Australia and New Zealand may be close neighbours, but they have distinct immigration rules and visa requirements that vary depending on nationality and travel purposes. Australian and New Zealand citizens can travel between the two countries without visas. However, permanent residents, business travellers, and long-term visitors may need to apply for a special visa for travel authorisation. Understanding these requirements in advance can help you avoid delays or unexpected complications at the border.
At Remitly, we simplify international travel and financial needs for expats and immigrants. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visas, qualifications, and essential travel documents for a smooth journey between Australia and New Zealand.
Special visas for Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand have a close relationship, and citizens benefit from special visa arrangements that allow for simplified travel. These visas provide long-term travel permissions, reducing the need for repeated applications, and can save time and hassle.
Benefits of special visas for business professionals and expats
Special visa programs offer significant advantages for business professionals, expatriates and individuals who travel frequently between the two countries. From streamlined entry processes to extended stay options, these visas make it easier to work, live, or conduct business across borders. By securing the right visa, travellers can take full advantage of the close ties between Australia and New Zealand.
Understanding the Australian Resident Visa for New Zealand
If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you are lucky to be able to visit, work, and live in New Zealand indefinitely without going through a long-winded visa application process (similar to how Europeans move within the Schengen Area). However, there are still a few important considerations.
Who qualifies for the Australian Resident Visa?
To qualify, you must either be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and provide your passport as proof of identity. If you are not an Australian citizen, you must have a valid Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Australian Resident Return Visa and obtain an NZeTA before you travel (see our section on NZeTA for details).
How to apply for an Australian Resident Visa to enter New Zealand
Application for this visa happens automatically during your travel to New Zealand. You will receive an arrival card to complete, asking about your travel intentions and character. You may not meet New Zealand’s good character requirement if:
- You have a criminal record
- You have been deported, excluded, or removed from any country
- Authorities believe you intend to commit a crime or you pose a risk to security, public order or public interest
Upon arrival, the New Zealand authorities will check the arrival card and review your passport. There is no fee to apply for a resident visa granted at the New Zealand border.
Common challenges faced by Australian residents spending time in New Zealand
While you can live and work in New Zealand indefinitely, there are some challenges you may encounter:
- Healthcare: Emergency services are accessible, but full access to the public health system may be limited.
- Employment: Some highly regulated industries require additional work permits.
- Permanent residency: Transitioning to permanent residency status requires a more formal application process.
The New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) for Australia explained
The New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) for Australia is a temporary visa allowing New Zealand citizens to visit, study, stay, and work in Australia for as long as desired. The SCV remains valid until departure but must be reissued upon re-entry.
Eligibility requirements for the SCV
To be eligible to apply for the SCV, you must have a valid New Zealand passport and not:
- Be a behaviour concern non-citizen (BCNC), which means you have been convicted of a crime, charged with a crime while of unsound mind, removed or deported from Australia, or excluded from another country in the past
- Be a health concern non-citizen, which means you declared when entering Australia that you have tuberculosis
- Hold a visa that has a No Further Stay condition
How to apply for an SCV
There are two pathways to apply for an SCV. The standard pathway is to apply upon entry to Australia, but in some cases, you may be able to apply after you have entered Australia.
Applying for an SCV upon entry to Australia
- Gather required documents
- Valid New Zealand passport
- Australian birth certificate if you were born in Australia
- Completed and signed Incoming Passenger Card
- Translate non-English documents
- All non-English documents must be translated into English.
- Both original documents and translations must be submitted.
- Translators in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
- Translators outside Australia do not need to be accredited but must include their full name, address, telephone number, qualifications, and experience in the language they are translating.
- Apply at the border
- Upon arrival, present your completed incoming passenger card with your valid New Zealand passport.
- Answer health and character questions on SmartGate.
Immigration authorities process SCV applications at airports and seaports, linking your visa electronically to your passport. You can obtain a copy or check your visa status, conditions, and expiry via VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online).
Applying for an SCV after arrival in Australia
- Gather required documents
- Valid New Zealand passport
- Australian birth certificate if you were born in Australia
- If you were born on or before 30 June 2022 and have never left Australia, you must provide a copy of your Australian birth certificate with your onshore SCV application.
