New Zealand Will Discontinue Paper Applications for Numerous Visas Effective October 1, 2026

On September 4, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced another step toward fully digital visa processing: Starting October 1, 2026, paper applications for 24 categories of visitor visas, as well as for transit visas, will no longer be accepted. Affected travelers will then be required to submit their applications via the “Enhanced Immigration Online” digital system—according to the announcement, exceptions will only be made in specific, strictly limited cases.

The change particularly affects the regular Visitor Visa, which is used for tourist stays, business trips, group travel, and a range of specific purposes of stay. The 24 affected categories include, among others, the General Visitor Visa, the Business Visitor Visa, the Group Visitor Visa (including groups under the Approved Destination Status Program), the Academic Visitor Visa, and numerous other special categories such as the Adoption Visitor Visa, the Antarctic Traveler Visitor Visa, the Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visa, the Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, and several others. The transit visa, which is required for travelers passing through New Zealand without New Zealand as their actual destination, is also covered by the new regulations.

For travelers, this means one thing above all: Anyone applying for one of the visas listed above after the effective date will no longer be able to do so using a paper form but must complete the entire process online. This applies equally to compiling the required documents, uploading them, and processing payments. Important to know: This change affects traditional visitor visas and the transit visa—not to be confused with the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA), which has long been available exclusively through digital application for many short-term tourist stays.

For most tourists planning a short stay in New Zealand, this change will have virtually no impact, as the majority of applications are already submitted online. The new regulation will be more relevant for applicants in more specific situations—such as group travel, medically necessary stays, patient companions, or other special categories that have, until now, more frequently relied on paper forms. Anyone falling into this category should familiarize themselves with the new digital requirements well in advance of October 1, 2026, to avoid delays in travel planning.

Since digital applications often involve specific requirements regarding document formats, supporting evidence, and deadlines, it is advisable to prepare the application carefully. We handle the review of documents and the complete visa application process for travelers who need a visa for New Zealand—from selecting the appropriate visa category for New Zealand to ensuring timely submission. This helps prevent errors in the new online process and ensures the application is processed smoothly.

If you’d like to get an overview of the applicable fees in advance, you can find information on the costs of a New Zealand visa. In light of the upcoming changes, it is advisable to determine your travel dates and the appropriate visa category well in advance, especially if your stay in New Zealand is for specific purposes such as a group trip, medical treatment, or an extended academic stay.