New Zealand Visa for Vietnam Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to New Zealand as a Vietnamese citizen? You will need a Visitor visa, which costs NZD 441 plus a NZD 100 tourism levy. Processing takes approximately 3 weeks, and you apply online through Immigration New Zealand. This guide covers all requirements for a successful visa application.

Visa Application process

Vietnamese citizens must apply online for a New Zealand Visitor visa.1

Create a RealMe Account

Visit Immigration New Zealand and create a RealMe account.1 This is required for online applications.

Complete the Online Application

Fill out the Visitor visa application form online.1 Provide accurate information about: • Personal details • Travel plans • Employment and financial situation • Previous travel history

Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all required documents:1 • Passport scan • Digital photograph • Bank statements • Employment letter • Travel itinerary • Evidence of ties to Vietnam

Pay the Fees

Pay NZD 441 (visa fee) plus NZD 100 (IVL) online using a credit card.2

Wait for Decision

Processing typically takes about 3 weeks (80% of applications).1 You can track your application status online.

Receive Your Visa

If approved, you will receive a visa approval notification via email. Print this and bring it with your passport when traveling.

Visa Application Steps

1. Create a RealMe Account
2. Complete the Online Application
3. Upload Supporting Documents
4. Pay the Fees
5. Wait for Decision
6. Receive Your Visa

Visa Fees breakdown

Fee Type: Amount (NZD)	Visitor Visa Application: 441	IVL (Tourism Levy): 100	Total: 541	Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.2

What you need to prove

Immigration New Zealand assesses applications based on:

Genuine visitor: Legitimate purpose for visiting
Financial capability: NZD 1,000/month or acceptable sponsor
Departure plans: Clear intention to leave New Zealand
Health requirements: Good health
Character requirements: No serious criminal history
Ties to Vietnam: Strong reasons to return home

Required documents

Valid Passport
Online Application
Digital Photograph
Financial Evidence
Travel Plans
Ties to Vietnam

Valid Passport

Your Vietnamese passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand • At least one blank page for stamps; • Must not be damaged]

Online Application

Complete the online application through Immigration New Zealand • Create RealMe account; • Fill all sections accurately; • Upload supporting documents]

Digital Photograph

Recent digital photograph meeting specifications • Passport-style photo; • Clear, recent image; • Plain background]

Financial Evidence

Proof of sufficient funds for your stay (NZD 1,000/month recommended) • Bank statements (last 3-6 months); • Employment letter with salary; • Or acceptable sponsor in New Zealand]

Travel Plans

Evidence of your travel arrangements • Flight booking or itinerary; • Accommodation details; • Plans to leave New Zealand]

Ties to Vietnam

Evidence you will return to Vietnam after your visit • Employment letter with approved leave; • Property documents; • Family ties]

Comparison

Fee Type	Amount (NZD)	Amount (VND approx.)
Visitor Visa Application	441	6,800,000
IVL (Tourism Levy)	100	1,540,000
Total	541	8,340,000

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
28%	Weak Ties to Vietnam
18%	No Clear Departure Plan
12%	Incomplete Application
7%	Health or Character Concerns

35% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Show NZD 1,000/month of stay in accessible funds. Provide 3-6 months of bank statements with regular income.

28% - Weak Ties to Vietnam

How to avoid: Include employment letter with tenure, property documents, family certificates, business interests.

18% - No Clear Departure Plan

How to avoid: Have a clear return flight booking. Explain your travel plans in the application.

12% - Incomplete Application

How to avoid: Double-check all required documents. Ensure information is consistent across all submissions.

7% - Health or Character Concerns

How to avoid: Be honest about any health conditions or previous visa issues. Provide required documentation if asked.

Frequently asked questions

Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for New Zealand?

Yes, Vietnamese citizens need a Visitor visa to enter New Zealand. There is no visa-free or NZeTA option for Vietnamese passport holders.

How much does a New Zealand visa cost for Vietnamese citizens?

The Visitor visa costs NZD 441 plus the NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Total: NZD 541 (approximately 8.3 million VND).

How long does New Zealand visa processing take for Vietnamese?

80% of applications are processed within 3 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.

How long can Vietnamese stay in New Zealand on a tourist visa?

The Visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months (single entry) or 9 months (multiple entry) depending on what is granted.

Where do I apply for New Zealand visa from Vietnam?

Apply online through the Immigration New Zealand website. Create a RealMe account and submit your application digitally.

What is the New Zealand visa approval rate for Vietnamese citizens?

The approval rate is approximately 76% for Vietnamese applicants with complete documentation.

What is the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)?

The IVL is a NZD 100 levy that helps fund conservation and tourism infrastructure in New Zealand. Most visitors must pay it.

Can I work on a New Zealand tourist visa?

No, the Visitor visa does not permit work. You can study for up to 3 months, but not work.

Apply for New Zealand tourist visa online

Sources

Immigration New Zealand - Visitor Visa

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/visitor-visa

Immigration New Zealand - Fees

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/fees

New Zealand Embassy Vietnam

https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/asia/vietnam/

At a glance