New Zealand entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
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 your NZeTA before you fly — it's mandatory for all visa-exempt visitors. The fee is $17 NZD via the mobile app or $23 NZD via the website, and the International Visitor Levy ($35 NZD) is paid 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 Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity after the day you plan to leave New Zealand. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they'll check it before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Have a recent bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There's no set minimum amount, but officers may ask if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa-on-arrival
New Zealand does not offer visa-on-arrival for Icelandic passport holders. You must have an approved visa before you board your flight. Processing can take a month, so start your application at least 6–8 weeks before your trip.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive in New Zealand, not your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and complete the visitor visa application. You'll need to upload your passport scan, a recent photo, travel itinerary, and proof of funds. Pay the fee (around NZD $211 for most applicants). Processing takes 20–30 days on average.
2
Wait for visa decision
Check your application status online. If approved, you'll receive a visa label or an eVisa linked to your passport. Print a copy and save it on your phone.
3
Book flights and accommodation
Once you have the visa, book your flights and first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations handy.
4
Arrive at Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airport
At the border, present your passport with the visa. The immigration officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. They'll stamp your passport with the entry date and allowed stay (usually up to 3 months).
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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 or visiting family. Must apply before travel.
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; useful for frequent travelers.
Working Holiday Visa
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostNZD 420 (~USD 255)
For Icelanders aged 18–30. Allows work and travel. Apply online.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityDuration of course plus up to 4 weeks
CostNZD 330 (~USD 200)
For full-time study at approved institutions. Must have offer of place.
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 4,950 (~USD 3,000) for principal applicant
For skilled workers with a job offer in New Zealand. Points-based system. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Full-time study)
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
NZD 330 (~USD 200) plus tuition fees
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 5,000 (~USD 3,050) plus investment of NZD 10 million
For high-net-worth individuals investing NZD 10 million in New Zealand for 3 years. No age or English requirement.
Apply retirement visa
Parent Retirement Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 4,950 (~USD 3,000) plus investment of NZD 1 million
For parents of New Zealand residents or citizens aged 66+. Requires NZD 1 million investment and annual income of NZD 60,000.
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 entry may be granted based on circumstances. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Stay extension feeFee for applying to extend a visitor visa beyond initial stay. | NZD 270 (~USD 165) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying a visitor visa; may also lead to deportation and future bans. | NZD 100 (~USD 60) per day, max NZD 1,000 (~USD 610) |
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
Iceland passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in New Zealand, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or clearing 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, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
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; standard hygiene precautions recommended.
Sun exposure and UVHigh risk
New Zealand has 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 Johnston Street, Wellington 6011
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Head office; handles complex cases and appeals.
Practical information for IS 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
Processing typically takes 20 to 30 days. Apply well in advance of your planned travel. You can check current processing times on the Immigration New Zealand website.
The standard visitor visa fee is around NZD $211 (approximately USD $130). This includes the application fee and a tourism levy. Fees are subject to change, so confirm on the official website.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension while in New Zealand. You must apply before your current visa expires. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis, usually for up to 3 additional months.
If you are transiting through New Zealand (leaving the airport), you generally need a transit visa. However, if you are staying airside and not passing through immigration, you may not need one. Check with your airline and Immigration New Zealand.
Have your passport with the visa, your return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation ready. The immigration officer may ask for any of these. Keep them easily accessible.
No, a visitor visa does not allow you to work. You can only engage in tourism, visiting family, or short-term study (up to 3 months). If you want to work, you need a different visa.
You will receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or missing documents. You can reapply with a stronger application or appeal the decision. There is no automatic right of appeal for visitor visas.
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.