Christchurch Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
New Zealand's visa requirements depend on your nationality and length of stay. Most short-term visitors from visa waiver countries will need to obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travel, while some nationalities require a traditional visa.
Citizens from visa waiver countries can visit New Zealand for tourism or business without a visa, but must obtain an NZeTA before travel
Cost: NZD $23 via mobile app or NZD $17 via website, plus International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35
NZeTA is valid for multiple entries over 2 years. The IVL is a one-time fee. Australian citizens and permanent residents do not need an NZeTA or visa.
Special visa-free arrangement under Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement
Australian citizens receive a residence visa on arrival and can live and work in New Zealand indefinitely. Australian permanent residents (non-citizens) can visit for up to 6 months but cannot work without a separate work visa. No NZeTA required.
Citizens from countries not on the visa waiver list must apply for a visitor visa before travel
Cost: Approximately NZD $211-$246 for visitor visa, varies by application type
Visitor visas can be single or multiple entry. You may need to provide evidence of funds, travel plans, and ties to your home country. Some nationalities may also need to pay the IVL.
Required for certain nationalities transiting through New Zealand
Many visa waiver countries are also exempt from transit visa requirements but still need an NZeTA if transiting.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at Christchurch International Airport, all international passengers must clear immigration and customs. The process is straightforward but thorough due to New Zealand's strict biosecurity requirements. Electronic passport gates are available for eligible travelers, while others will see an immigration officer.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
New Zealand has some of the strictest biosecurity and customs regulations in the world to protect its unique environment and agriculture. All travelers must complete a customs declaration and may be subject to baggage inspection, X-ray screening, and detector dog checks. Failure to declare items or providing false information can result in instant fines starting at NZD $400 or prosecution.
Prohibited Items
- Fresh fruits and vegetables - Risk of introducing pests and diseases
- Meat and poultry products (including dried, cooked, or processed) - Disease prevention
- Honey and bee products - Biosecurity risk to NZ bee industry
- Live plants, seeds, and bulbs without permits - Invasive species risk
- Live animals without permits and quarantine - Strict quarantine requirements
- Objectionable material (child exploitation material, extreme violence) - Illegal under NZ law
- Endangered species products (ivory, certain shells, coral) - CITES regulations
- Weapons including pepper spray, tasers, knuckle dusters - Weapons Act restrictions
- Certain medications containing controlled substances without permits - Drug regulations
- Soil or items with soil attached - Biosecurity risk
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - Must be in original packaging with prescription. Declare all medications. Controlled substances require prior approval.
- Outdoor equipment (hiking boots, tents, camping gear, golf clubs, bicycles) - Must be clean and free from soil, seeds, and plant material. Will be inspected and may be cleaned at your expense.
- Animal products (leather, wool, feathers, shells) - May require inspection and cleaning. Declare all items.
- Wooden items and handicrafts - Must be free from bark and pests. May require treatment.
- Food items (packaged, dried, or processed) - Many are prohibited. Always declare. Commercial food products in sealed packaging are generally allowed but must be declared.
- Traditional medicines and supplements - Must be declared. Some ingredients may be prohibited.
- Drones and electronic devices - No restrictions but must be declared if new/valuable for customs purposes.
- Hunting and fishing equipment - Must be thoroughly cleaned. Declare all equipment.
Health Requirements
New Zealand has high health and safety standards and does not currently require proof of vaccination for most travelers. However, health requirements can change, particularly in response to disease outbreaks. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended as healthcare can be expensive for visitors.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate - Required only if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days of arrival in New Zealand
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, etc.) - Ensure you're up to date
- Influenza - Especially if traveling during NZ winter (June-August)
- COVID-19 - Check current requirements as policies may change
- Hepatitis A and B - For longer stays
- Tetanus - Particularly if planning outdoor activities
Health Insurance
New Zealand does not provide free healthcare to visitors. Accidents are covered by ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation), but illness is not. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical coverage is strongly recommended. Medical costs can be very high - a single day in hospital can cost thousands of dollars. Ensure your insurance covers adventure activities if you plan to participate in skiing, bungy jumping, or other adventure sports.
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport and visa/NZeTA (if required). Children under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian, including contact details. This letter should be notarized. Unaccompanied minors (typically under 12-15, varies by airline) require special airline arrangements. Immigration may ask questions to ensure the child is traveling with appropriate consent. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship.
New Zealand has extremely strict pet import requirements with no exceptions. Pets must obtain an import permit before travel, meet specific health requirements, and undergo quarantine (minimum 10 days for cats and dogs from approved countries, longer from other countries). Pets must arrive via Auckland International Airport only - not Christchurch. The process takes months of preparation and can cost thousands of dollars. Apply through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) at least 6 months before travel. Only cats and dogs are accepted as pets from most countries. Some breeds are prohibited. Visit mpi.govt.nz for detailed requirements.
Tourist visas/NZeTA do not permit work or study. For work: Apply for an appropriate work visa (Essential Skills, Working Holiday, Skilled Migrant, etc.) through Immigration New Zealand. Working Holiday visas are available for ages 18-30 (or 18-35 for some countries) from partner countries. For study: Apply for a student visa if your course is longer than 3 months. You'll need an offer of place from a New Zealand educational institution. Some student visas allow part-time work (up to 20 hours per week during term). Both work and study visas have specific requirements and processing times of several weeks to months.
If you wish to stay longer than your visa/NZeTA allows, you must apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires. Apply online through Immigration New Zealand. Visitor visa extensions are not guaranteed and you must demonstrate valid reasons, sufficient funds, and that you continue to meet visitor requirements. Overstaying your visa is a serious breach of immigration law and can result in deportation and future entry bans. Apply at least 2-4 weeks before your visa expires. Fees apply (approximately NZD $200-$350).
Visitors on NZeTA or visitor visas can conduct certain business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations) but cannot undertake productive work for a New Zealand business. If you're being paid by a NZ company or performing work, you need a work visa. Business visitors should carry evidence of their business purpose (invitation letters, conference registration, etc.). Short-term business activities under 3 months typically don't require a work visa, but always verify with Immigration NZ if unsure.
Cruise passengers visiting New Zealand ports (including Lyttelton near Christchurch) must have appropriate visa/NZeTA even if not disembarking. The same visa requirements apply. Most cruise lines arrange group clearance, but individual passengers must still meet all requirements. If you plan to leave the ship, ensure you return before departure - missing your ship is your responsibility. Biosecurity rules apply to cruise ships; food cannot be taken ashore.
If transiting through Christchurch to another country and not leaving the airport, some nationalities are exempt from visa requirements for stays under 24 hours. However, most visa waiver countries still require an NZeTA even for transit. If you plan to leave the airport during transit or your layover exceeds 24 hours, you need a visitor visa/NZeTA. Australian citizens don't need any documentation for transit. Always verify requirements for your specific nationality.
If you've previously been denied entry to New Zealand, overstayed a visa, been deported, or committed immigration fraud, you may be banned from re-entering. Bans can range from 1 year to permanent depending on the offense. You must declare any previous immigration issues on your visa/NZeTA application. Providing false information will result in automatic decline and potential permanent ban. If you have a criminal record, this must also be declared. Some convictions may make you ineligible for entry. Character waivers can sometimes be obtained but require additional processing time.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Christchurch Entry Requirements before you go.