Six months in New Zealand for British citizens
The United Kingdom has one of the most generous arrangements of any visa-waiver country. While most nationalities can stay for 90 days per visit, British citizens can stay for up to 6 months. That is long enough for a proper road trip around both islands, an extended stay with family or a winter escape from the British weather.
You still need an NZeTA. It became mandatory on 1 October 2019 and is checked by your airline before departure. Once approved, the NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years, or until your passport expires, and you can use it for several visits.
Planning a long stay? Border officers may ask how you will support yourself for the whole trip. Bring evidence of funds and a return or onward ticket, and be ready to explain your plans.
Which British passport do you hold?
There are several types of British nationality, and they are not all treated the same way. Look at the nationality line on your passport's photo page.
| Nationality on passport | NZeTA position |
|---|---|
| British Citizen | Can apply for an NZeTA and stay for up to 6 months per visit. |
| British Overseas Territories Citizen | Rules depend on your status, including whether you have the right to live permanently in the UK. Check before you apply. |
| British National (Overseas), British Overseas Citizen and others | Different conditions may apply. Check your eligibility, or apply on another passport if you hold one. |
| UK resident with a non-UK passport | Your own nationality decides the rules, not your UK residence or settled status. |
If you hold dual nationality, for example British and Irish, choose one passport, apply with it and travel on the same passport.
Reasons people travel from the UK
Family visits
Many UK families have children or grandchildren in New Zealand. The 6-month stay makes longer visits easy.
Touring and walking
Great Walks, campervan trips and wine regions such as Marlborough and Central Otago are popular with British visitors.
Business trips
Meetings, conferences and trade fairs are fine, as long as you are not paid by a New Zealand company.
Cruises
Cruises between Australia and New Zealand require an NZeTA for every passenger.
What needs a visa instead
The NZeTA is generous, but it has limits. You will need a visa if you plan any of the following:
- Paid work, including remote work for a New Zealand employer or seasonal fruit picking
- Study that lasts more than 3 months
- Staying for more than 6 months on a single visit
- Medical treatment as the main purpose of your trip
Young UK citizens who want to travel and work may be eligible for the United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa. This is a separate visa, and it is not covered by an NZeTA. Our NZeTA information page explains the difference.
How to apply from the UK
Allow up to 72 hours for a decision. Applying a few weeks before you travel gives you time to fix any problems.
Check your passport
Make sure it is a British Citizen passport and that it will be valid for at least 3 months after you leave New Zealand.
Complete the form
Choose "Visit", then enter your details exactly as in your passport, including middle names. You can add up to 10 people.
Upload your photo
A well-lit photo of your face against a plain, light background, without sunglasses or a hat.
Pay and receive your decision
Pay by debit or credit card. The fee includes the IVL tourism levy. We email your decision.
Apply for an NZeTA with a UK passport
Choose Normal (48–72 hours), Emergency (24–48 hours) or Rush (12–24 hours) processing. Prices are on our fees page.
Getting there from London and other UK airports
There are no non-stop flights from the UK to New Zealand. Most travellers leave from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Glasgow and connect in Singapore, Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong or a North American city such as Los Angeles or San Francisco. The total journey usually takes more than 24 hours.
If you route through the United States, you need US permission to transit, such as an ESTA. If you stop over in Australia, you need an Australian visa or ETA. Your NZeTA only covers New Zealand.
New Zealand is 11 to 13 hours ahead of the UK. The seasons are opposite, so a British winter is the New Zealand summer. Many retirees from the UK spend December to March in New Zealand for this reason.
Arrival and biosecurity
When you land, complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration and be ready to show your passport, return ticket, accommodation details and evidence of funds. A border officer makes the final decision.
Clean your walking boots. Soil on hiking boots, tent pegs and golf clubs can carry pests. Clean them before you pack, and declare outdoor equipment, food, honey and medicines on arrival.
Planning your trip now? Start your UK NZeTA application online.
Questions from UK travellers
British citizens travelling on a UK passport can stay for up to 6 months on each visit. Most other visa-waiver nationalities are limited to 90 days.
Yes. You need an approved NZeTA before you board the flight to New Zealand. Your airline may check it when you first check in at Heathrow, even though the final leg departs from Singapore.
Not always. The 6-month stay applies to British citizens and to some other British passport holders who can show a right to live permanently in the UK. Check your status before you apply.
No. You can't work on an NZeTA. Young UK citizens may be eligible for the United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa, which is a separate application.
Yes, but the NZeTA will expire when your passport does, and the passport must stay valid for at least 3 months after you leave New Zealand. If you plan a long trip, renew the passport first.
Yes. UK citizens can use an NZeTA when arriving by cruise ship, and all cruise passengers need one.
Yes. Border officers may ask for a return or onward ticket, so have your booking ready, especially if you are staying for several months.