New Zealand entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand. You must apply for a visitor visa before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. 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 an NZeTA before you fly. The fee is $17 NZD via the app or $23 NZD via the website, plus the $35 NZD International Visitor Levy. Approval usually comes within 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 | 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 New Zealand enforces it on arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of New Zealand. A flight booking to Australia or another country works — just have the itinerary ready on your phone or printed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's accommodation details ready — a hotel confirmation email or a letter from a friend you're staying with. Officers rarely ask for it, but it speeds things up if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There's no fixed minimum, but having at least $1,000 NZD per month of stay is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer during peak season. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Biosecurity is strict
New Zealand has some of the world's strictest biosecurity laws. Declare all food, plants, animal products, and outdoor gear. Fines for undeclared items start at NZD 400.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and complete the Visitor Visa application. You'll need to upload a digital photo, passport scan, and answer questions about your trip. Pay the fee (NZD 246 total for standard visitor visa). Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Wait for visa approval
After submitting, you'll get a confirmation email. Check your application status online. Once approved, you'll receive an eVisa via email. Print a copy and save it on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you fly, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months beyond departure), printed eVisa, return ticket, first night accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance details. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at New Zealand border
When you land at Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for foreign passports. The border officer will check your passport, visa, and may ask about your plans. They might ask to see your return ticket and accommodation. Answer honestly and clearly.
5
Complete arrival declaration
You'll need to fill out a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (online or paper). Declare any food, plants, animal products, or outdoor gear — penalties for not declaring start at NZD 400. You can submit the online version up to 24 hours before landing.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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 stay9 months
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
For tourism purposes, may be granted for up to 9 months.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay9 months per visit
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
Allows multiple entries; each stay up to 9 months.
Work visa
Max stayVaries by job offer
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostNZD 495 (~USD 300)
Requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 4 years
CostNZD 330 (~USD 200)
For full-time study at an approved institution.
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residence)
NZD 4,290 (~USD 2,600)
For skilled workers with a job offer in New Zealand. Points-based system. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
NZD 330 (~USD 200)
For full-time study at an approved institution. Allows part-time work. Pathway to work visa.
Apply investor visa
Investor 2 Visa
4 years, then permanent residence
NZD 4,290 (~USD 2,600) plus investment of NZD 3 million
For investors with NZD 3 million to invest in New Zealand for 4 years. Requires business experience.
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, but allows multiple entries within validity. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Stay extensionFee for applying to extend visitor visa stay. | NZD 270 (~USD 165) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa conditions. | 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
Malta 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 up to 24h
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; standard precautions advised.
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.
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand Wellington Office
Level 4, 45 Pipitea Street, Wellington 6011
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Head office; handles complex cases.
Practical information for MT 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
If you're transiting through New Zealand (leaving the airport), you need a transit visa. If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you may not need one — but check with your airline. The standard visitor visa covers transit if you plan to leave the airport.
A standard visitor visa allows stays of up to 9 months in an 18-month period. The exact duration is decided by the immigration officer at the border, typically 3 to 6 months. Check your visa label for the specific expiry date.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires. The fee is around NZD 270. You'll need to show you have enough funds and a valid reason. Extensions are not guaranteed.
Your visa is linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport, you must transfer the visa to your new passport. Contact Immigration New Zealand to arrange this — there's no fee, but you'll need to submit the new passport details.
The standard visitor visa application fee is NZD 211. There's also an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35 included in the fee. Total is NZD 246. Fees are non-refundable if your application is declined.
No. Visitor visas do not allow you to work. You can do incidental business activities like attending meetings or conferences, but you cannot take paid employment. If you want to work, you need a work visa.
Overstaying is a serious breach of immigration law. You may be detained, deported, and banned from re-entering New Zealand for up to 5 years. If you realise you've overstayed, contact Immigration New Zealand immediately to regularise your status.
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.