Immigration New Zealand Requires Online Visa Applications

Immigration New Zealand announced that starting from 1 October 2026, paper applications for a range of visitor and transit visas will no longer be accepted. All submissions must be made through the enhanced Immigration Online system.

This change is part of a broader initiative to digitalize the visa application process, simplifying submissions for travelers and improving processing efficiency for immigration staff. The requirement will affect 24 visa types, with the majority of visitor visas and all transit visa applications already capable of being submitted online.

Immigration New Zealand confirmed that any paper applications received before the cut-off date will still be processed without disruption. Applicants intending to visit New Zealand for purposes such as medical treatment, sports events, or business must ensure their submissions are completed digitally through the official Immigration Online system.