New Zealand entry requirements for Ukraine passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Ukrainian passport holders need a visa before traveling to New Zealand. Apply online through Immigration New Zealand before you fly. This page covers everything you need for a smooth trip in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to New Zealand. Apply online at the New Zealand Immigration website — the process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the visa type. Have your passport details, travel itinerary, and proof of funds ready when you apply.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from New Zealand | Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch airports check for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you don't have one, you may be refused boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers may ask for your accommodation details during the visa application or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having at least NZD 1,000 per month is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Transit visa required even for airside connections
Ukrainian passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in New Zealand, even if you don't leave the airport. The only exceptions are if you hold a valid New Zealand visa or resident visa, or a valid Australian permanent resident visa.
Overstaying is expensive and risky
Overstaying your visa costs NZD 100 (~$60 USD) per day in fines. It can also lead to deportation and a ban from re-entering New Zealand. Always leave before your visa expires or apply for an extension before it runs out.
Biosecurity is strict — declare everything
New Zealand has some of the world's strictest biosecurity laws. Declare any food, plants, animal products, or outdoor gear. If you're unsure, declare it. Fines for undeclared items start at NZD 400 and can be much higher.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and fill out the visitor visa application. Upload your passport scan, travel itinerary, and proof of funds. Pay the fee (NZD 211 for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing takes 1–3 weeks for most applicants.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep the booking confirmations on your phone — immigration may ask to see them at the airport.
3
Arrive at Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airport
At passport control, hand over your passport and visa approval. The officer may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and funds. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a visitor visa valid for up to 9 months.
4
Collect your luggage and clear customs
New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules. Declare any food, plants, or outdoor gear. If you're unsure, declare it — fines for undeclared items are steep (up to NZD 400).
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Ukraine Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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)
Requires proof of funds, return ticket, and genuine visitor intent.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 9 months per visit
ValidityUp to 18 months from issue date
CostNZD 211 (~$130 USD)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity.
Work visa
Max stayVaries (up to 3 years)
ValidityBased on job offer
CostNZD 495 (~$305 USD) for Essential Skills
Requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer and relevant qualifications.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityBased on enrollment
CostNZD 330 (~$205 USD)
Requires acceptance into a recognized New Zealand educational institution.
work visa
Essential Skills Work Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
NZD 495 (~$305 USD)
For skilled workers with a job offer from a New Zealand employer. Requires relevant qualifications and labor market check.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
NZD 330 (~$205 USD)
For full-time study at a recognized New Zealand institution. Allows part-time work during studies.
Apply investor visa
Investor 2 Visa
4 years, leading to residence
NZD 3,150 (~$1,940 USD) plus investment of NZD 3 million
For high-net-worth individuals willing to invest NZD 3 million 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 (~$130 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | NZD 211 (~$130 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFee for applying to extend visitor visa stay. | NZD 270 (~$165 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; may also lead to deportation and ban. | NZD 100 (~$60 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Transit visa required
Ukrainian passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in New Zealand, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid New Zealand visa or resident visa may transit without a transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Australian permanent resident visa or Australian resident return visa may transit without a transit visa.
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 ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (rare)Low risk
Risk of Ross River virus and other arboviruses is low but present in some rural areas.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but travelers should practice good hygiene to avoid gastroenteritis.
Sun exposure and UVHigh 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, 20 Amersham Way, Manukau, Auckland 2104
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa applications and inquiries. Book an appointment online.
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand Wellington Office
Level 4, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington 6011
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Head office; handles complex cases and appeals.
Practical information for UA 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, Ukrainian passport holders need a transit visa even if you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. Exceptions: if you hold a valid New Zealand visa or resident visa, or a valid Australian permanent resident visa or resident return visa.
A single-entry tourist visa costs NZD 211 (~$130 USD). A multiple-entry visa costs the same. If you need to extend your stay, the extension fee is NZD 270 (~$165 USD). Overstaying costs NZD 100 (~$60 USD) per day and can lead to deportation.
Up to 9 months per visit. The visa itself is valid for up to 18 months from the issue date. You can apply for an extension if you need more time, but it's not guaranteed.
The top reasons are: insufficient funds (30% of rejections), no return ticket (25%), incomplete documents (20%), overstay history (15%), and suspicious travel patterns (10%). Make sure you have bank statements, a return ticket, and a clear itinerary.
No. A tourist visa does not allow work. For study, you need a student visa (NZD 330, ~$205 USD). For work, you need an Essential Skills Work Visa (NZD 495, ~$305 USD) with a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
No vaccines are required for entry, but routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio) are essential. Hepatitis A and B are recommended. New Zealand has high UV levels — use sunscreen and wear a hat. Travel insurance is strongly advised as healthcare can be expensive for visitors.
You apply online, but if you need in-person help, Immigration New Zealand has offices in Auckland (Level 3, 20 Amersham Way, Manukau), Wellington (Level 4, 45 Johnston Street), and Christchurch (Level 2, 76 Cashel Street). All are open Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30. Book an appointment online.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.