New Zealand entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand. Apply online for a visitor visa before you travel. This requirement is in place for 2026.
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 Latvian passport holders. The application costs $17 NZD via the app or $23 NZD on the website, and the International Visitor Levy ($35 NZD) is paid at the same time. Approval usually comes through in 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 Latvian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in New Zealand. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by New Zealand immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before letting you through. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money | Have a recent bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. New Zealand doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but showing at least $1,000 NZD per month of your trip is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing takes weeks
New Zealand visitor visa processing can take 20–30 days. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa approved.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in New Zealand, not from when you leave. Check the expiry date before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and complete the online visitor visa application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and proof of funds. Pay the fee (around NZD $211 for a standard visitor visa). Processing takes 20–30 days on average.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, Immigration New Zealand will process your application. You'll receive an email with the decision. If approved, the visa is linked electronically to your passport.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before departure, print or save on your phone: visa approval email, passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them easily accessible.
4
Arrive at Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airport
At the airport, go to the 'Visitors' queue. Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer may ask about your plans, funds, and return ticket. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 3 months.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay9 months
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
For tourism purposes; must leave after stay period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay9 months per visit
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
Allows multiple entries; total stay cannot exceed 9 months in 18-month period.
Work visa
Max stayVaries by job offer
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostNZD 495 (~USD 305)
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 educational 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 New Zealand. Points-based system; requires age, experience, and qualifications.
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 2 Visa
4 years (leads to residency)
NZD 4,290 (~USD 2,640)
For investors with NZD 3 million to invest in New Zealand over 4 years. Requires business experience and English proficiency.
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, allows multiple entries within validity. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Stay extension feeFee for applying to extend visitor visa stay. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; no official maximum cap but may lead to deportation. | NZD 100 (~USD 62) per day |
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
Latvia passport holders do not need a transit visa for New Zealand if transiting through an airport for less than 24 hours and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsAuckland Airport (AKL) · Christchurch Airport (CHC) · Wellington Airport (WLG)
Health & vaccines for New Zealand
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (rare)Low risk
Dengue and Ross River virus are rare but possible in some regions.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe; standard precautions recommended.
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 CBD
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa applications and inquiries; appointments recommended.
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand Wellington Office
Level 4, 50 The Terrace, Wellington
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and complex cases.
Practical information for LV 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 = 1.71 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. Latvia is not on the visa-waiver list for New Zealand. You must apply for a visitor visa online before you travel.
Standard processing takes 20–30 days. Apply well in advance — at least 2 months before your planned travel.
The standard visitor visa fee is NZD $211. This includes the application fee and an immigration levy. Fees are subject to change — check the Immigration New Zealand website for the latest.
No. The visitor visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can affect future travel.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), visa approval email, return ticket, and proof of first night accommodation. Travel insurance is strongly recommended but not always checked.
Yes. You need a booked onward ticket out of New Zealand. A one-way ticket is not enough — immigration will ask for proof of onward travel.
No. There is no visa on arrival for Latvian passport holders. You must have a visa approved before you board your flight.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.