09/09/2026
New Zealand Visitor Visa Update
From 1 October 2026, selected New Zealand visitor and transit visa applications will need to be submitted online through Immigration Online.
The change includes several categories, such as the Visitor Visa, Business Visitor Visa, Transit Visa, Guardian Visitor Visa, Group Visitor Visa and Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa. Some specialised visitor categories are also included.
If a valid paper application is submitted before 1 October 2026, Immigration New Zealand will continue to process it as usual. After the change takes effect, paper applications for the affected visas will generally only be considered in special cases.
For travellers and families, the main message is to prepare early. Check the correct visa category, create an Immigration Online account where needed, and make sure digital copies of documents are clear and complete.
This is a process change, not a guarantee of approval. Applicants still need to meet the relevant visa requirements.
For more information and personalised guidance, visit immigrationmanagement.co.nz/immigration-news