GoNew Zealand Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1、 Visa requirements

Chinese citizens need to apply for a visa to travel to New Zealand. New Zealand visas are divided into visitor visas, student visas, work visas, and immigration visas. The New Zealand Embassy and Consulates in China do not separately accept visa applications from Chinese citizens holding regular passports. According to the official website of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the New Zealand Immigration Department authorizes the New Zealand Visa Application Centers located in Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong to collect short-term entry and immigration category visa applications on behalf of them (see relevant information) https://www.mfat.govt.nz/cn/countries-and-regions/asia/china/new-zealand-embassy/visas ）. Applicants can also apply directly online through the official website of the New Zealand Immigration Department（ https://www.immigration.govt.nz ）.

2、 Entry regulations

All passengers entering New Zealand international airports are required to make online declarations. Passengers can declare on the New Zealand passenger declaration website（ https://www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz ）Download the NZTD app to complete the online declaration or complete the online declaration on the website. It can be declared within 24 hours before takeoff, and infants and children also need to declare. After the declaration is completed, the passenger will receive an email containing detailed information on the entry requirements for New Zealand, along with a New Zealand Traveller Pass, which is actually a QR code that the passenger needs to print or save to their mobile phone for inspection upon entry. There is also a reference number in the email that can be used to query, fill in, or modify the declaration content. It is recommended that passengers remember this number. When inbound tourists scan their passports through the self-service customs clearance channel (eGate) or have their passports checked by staff, the system will automatically check your electronic declaration content. If you are unable to make an online declaration, New Zealand Customs will provide a paper entry card to assist passengers in completing their entry declaration. It is reminded that online declaration and paper declaration have equal legal effect. If the declaration is inaccurate or false, the offender may be fined NZD 400 for confiscation of property, and the offender may be prosecuted, sentenced or deported.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

1、 Customs regulations

New Zealand Customs has strict entry regulations. Each passenger is allowed to carry a certain amount of duty-free items with them upon entry. Any excess items will need to be declared to the new customs and customs duties and goods and services tax will be paid. The tax-free items that each passenger can bring into the country include: tax-free items worth up to SGD 700; 50 cigarettes per person (aged 17 and above) (50 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars); 4.5 liters of wine or 4.5 liters of beer; 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages (not exceeding 1125 milliliters per bottle). The above items are for personal use only. Detailed regulations can be found on the official website of New Zealand Customs（ https://www.customs.govt.nz/personal/travel-to-and-from-nz/travelling-to-new-zealand ）.

Starting from October 1st, 2018, the new Customs and Excise Act 2018 officially came into effect. According to the provisions of the bill, new customs personnel have the right to inspect the contents of electronic devices (such as mobile phones, computers, etc.) of inbound and outbound passengers in cases of "reasonable suspicion", and the device holder is obliged to provide the customs personnel with the access password for the device. If the passenger refuses to cooperate, they will face a fine of up to SGD 5000 (approximately RMB 23500), and their electronic devices will be detained and forcibly unlocked, or even confiscated.

2、 Inspection and Quarantine

The New Zealand economy is mainly based on agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry, and any entry of pests and diseases will pose a serious threat to its economy. Therefore, the customs have extremely strict regulations on passengers carrying inbound items. Animal and plant products, including seed based traditional Chinese medicine, must undergo strict inspection, otherwise they may be confiscated or fined, and severe cases may result in imprisonment. Therefore, it is recommended to truthfully declare any items that are uncertain about their ability to enter the country.

New Zealand law prohibits or restricts the import of various wildlife and plant products, including live animals, meat, skin, hair, bones, wool, eggs, aquaculture products, biological products, shells, corals, hair, bee products, plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers, seeds, nuts, bulbs, straw, bamboo, wood, and other crops.

3、 Financial regulation

To prevent illegal activities such as money laundering, the new regulations stipulate that every passenger entering the country must declare cash exceeding SGD 10000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency).

Special reminder: In recent years, there have been multiple incidents of Chinese citizens being detained and deported by the new customs for carrying large quantities of drugs (such as Bai Jia Hei, Kang Tai Ke and other cold medicines and tranquilizers). Therefore, if it is necessary to carry a small amount of personal medication, it is recommended to bring a medical certificate in both Chinese and English issued by a hospital and declare it truthfully upon entry.

4、 Border inspection

Starting from November 17, 2017, Chinese citizens who hold electronic passports containing chips and are over 12 years old can use the eGate self-service customs clearance system to quickly pass border checks at four international airports in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch (Christchurch), and Queenstown, and can use it for entry and exit.