- You also must provide evidence of New Zealand citizenship and may need to register as a New Zealand citizen first.
- Translate non-English documents (requirements are the same as those for applying upon entry)
- Apply online
- Submit your application online through the designated portal.
- Once your application is received, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.
- The Department of Home Affairs might ask you to provide additional documentation.
Processing an SCV after arrival takes longer than applying at the border. While awaiting a decision, it’s important to notify the department if there are changes to your contact details, citizenship, or other personal information, or if you have a child. If your current visa expires before your SCV application is processed, consider applying for a Bridging Visa to remain lawful.
The Department of Home Affairs will contact you in writing once a decision is made. If approved, the visa will be linked to the New Zealand passport number provided in your application. If denied, you will receive details on the reason for refusal and whether you have the right to appeal.
New Zealand offers visa-free entry to citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries. All you have to do is apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling. The NZeTA is valid for multiple entries over 2 years and a stay duration of up to 3 months or 6 months for UK citizens.
Who needs an NZeTA or a visa waiver?
If you are boarding a flight or cruise that leaves for New Zealand, you must hold an NZeTA if you meet any of the following conditions:
- You are visiting on a passport from a visa waiver country
- You are a cruise ship passenger
- You are passing through Auckland International Airport to another country and travelling on a passport from a visa waiver country or a transit visa waiver country
- You are passing through Auckland International Airport as a transit passenger to or from Australia
- You are an Australian permanent resident with a valid Australian Permanent Resident Visa or an Australian Resident Return Visa that lets you return to Australia from another country
The New Zealand Immigration website has a tool to help you determine if you need an NZeTA or visa before travelling to New Zealand based on what type of traveller you are, how you are arriving, and your reason for travelling.
NZeTA eligibility requirements
If you need an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Proof of identity: You’ll need to show your passport.
- Health: You must be in good health and confirm if you are travelling to New Zealand for medical consultations or treatment.
- Character: You must meet the New Zealand good character requirements and, if you are an Australian permanent resident, you must also meet the character requirements of the Australia Resident Visa.
- Funds: You must have at least $1,000 NZD for each month of your stay, or if you have already paid for your accommodation, $400 NZD for each month of your stay.
- Onward travel: You must present your travel ticket out of New Zealand at check-in.
How to apply for an NZeTA
Applying for an NZeTA is a quick and simple process. The application process, timeframes, and costs vary slightly based on your passport and whether you are visiting New Zealand or transiting through. If you need an NZeTA, you must have it before you depart for New Zealand. The steps for applying are as follows:
- Meet the entry requirements as outlined above.
- Apply online or via the NZeTA mobile app.
- Pay the NSC application fee of $23 NZD when applying online or $17 NZD when applying through the mobile app. There is also an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) fee of $100 NZD.
- New Zealand Immigration will check your identity and confirm you do not pose a security risk. Most applications are approved within 72 hours, but it’s best to apply well in advance of travel.
Navigating the visa process between Australia and New Zealand may be confusing due to the various types of visas and exemptions available, but rest assured, the process is not complicated. Following the steps above that are appropriate for your residence situation will ensure a smooth travel process between the two countries.
FAQs
Can people with an Australian visa go to New Zealand?
Australian citizens and permanent residents can visit, work and live in New Zealand without obtaining a visa. However, Australian permanent residents will need an NZeTA.
What is a New Zealand special category visa for Australia?
The New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) for Australia is a visa that allows New Zealand citizens to visit, study, stay, and work in Australia. The visa is granted upon entry and is valid for the duration of the stay.
Do you need a visa to fly from Australia to New Zealand?
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you do not need a visa to fly from Australia to New Zealand. However, Australian permanent residents will need to obtain an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand.
Can you travel to Australia from NZ with a criminal record?
If you hold a substantial criminal record, you will not pass the character test required to obtain a visa to enter Australia. A substantial criminal record is based on the length of a sentence imposed by a court of law. New Zealand citizens with any kind of criminal record can check with the Australian High Commission to determine if they need a visa to enter Australia.
How can I handle technical issues with online visa applications?
If you are experiencing technical issues, contact the website’s support desk for assistance and provide screenshots of any error messages to speed up the resolution process.