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Visa-Free Destinations for Kiwis: Guide for New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents

Aditya Shrivastava

31.12.24 (last updated)

Read time 5 minutes

New Zealand passport holders are fortunate to possess a powerful travel document that unlocks a world of visa-free exploration. Ranked among the top passports globally, it grants access to an impressive number of countries, making it easier than ever to embark on new adventures. This guide explores the extensive visa-free travel options available to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, encompassing destinations with no visa requirements, visa-on-arrival facilities, and streamlined online visa application processes.

Whether you're yearning for a short getaway or a long-term journey, this guide will help you navigate the world with ease. We'll also introduce Wise Travel Card as a convenient option for international spending on your travel abroad.

Table of contents
Visa-Free Countries for New Zealand Citizens Visa on Arrival for New Zealand Citizens Countries with Online Visa Applications Visa-Free Travel for New Zealand Permanent Residents Visa-Free Privileges for Regular New Zealand Visa Holders

Visa-Free Countries for New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand citizens can travel to a vast array of countries without the need for a visa, often enjoying extended stays for leisure or business. These destinations offer a diverse tapestry of experiences, from ancient wonders and bustling metropolises to serene landscapes and thrilling adventures.

Here's a table summarizing some of the visa-free countries for New Zealand passport holders:

Country	Allowed Stay	Notes
Albania	90 days
Andorra	90 days
Angola	30 days	30 days per trip, but no more than 90 days within any 1 calendar year for tourism purposes only. Visitors must have a return/onward ticket and a hotel reservation confirmation.
Antigua and Barbuda	180 days
Argentina	90 days
Armenia	180 days
Australia	Indefinite	Special Category Visa granted on arrival under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement
Austria	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Bahamas	90 days
Barbados	180 days
Belarus	30 days
Belgium	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Belize
Bolivia	90 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina	90 days
Botswana	90 days
Brazil	90 days
Brunei	30 days
Bulgaria	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Canada	6 months	eTA required if arriving by air
Chile	90 days
China	30 days	Visa-free from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025. This is a temporary visa-free arrangement.
Colombia	90 days
Costa Rica	90 days
Croatia	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Cyprus	90 days
Czech Republic	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Denmark	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Dominica	180 days
Dominican Republic
Ecuador	90 days
El Salvador	90 days
Estonia	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Eswatini	30 days
Fiji	120 days
Finland	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
France	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Gambia	90 days
Georgia	360 days
Germany	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Greece	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Grenada	90 days
Guatemala	90 days
Guyana	90 days
Haiti	90 days
Honduras	90 days
Hong Kong	90 days
Hungary	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Iceland	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Ireland	90 days
Israel	90 days
Italy	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Jamaica
Japan	90 days
Kazakhstan	30 days
Kiribati	120 days
Kosovo	90 days
Kyrgyzstan	60 days
Latvia	90 days	90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Lesotho	14 days
Liechtenstein	90 days
Lithuania	90 days
Luxembourg	90 days
Malaysia	90 days
Malta	90 days
Mauritius	90 days
Mexico	180 days
Micronesia	30 days
Moldova	90 days
Monaco	90 days
Montenegro	90 days
Morocco	90 days
Namibia	90 days
Netherlands	90 days
Nicaragua	90 days
North Macedonia	90 days
Norway	90 days
Palau
Panama	90 days
Paraguay	90 days
Peru	180 days
Philippines	30 days
Poland	90 days
Portugal	90 days
Romania	90 days
Saint Kitts and Nevis	90 days
Saint Lucia	42 days
San Marino	90 days
Senegal	90 days
Serbia	90 days
Singapore	30 days
Slovakia	90 days
Slovenia	90 days
South Africa	90 days
South Korea	90 days	Electronic Travel Authority (K-ETA) required, valid for 3 years.
Spain	90 days
St. Vincent and the Grenadines	30 days
Sweden	90 days
Switzerland	90 days
Taiwan	90 days
Tajikistan	30 days
Thailand	30 days
Tunisia	90 days
Turkey	90 days
Ukraine	90 days
United Kingdom	180 days
Uruguay	90 days
Uzbekistan	30 days
Vanuatu	30 days
Vatican City	90 days
Venezuela	90 days

This is not an exhaustive list, and visa policies can change. Always check for the latest information on the New Zealand government's SafeTravel website before making travel plans.

Visa on Arrival for New Zealand Citizens

For added flexibility in your travel plans, consider countries that offer visa-on-arrival for New Zealand passport holders. This eliminates the need for advance visa applications, allowing you to obtain your visa upon arrival at your destination.

