New Zealand entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand in 2026. The standard option is the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), which you apply for online before you fly. Most approvals come through within minutes to a few hours.
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 departure — it's mandatory for Italian passport holders. The application costs $17 NZD via the app or $23 NZD via the website, and includes the $35 NZD International Visitor Levy. Most applications are approved within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight.Apply for NZeTA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Italian passport needs to be valid only for the entire time you're in New Zealand — no 6-month rule. Airlines may still check for 6 months validity, so carry a passport that won't expire within your travel dates. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from New Zealand | Immigration officers at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave within your NZeTA validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital booking confirmation for your first night in New Zealand. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $1,000 NZD per month of stay. Immigration may ask if you look underfunded or have no return ticket. | Recommended |
Biosecurity is strict
New Zealand fines heavily for undeclared food, plants, or outdoor gear. If in doubt, declare it. Even a forgotten apple in your bag can cost you NZD $400.
NZeTA is linked to your passport
If you renew your passport after getting the NZeTA, the authorisation is invalid. You'll need to apply again with the new passport details.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for NZeTA online
Go to the official Immigration New Zealand website or use the NZeTA mobile app. Fill in your passport details, travel plans, and answer a few health and character questions. Pay the fee (around NZD $9–$12 for the NZeTA plus a small tourist levy). Most applications are approved within minutes, but allow up to 72 hours.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your NZeTA approval, passport, return ticket, and first night accommodation confirmation. Keep them easily accessible — not buried in your luggage.
3
Arrive at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Queenstown
You'll go through passport control. Hand over your passport and NZeTA (if asked). The officer may ask about your plans, return ticket, and accommodation. Answer clearly and briefly. After that, collect your bags and proceed to customs.
4
Clear customs and biosecurity
New Zealand has strict biosecurity. Declare any food, plants, animal products, or outdoor gear. If you're unsure, declare it — fines for undeclared items are steep. You'll walk through a detector and may have your bags screened.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 9 months
ValidityUp to 12 months from issue
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
Standard tourist visa; must show strong ties to home country.
Visitor Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 9 months per visit
ValidityUp to 12 months from issue
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travelers.
Working Holiday Visa
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostNZD 420 (~USD 260)
For Italians aged 18-30; allows work and travel. Must apply before arrival.
Silver Fern Job Search Visa
Max stay9 months
Validity9 months from issue
CostNZD 420 (~USD 260)
For skilled workers aged 20-35; limited places. Requires qualification and funds.
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 3,310 (~USD 2,050) for principal applicant
For skilled workers with a job offer in New Zealand. Points-based system; requires age, experience, and qualifications. Leads to residency.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
NZD 330 (~USD 205) for application
For full-time study at a New Zealand institution. Must have offer of place and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Apply investor visa
Investor 1 Resident Visa
Indefinite (residency)
NZD 4,740 (~USD 2,940) for principal applicant
For high-net-worth individuals investing NZD 10 million in New Zealand. No age or language requirements. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply retirement visa
Parent Retirement Resident Visa
Indefinite (residency)
NZD 3,310 (~USD 2,050) for principal applicant
For parents of New Zealand residents or citizens aged 66+ with a guaranteed income and investment of NZD 500,000. Limited places.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Visitor Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)Mandatory fee for most visitors, paid with visa application or via NZeTA. | NZD 35 (~USD 22) |
| NZeTA (if eligible for visa waiver)Not applicable for Italian passport holders as they require a visa. | NZD 9 (~USD 6) via app, NZD 12 (~USD 7) via web |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa; may also lead to deportation and ban. | NZD 1,000 (~USD 620) per month or part thereof |
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
No transit visa needed
Italian passport holders do not need a transit visa for New Zealand if transiting through an airport and staying airside for less than 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through 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, DTP, 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 UV radiationHigh 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 CBD
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main processing center; appointments recommended for complex cases.
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand National Office
Level 4, 80 The Terrace, Wellington
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Head office; handles appeals and policy inquiries.
Practical information for IT 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) before you travel. It's not a traditional visa sticker — it's an online authorisation linked to your passport. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
Up to 3 months per visit. You can enter multiple times within the 2-year validity of the NZeTA, but each stay is limited to 90 days.
The NZeTA fee is NZD $9 if you apply through the mobile app, or NZD $12 via the website. There's also an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35, which is included in the total.
No, the NZeTA does not allow extensions. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa (like a visitor visa) before your NZeTA expires. Overstaying can lead to deportation and future entry bans.
Denials are rare for Italian citizens but can happen if you have a criminal record or misrepresented information. You'll receive a reason. You can reapply with corrected info or apply for a standard visitor visa instead.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward ticket to any destination outside New Zealand. It doesn't have to be back to Italy — just proof you're leaving the country within your allowed stay.
No, it's not a legal requirement for entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs are high — a hospital stay can cost NZD $1,000+ per day. Insurance also covers trip cancellations and lost luggage.
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.