New Zealand entry requirements for Serbia 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
Serbian 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 or visa waiver for Serbian citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need to apply for a visa before traveling to New Zealand. Start your application on the New Zealand Immigration website — processing times vary, so apply well ahead of your planned departure.Apply for visa | 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 validity beyond the day you plan to leave New Zealand. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of New Zealand. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — if you can't show one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Officers may ask where you're staying for the first few nights. Have a hotel booking or a friend's address and contact number handy — a simple printout or phone screen works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | You should be able to show you have enough money for your stay — typically NZ$1,000 per month or a credit card with a reasonable limit. Bank statements or a recent payslip are fine. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing takes weeks
New Zealand visitor visas for Serbian citizens typically take 20–30 days to process. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
eVisa is digital — print a copy
Your approved visa will be sent as an eVisa PDF. Print a paper copy and also save it on your phone. Immigration officers may ask to see it on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and create a RealMe account. Fill out the visitor visa application, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, proof of funds), and pay the fee (around NZ$211 for a standard visitor visa). Processing takes 20–30 days on average.
2
Wait for visa decision
Check your application status online. You may be asked for additional documents or an interview. Once approved, you'll receive an eVisa via email — print a copy and save it on your phone.
3
Arrive in New Zealand
At Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airport, go to the 'Visitors' queue. Present your passport and eVisa (printed or digital). The officer may ask about your plans, accommodation, and return ticket. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 3 months.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Serbia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 (~$130 USD)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or visiting family.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 9 months per visit
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~$130 USD)
Allows multiple entries; conditions apply.
Work visa
Max stayVaries by job offer
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostNZD 495 (~$300 USD) base fee
Requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 4 years
CostNZD 330 (~$200 USD) base fee
Requires enrollment in an approved course.
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 4,290 (~$2,600 USD) base fee
For skilled workers with a job offer in New Zealand. Points-based system; leads to residency.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
NZD 330 (~$200 USD) base fee
For full-time study at an approved institution. Allows part-time work.
Apply investor visa
Investor 2 Visa
4 years, then residency
NZD 4,890 (~$3,000 USD) base fee
For investors with NZD 3 million to invest in New Zealand for 4 years. Requires business experience.
Apply retirement visa
Parent Retirement Visa
Indefinite
NZD 4,290 (~$2,600 USD) base fee
For parents of New Zealand residents or citizens who have an adult child in NZ and meet investment requirements.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visitor visa. | NZD 211 (~$130 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; multiple entry is granted at discretion. | NZD 211 (~$130 USD) |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)Mandatory fee for most visitors, paid with visa application. | NZD 35 (~$22 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFee to apply for a visitor visa extension. | NZD 165 (~$100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying is a serious offense; fines and deportation may apply. | Up to NZD 1,000 (~$610 USD) 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
Serbian passport holders do not need a transit visa for New Zealand if transiting through an airport and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Must hold a valid visa for the final destination if required.
- Must not leave the airport transit area.
Transit hubsAuckland Airport (AKL) · Christchurch Airport (CHC) · Wellington Airport (WLG)
Health & vaccines for New Zealand
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, 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 hygiene 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.
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand Wellington Office
Level 4, 50 The Terrace, Wellington
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Head office; handles complex cases.
Practical information for RS 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 = 1.69 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. There is no visa waiver or visa on arrival for Serbian passport holders. You must apply for a visitor visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 20–30 days, but can be longer during peak season. Apply at least 2 months before your planned travel.
The standard visitor visa fee is NZ$211 (about €120). This is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.
Yes, you can apply for a visitor visa extension before your current visa expires. Extensions are granted in 3-month increments, up to a total stay of 12 months. The extension fee is NZ$165.
You need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a recent passport photo, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements), and a return ticket. You may also need a letter from your employer or proof of ties to Serbia.
No. Visitor visas do not allow any form of paid work. You can volunteer for accommodation (e.g., WWOOFing) but not for cash.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to Serbia, or incomplete documents. You can reapply with stronger evidence, but the fee is non-refundable.
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.