Here are some of the countries that provide visa-on-arrival for New Zealand citizens:

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Bahrain	Bangladesh	Bolivia	Burundi
Cambodia	Cape Verde	Comoros	Djibouti
Egypt	Guinea-Bissau	Indonesia	Iran
Jordan	Kuwait	Laos	Lebanon
Madagascar	Malawi	Maldives	Mauritania
Mozambique	Nepal	Palau	Samoa
Senegal	Seychelles	Solomon Islands	Tanzania
Togo	Tonga	Tuvalu	Uganda

While visa-on-arrival offers convenience, it's crucial to remember that requirements and fees can vary significantly between countries and are subject to change. Always confirm the latest regulations with the relevant embassy or consulate and ensure you have the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds, to avoid any complications upon arrival.

Countries with Online Visa Applications

Many countries offer online visa application systems for New Zealand citizens, making the process more convenient and efficient. NZ citizens can apply for e-visas to various destinations, saving time and effort compared to traditional visa application methods.

Here are some countries with user-friendly online visa application systems for New Zealand citizens:

Azerbaijan	Benin	Bhutan	Cambodia
Cameroon	Côte d'Ivoire	Democratic Republic of the Congo	Djibouti
Equatorial Guinea	Ethiopia	Gabon	Guinea
India	Kenya	Kyrgyzstan	Laos
Libya	Myanmar	Pakistan	Papua New Guinea
Rwanda	Saint Kitts and Nevis	São Tomé and Príncipe	South Sudan
Sri Lanka	Suriname	Tajikistan	Turkey
Uganda	Zambia	Zimbabwe

Before applying for an online visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents, such as a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, and a detailed travel itinerary.

Visa-Free Travel for New Zealand Permanent Residents

New Zealand permanent residents may sometimes enjoy the same visa-free travel privileges as New Zealand citizens. However, it's important to note that there might be some exceptions to this guideline. Therefore, it's always advisable for permanent residents to confirm the specific visa requirements of their destination country before making travel plans.

Visa-Free Privileges for Regular New Zealand Visa Holders

Regular New Zealand residency holders, who have not yet obtained permanent residency, have limited visa-free travel privileges compared to citizens and permanent residents. It's essential to check the specific visa requirements of the destination country based on your residency status.

Compared to regular residency holders, permanent residents have greater travel freedom. While regular residency allows individuals to live and work in New Zealand, it may not automatically grant the same visa-free privileges as citizenship or permanent residency.

Meet Wise: Travel Card for International Spending

When travelling internationally, managing your finances efficiently is crucial. The Wise travel card is a great option for New Zealanders who want to avoid hefty foreign transaction fees and markups on mid-market exchange rates.

Here are some of its benefits:

Low Transparent Fees: Wise charges low, transparent fees for transactions and currency conversions, making it a cost-effective way to spend money abroad.
Mid-Market Exchange Rates: You'll get the mid-market exchange rate, which is same as the one you usually see on Google.
Multi-currency Account: Hold and manage money in multiple currencies with Wise Account, making it easy to budget and track your spending.
Easy to Use: The Wise app allows you to manage your account, track your spending, and top up your card on the go.

Get Started with Wise 🚀

With its transparent pricing and user-friendly interface, the Wise travel card available for a one-time fee of NZD 14 can help you make the most of your international travel budget.

Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Tips for Smooth Travels

To ensure your travels are as smooth as possible, keep the following tips in mind:

Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your intended departure date from your destination country.
Onward Travel: Have proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination.
Sufficient Funds: Be prepared to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your expenses during your trip.
Travel Insurance: It's highly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Check out our review of best travel insurance available in New Zealand 👉

Start Planning Your Visa-Free Adventure

New Zealand citizens and permanent residents enjoy remarkable travel freedom, with visa-free access to a vast network of countries across the globe. Whether you're seeking a quick escape to the islands of the Pacific, an adventure in Southeast Asia, or a cultural immersion in Europe, numerous destinations await without the need for cumbersome visa applications.

For those who value convenience, many countries offer visa-on-arrival or streamlined online visa application processes, making it easier than ever to plan your next trip. By staying informed about visa requirements, utilizing online resources, and confirming the latest travel advisories, you can embark on your journeys with confidence and explore the world with ease.

Remember to always check the latest travel advisories and specific entry requirements of your chosen destination before you travel.

Sources

Visa waiver countries and territories - Immigration New Zealand

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.