New Zealand entry requirements for British passport holders (2026): visa and passport validity
Passport validity (FCDO rule): At least 3 months after the day you leave
Visa (FCDO): Read the official visa text below
Official source: GOV.UK – New Zealand travel advice, Entry requirements (FCDO) · page last updated 19 March 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026
Whether you need a visa and how long your British passport must be valid to enter New Zealand, as published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), quoted word for word, with a checker for your dates.
Other passports: Canadian passport · Australian passport · Italian citizens: documenti per italiani
Driving in New Zealand, do you need an international driving permit? UK licence · Canadian licence · Australian licence
Do I need a visa for New Zealand with a British passport?
We quote the FCDO text word for word and do not summarise it: its first sentence has conditions or a wording we do not turn into a one-line answer.
You can visit New Zealand without a visa for up to 6 months. However you do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
At New Zealand border control, you will also need to show:
- proof of a return or onward ticket
- proof that you have enough money for your stay
Check the full criteria for visa-free entry on New Zealand Immigration.
New Zealand has strict immigration rules, particularly on employment. You must have a visa to work or study in New Zealand.
Check the visa options and costs on New Zealand Immigration.
To extend your visa, first check your visa expiry date on the New Zealand Visa Verification Service. See how to apply for a visa extension.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
If you are entering without a visa, you need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy when you apply.
Allow up to 72 hours for it to be processed. Your NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years.
More from the FCDO visa section (extensions, border checks and other cases)
Travelling through New Zealand
You will need to get a NZeTA before you travel if you are travelling through New Zealand to another country.
In most cases, transit passengers must hold an NZeTA or transit NZeTA before travel.
Official source: GOV.UK – New Zealand travel advice, Entry requirements (FCDO), section “Visa requirements” · page last updated 19 March 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026
Passport validity: official text “Passport validity requirements”
To enter New Zealand, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave.
If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from New Zealand, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries require at least 6 months validity on your passport. Renew your passport if you need to.
Official source: GOV.UK – New Zealand travel advice, Entry requirements (FCDO) · page last updated 19 March 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026
Check your passport for New Zealand
Schengen rules count your whole trip in the Schengen area: if you visit several Schengen countries, enter the day you first enter the area and the day you leave the last Schengen country.
The check runs in your browser: your dates are not sent anywhere. It applies the FCDO sentence literally (for example “6 months” is counted as the same day of the month 6 months later).
For British passport holders only. These are the rules published by the UK government (FCDO) for British citizens. If you hold another passport, check your own government's advice. The airline and the border officials of the destination decide whether you can travel or enter: this site is information, not legal advice.
Also in the official text
Many countries require at least 6 months validity on your passport.
Recent FCDO updates to the entry requirements
- 10 December 2025: “New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).”
- 27 June 2024: “Information that everyone travelling into New Zealand needs to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (‘Entry requirements’ page).”
- 17 November 2022: “Updated information on NZeTA fees ('Entry requirements' page)”
- 21 October 2022: “Updated information on the removal of New Zealand Traveller Declaration form requirement (‘Entry requirements’ pages).”
- 20 September 2022: “Updated information on the lifting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework, also known as the traffic light system ('Coronavirus' and 'Entry requirements' pages).”
Read the full FCDO travel advice for New Zealand (safety, visas, health) before you travel.
Spotted a change? Tell us.
Same FCDO rule (3 months after departure)
Passport validity rules for all destinations · Liquids rules by airport · EES and ETIAS status