06/09/2026
# New Zealand Visa Rules Will Undergo Major Changes From October 1, 2026:
The New Zealand Immigration Department will stop accepting paper applications for transit visas and several visitor visa categories from October 1, 2026.
Applicants will now be required to apply for these visas online. These visas are as follows: 1. Transit Visa, 2. General Visitor Visa, 3. Business Visitor Visa, 4. Group Visitor Visa, 5. Academic Visitor Visa, 6. Guardian Visitor Visa, 7. Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, 8. Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa, 9. Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visa, 10. Sports Events Visitor Visa.
Applying for visas online will provide applicants with the following benefits: 1. No digital document uploading, 2. Real-time application status updates, 3. Built-in application guidance, 4. Automatic passport information capture, 5. Less paperwork and fewer errors.
Paper applications submitted before October 1, 2026, will continue to be processed as normal.
After October 1, paper applications for affected categories will only be accepted under special circumstances.
Travel agents and visa professionals are advised to ensure that their clients are fully informed of the digital transition.
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