dengue and Ross River virus are rare but possible in Northland.
Giardia (waterborne)Low risk
Avoid drinking untreated water from streams or lakes.
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, 46 Sale Street, Auckland 1010
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa applications and inquiries. Book appointments online.
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand Wellington Office
Level 4, 45 Pipitea Street, Wellington 6011
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Head office; handles complex cases and appeals.
Practical information for FR 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
Yes, you need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) for tourism or business visits up to 3 months. Apply online before you travel. The fee is NZD 9 to NZD 12 and approval is usually quick.
You can stay up to 3 months per visit. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years from approval, so you can make multiple trips within that period as long as each stay is under 3 months.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the NZeTA. The NZeTA is linked to your passport number, so a new passport means a new application.
No, the NZeTA does not allow extensions. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa (like a visitor visa) before your current one expires. Overstaying can lead to fines or deportation.
Your passport (with valid NZeTA), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Immigration may also ask about your travel plans and funds. Keep everything easily accessible.
No, it's not mandatory, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in New Zealand are high — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of NZD per day. Insurance covers accidents, illness, and trip cancellations.
No, the NZeTA is for tourism, business meetings, or short study courses only. You cannot work or take paid employment. If you want to work, you need a work visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.