Quick guide for Portuguese travellers
Portuguese citizens enjoy visa-free access to New Zealand for short visits. Since 1 October 2019, that access requires an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), which you obtain online before you fly or sail. Here are the key points at a glance:
| Do I need a visa? | No, not for tourism, family visits, business meetings or short study. |
|---|---|
| Do I need an NZeTA? | Yes, for travel by air or cruise ship, including transit through Auckland. |
| How long can I stay? | Up to 90 days on each visit. |
| How long is it valid? | Up to 2 years, or until your passport expires. |
| Can I work? | No. Work requires a visa. |
| What about children? | Every child needs their own NZeTA. |
The NZeTA allows study for up to 3 months, which suits language courses and short professional programmes. It doesn't cover medical treatment.
Cartão de Cidadão or passport?
Portuguese passport
Required. It must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand, and it must be the same passport you name on your application.
Cartão de Cidadão
Not accepted. It's a valid travel document inside Europe, but you can't use it to travel to New Zealand or to apply for an NZeTA.
Entering a long Portuguese name
Portuguese names often include several given names and two or more surnames, typically with the mother's family name before the father's. Particles such as da, de, do and dos are common too. Online forms can struggle with these, so:
- Enter all given names in the given names field, in the order printed in your passport
- Enter all surnames, including particles such as "dos" or "da", in the family name field
- Leave out accents and the cedilla: "Conceição" becomes CONCEICAO, matching the machine-readable zone
- Book your flights with the same full name. If the airline shortened it, ask them to correct it
If a very long name is shortened in the machine-readable zone of your passport, follow the full name on the photo page in the NZeTA form. Our team checks your details before submission and will contact you if something looks inconsistent.
Dual nationals
Many Portuguese citizens also hold another nationality, often Brazilian, French, British or Venezuelan. The rule is simple: the passport you travel on decides the rules. Use the same passport for your NZeTA, your booking and your arrival.
Brazil, like Portugal, is a visa-waiver country, so Portuguese–Brazilian dual nationals can use either passport. If your other passport is from a country that needs a visa for New Zealand, travel on your Portuguese passport to take advantage of the NZeTA.
Residents of Madeira and the Azores follow exactly the same rules as mainland Portuguese citizens.
How to apply
Start online
Choose "Visit", give your email and select a processing speed.
Passport details
Add up to 10 travellers, with full names and passport numbers.
Health and character
Answer the short declaration questions honestly.
Photo and payment
Upload a face photo and pay by card. The IVL levy is included.
Choose Normal (48–72 hours), Emergency (24–48 hours) or Rush (12–24 hours). You'll find prices on our NZeTA fees page.
Flights, seasons and arrival
There are no direct flights between Portugal and New Zealand. From Lisbon or Porto, most travellers connect in a Middle Eastern hub such as Dubai or Doha, or through Asia, before reaching Auckland or Christchurch. The total journey usually takes more than 24 hours. New Zealand is 11 to 13 hours ahead of Portugal, depending on daylight saving, and seasons are reversed, so a Portuguese Christmas is a New Zealand summer holiday.
When you land
A border officer will check your passport and may ask about your plans. Have these ready:
- Your return or onward ticket
- Evidence of funds for your stay
- Your accommodation address
- A completed New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Biosecurity: declare presunto, chouriço, queijo, bacalhau, olives, fruit and any other food. Meat and dairy are inspected closely and may be refused. Undeclared risk items can lead to an instant fine.
Working holidays and longer stays
The NZeTA is designed for short visits. If you want to work, study for longer than 3 months or stay longer than 90 days, you need a visa. Portuguese citizens aged 18 to 30 may be eligible for a working holiday visa for New Zealand. It is a separate application with its own conditions; if you're granted it, you won't need an NZeTA for that trip.
To learn more about short-stay rules, read our tourist travel guide or the NZeTA FAQs.
Travelling from Portugal soon?
Apply in about 10 minutes and receive your decision by email.
FAQs for Portuguese citizens
No. Portugal is a visa-waiver country. Portuguese citizens can visit for up to 90 days per trip without a visa, but must hold an approved NZeTA before travelling.
No. The Cartão de Cidadão is accepted for travel within Europe, but for New Zealand you need a valid Portuguese passport.
Yes. Enter every given name and every surname exactly as printed on your passport. Leaving names out can cause a mismatch with your airline booking.
Either can work, because both countries are on New Zealand's visa-waiver list. Choose one and use it for both the NZeTA application and your flights.
Declare them on arrival. Meat and dairy products are closely checked, and some items may be refused. Declaring is free, while undeclared risk goods can lead to a fine.
No. The NZeTA is linked to one passport. If you get a new passport, you need to apply for a new NZeTA before your next trip.