New Zealand entry requirements for Slovakia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Slovak passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand. From 2026, you must apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. This online authorisation allows stays up to 90 days for tourism or business.
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. The fee is $17 NZD via the app or $23 NZD via the website, plus the $35 NZD International Visitor Levy. 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 the duration of your stay | Your Slovak passport needs to be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from New Zealand | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you risk being refused entry at Auckland or Christchurch. A bus or ferry ticket to Australia counts as onward travel. | 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, 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 costs. There's no fixed minimum, but having at least $1,000 NZD per month of stay is a safe benchmark. I've never been asked, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
Apply for NZeTA well in advance
Processing can take up to 72 hours, but sometimes longer. Don't wait until the day before your flight. Apply at least a week ahead to avoid stress.
Biosecurity is serious
New Zealand fines heavily for undeclared food or outdoor gear. Even a half-eaten apple in your bag can cost you NZD $400. Declare everything you're unsure about.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for NZeTA online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website or download the NZeTA mobile app. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and answer health and character questions. Pay the fee (around NZD $9–$12 for the app, plus a tourism levy of NZD $35). Approval usually comes within 72 hours, but apply at least a week before your flight.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), print or save your NZeTA approval email, book your return/onward ticket, and confirm your first night's accommodation. Save screenshots of everything on your phone.
3
Arrive at Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airport
Most flights from Europe arrive at Auckland Airport. Follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for passport control. Have your passport and NZeTA ready. The officer may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and return ticket. Answer honestly and briefly.
4
Collect your luggage and clear customs
After passport control, collect your bags from the carousel. New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules — declare any food, outdoor gear, or animal products. If you're unsure, declare it. Fines are steep for undeclared items.
5
Exit and start your trip
Once through customs, you're free to leave the airport. Taxis, shuttles, and buses are available. If you arranged an eSIM, it should activate automatically on landing.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Slovakia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay9 months (usually 3–6 months)
ValidityUp to 12 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~$130 USD)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or visiting family.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per visit, total 18 months in 2 years
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostNZD 422 (~$260 USD)
For frequent travellers; must show strong ties to home country.
Work visa (Skilled Migrant Category)
Max stayUp to 3 years, renewable
ValidityBased on job offer
CostNZD 580 (~$360 USD) for initial application
Requires a job offer in an occupation on skill shortage list.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 4 years
CostNZD 330 (~$205 USD)
Must be enrolled in a full-time course at an approved institution.
work visa
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency after 2 years)
NZD 580 (~$360 USD) for initial application
For skilled workers with a job offer in an occupation on the skill shortage list. Requires points test based on age, experience, and qualifications. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
NZD 330 (~$205 USD)
For full-time study at an approved institution. Allows part-time work during studies and full-time during holidays. Pathway to post-study work visa.
Apply investor visa
Investor 2 Visa
4 years, leading to permanent residency
NZD 3,150 (~$1,950 USD) for initial application
For investors with NZD 3 million to invest in New Zealand over 4 years. Requires business experience and minimum age 65. Provides a pathway to residency.
Apply retirement visa
Parent Retirement Visa
Indefinite (permanent residency)
NZD 2,000 (~$1,240 USD) for initial application
For parents of New Zealand residents or citizens who have an adult child living in New Zealand. Requires significant funds (NZD 500,000) and annual income. Limited places available.
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)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | NZD 422 (~$260 USD) |
| NZeTA (if visa-free travel applies)Required for visa-waiver countries; not applicable for Slovak passport holders who need a visa. | NZD 9 (~$6 USD) via app, NZD 12 (~$7 USD) via web |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)Paid with visa application or NZeTA. | NZD 35 (~$22 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFor applying to extend a visitor visa beyond initial stay. | NZD 211 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa conditions. | NZD 1,000 (~$620 USD) per day, maximum NZD 10,000 (~$6,200 USD) |
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
Slovak 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 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, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 practices 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, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Head office; handles complex cases and appeals.
Practical information for SK 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, you need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). This is an online authorisation, not a sticker in your passport. Apply at least a week before travel. It costs around NZD $9–$12 via the app, plus a NZD $35 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
Up to 90 days per visit. The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years and allows multiple entries, as long as each stay doesn't exceed 90 days.
No, the NZeTA cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a different visa (like a visitor visa) before your current authorisation expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. Airlines check for NZeTA approval before issuing a boarding pass. If you somehow arrive without one, you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. It's a standard requirement for all visitors. Keep a printed copy or screenshot on your phone.
New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws. Declare any food, plants, seeds, animal products, outdoor gear (tents, hiking boots), and medicines. If you're unsure, declare it. Fines start at NZD $400 for undeclared items.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs are high — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Insurance also covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.