What German citizens need for New Zealand
Germany is a New Zealand visa-waiver country. German citizens can travel to New Zealand for holidays, family visits and business meetings without applying for a visa, as long as they hold an approved NZeTA. The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority has been compulsory since 1 October 2019.
You need three things before you go:
- A German passport valid for at least 3 months after you leave New Zealand
- An approved NZeTA linked to that passport
- A return or onward ticket, and enough money for your stay
The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years and covers multiple visits. It is linked electronically to your passport, so there is nothing to print, although keeping a copy of the approval email on your phone is useful.
Personalausweis and children's passports
Your Personalausweis is fine for most of Europe, but not for New Zealand. Airlines will only accept a Reisepass, and the NZeTA application needs your passport number.
Travelling with children? Since 1 January 2024, Germany no longer issues the Kinderreisepass, so new passports for children are standard Reisepässe. Whichever valid passport your child travels on, apply for their NZeTA with that same passport. Each child needs their own NZeTA.
If you are a dual citizen, for example German and New Zealander, you should enter New Zealand as a New Zealand citizen rather than with an NZeTA. Residents of Germany with a non-German passport should check the rules for their own nationality.
Umlauts, ß and academic titles
The NZeTA form uses Latin letters without accents. Copy your name from the two-line machine-readable zone (MRZ) at the bottom of the passport photo page, which converts German characters like this:
| Character | In the MRZ | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ä / ä | AE | Bäcker → BAECKER |
| Ö / ö | OE | Schröder → SCHROEDER |
| Ü / ü | UE | Müller → MUELLER |
| ß | SS | Weiß → WEISS |
Do not add an academic title such as "Dr." to your name fields. It may appear on your passport, but it is not part of your legal name in the MRZ.
Planning a 90-day road trip
Many Germans fly to Auckland or Christchurch via Dubai, Doha, Singapore or another Asian hub, collect a campervan and spend weeks touring both islands. Flights from Frankfurt or Munich usually take more than 24 hours in total. A few points will help you plan:
| Length of stay | Up to 90 days per visit. Plan your return flight within that period. |
|---|---|
| Best season | December to March is summer. German summer is New Zealand winter, ideal for skiing. |
| Freedom camping | Camping rules vary by area and vehicle. Check local rules before you park overnight. |
| Side trips | A visit to Australia or the Pacific Islands means re-entering New Zealand. Your NZeTA covers multiple entries. |
Want more ideas for a holiday itinerary? See our guide to tourist travel to New Zealand.
Want to work? The Germany Working Holiday Visa
An NZeTA does not allow any work, paid or unpaid. That includes fruit picking, hospitality jobs and "work for accommodation" arrangements. Young German citizens may be eligible for the Germany Working Holiday Visa, a separate visa with its own application and conditions. If you hold that visa, you don't need an NZeTA.
Business visitors are different: attending meetings, conferences and trade fairs is allowed on an NZeTA. Read the business visitor guide for details.
Processing times and how to apply
Apply at least 72 hours before you fly. You can choose from three speeds:
Normal
48–72 hours. Best when your trip is more than a week away.
Emergency
24–48 hours. For departures in the next few days.
Rush
12–24 hours. For last-minute trips.
Prices are on the NZeTA fees page; the fee includes the IVL tourism levy. The application takes about 10 minutes: choose "Visit Visa", enter your passport details using the MRZ spelling, answer the health and character questions, upload a face photo and pay by card. Up to 10 travellers can be added together.
Apply for an NZeTA from Germany
Customs and biosecurity on arrival
A border officer makes the final decision on your entry. Have your passport, onward ticket, proof of funds and accommodation details ready, and complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration before you land.
Clean your Wanderschuhe. Soil on hiking boots, tents and bikes must be declared, as must food such as Wurst, Speck, cheese, Vollkornbrot with seeds, honey and fruit. New Zealand issues instant fines for undeclared biosecurity risk items.
Ready for Aotearoa?
Get your NZeTA sorted before you book the campervan.
Questions from German travellers
No. German citizens can visit New Zealand without a visa for up to 90 days, but you must hold an approved NZeTA before travelling.
No. The Personalausweis is only valid for travel within Europe and some neighbouring countries. You need a valid German passport (Reisepass) for New Zealand.
Use the spelling in your passport's machine-readable zone. Ü is written UE and ß is written SS, so Müller becomes MUELLER and Weiß becomes WEISS.
An NZeTA does not allow stays beyond 90 days per visit. To stay longer, you would need to apply for a visa before your permitted stay ends.
Not on an NZeTA. Any work, including work in exchange for accommodation, needs a work visa. Young Germans may be eligible for the Germany Working Holiday Visa.
Yes. Every traveller, including babies, needs their own NZeTA and their own passport. You can add up to 10 travellers to one application.
At least 72 hours before departure, and earlier if possible. Airlines check your NZeTA at your first check-in in Germany.