Entry Requirements for New Zealand
Before travelling to New Zealand, please ensure you understand the entry requirements for your country of origin, including visa regulations and health and safety guidelines.
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand.
Most international visitors will require either a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) prior to arrival. If you are unsure which applies to you, please visit the New Zealand Immigration website for the most up-to-date information.
NZeTA
Delegates from visa waiver countries do not need a visitor visa but they will need to apply for the NZeTA. Costs are NZD $17 (using the mobile app) or $23NZD (applying on the website) and takes up to 72 hours to approve. You will also be charged NZD $100 for the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
The NZeTA is valid for 2 years to allow stays each visit for up to 3 months.
Visa
Travellers from non visa-waiver countries must apply for a Visitor Visa. If this applies to you, we strongly recommend starting the application process as early as possible.
Costs are $441NZD, which includes a NZD $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
Please note that the symposium cannot accept responsibility for visa applications that are declined or not processed in time. Visa applications should be submitted at least six weeks before the symposium, although allowing up to three months is recommended.
It is important you are as detailed as possible in your visa application; if a visa is declined, you will need to pay again for a second and third application to be considered.
Apply for a Non visa waiver country visitor visa
Bio-security regulations
There have very strict bio-security rules when entering New Zealand. If you are traveling with any of the following you must declare it:
- Food: All food, including airline food.
- Plants and plant products: Fruits, seeds, flowers, and wooden products.
- Animals and animal products: Live animals, meat, and products like bone carvings, feathers, or shells.
- Equipment: Used outdoor equipment, sports gear, fishing gear, or equipment used for animals, plants, or water.
- Other items: Prescription medicines, over NZD $10,000 in cash, and goods over NZD $700 (excluding personal clothing, toiletries, and jewellery).
If you don’t declare it and the staff or dogs find it, you will be fined NZD $400 instantly.
Flight attendants will give out arrival cards onboard your flight. However, if you want to do this prior to travel and make things faster and easier you can complete it here: www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz or download the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) app It takes about 5 minutes to complete.
Official Invitation Letters
An official letter of invitation is designed to help overcome administrative difficulties in certain countries. Delegates who require a letter of invitation for New Zealand should visit our partner AttendNZ's registration pages or write to isme20@attend.co.nz.
Personalised invitation letters, if required, will only be issued upon receipt of a completed registration. Costs for personalised invitation letters are NZD $ 28.75 and can be requested via e-mail at AttendNZ, stating your full details (such as full name, address, nationality, dob etc.).
Invitation letters can only be issued to full delegates, and not to accompanying persons.
It must be understood that such letters do not represent a commitment on the part of the Organising Committee or Symposium to provide any financial assistance.
Furthermore, note that an invitation letter does not guarantee you will be granted a visa.