Residency and Naturalization

New Zealand is an immigrant country with open and transparent immigration policies. New Zealand recognizes dual citizenship, and the eligibility criteria for applying for citizenship are: having obtained the right to reside in New Zealand for at least 5 years (having resided in New Zealand for at least 1350 days within 5 years, and having resided in New Zealand for at least 240 days in each of these 5 years); Having sufficient English language proficiency; Understand the rights and obligations of New Zealand citizens; Have good character. There are four main types of immigration to New Zealand: family reunification immigration, investment immigration, entrepreneurial immigration, and skilled immigration. The Ministry of the Interior of New Zealand is responsible for naturalization of foreigners.

The risk level in New Zealand is blue (low risk)

public security

New Zealand has a developed economy, high national income, a well-developed social welfare system, high national quality, a sound legal system, and is greatly influenced by traditional religious culture. The overall public security situation in New Zealand is good, with a low crime rate. But in some areas, theft, robbery, fraud, kidnapping and other cases also occur from time to time. Preventive measures:

1、 Strengthen personal safety protection. Do not hitchhike with strangers, carry strangers, or purchase items sold by strangers; Avoid walking in remote and dimly lit places at night.

2、 Properly safeguard property. Do not carry or store large amounts of cash with you at your residence. International students can pay tuition fees through transfer; Do not leave valuable and important items in the car when traveling; Copy and keep important documents such as passports, credit cards, etc., and bring a copy of your passport when going out to prevent the original documents from being lost or stolen; Please take care of your luggage when traveling and do not delegate it to others for safekeeping; Do not accept any luggage or items entrusted by others, especially when traveling internationally. Do not accept money from others and bring their luggage or items for them. Keep your bank or credit card account and password safe.

3、 Preventing telecommunications fraud. Overseas telecommunications fraud activities are rampant, and criminals often impersonate personnel from overseas embassies, consulates, public security, procuratorial and judicial departments to commit telecommunications fraud. Common fraudulent methods include notifying the parties to collect passport documents, receiving customs packages, bank card fraud, cooperating with investigations in cases and lawsuits, virtual kidnapping, and "low price exchange" advertisements. These fraudulent methods are highly deceptive and require high vigilance. For suspicious calls of unknown origin (especially voice calls), they should be hung up immediately, not listening, not believing, not remitting, and not giving any opportunities to fraudsters. If you have any doubts, you can call the embassy or consulate in Singapore after hanging up the phone for verification, and do not call back the doubtful phone. In case of emergency, immediately call 111 (emergency) or 105 (non emergency) to report to the police.

4、 If arrested or detained by local police, one has the right to contact a lawyer and, if necessary, the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand. If legal aid is required in court and there is no lawyer available, the court will designate a lawyer to assist. If discriminated against or unfairly treated, or punished or sentenced excessively during detention or imprisonment, the right to request to meet with consular officials of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand and report the situation.

natural disaster

1、 Major natural disasters

New Zealand is located between the Pacific Plate and the Australian Plate, with frequent earthquakes. In September 2010, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake occurred in Christchurch, South Island (Christchurch). The 6.3-magnitude earthquake that occurred here in February 2011 caused significant casualties and property damage. From July to September 2013, there were multiple earthquakes of magnitude 6 or above in the Wellington area. In addition to earthquakes, natural disasters such as tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, and storms may also affect New Zealand. On November 14, 2016, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake and tsunami occurred in the Kekula area of the South Island of New Zealand. On December 9, 2019, a volcanic eruption occurred on White Island in the waters of the Bay of Plenty region on the North Island of New Zealand, causing significant casualties.

2、 Preventive measures

Strengthen the learning of knowledge on prevention and response to natural disasters such as earthquakes, and take corresponding preventive measures. In case of emergency, you can call 111 or 105 for help.

FDA

New Zealand has a clean natural environment, strict hygiene regulations, and good public hygiene habits. All food sold must undergo strict hygiene inspections, so the overall food hygiene situation is good.

Urgent Help

Local emergency hotline (police, fire department, ambulance): 111; Non emergency hotline (police): 105. You can use English, such as Police, Ambulance, or Fire, to inform the operator of the assistance needed. If there are language barriers, you can request Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese Cantonese) services. The operator will try to arrange personnel who understand Chinese or connect to a third-party online Chinese translator.

At the same time, the Ethnic Affairs Office of the New Zealand Ministry of Home Affairs has established a Language Line service, which can provide free telephone Chinese online translation services for government departments such as the New Police, Immigration, Business Council, ACC Accidental Injury Compensation Bureau, as well as some medical institutions. The service hours and list of service providers for this language hotline can be found at ethniccommunities.govt.nz/how-language-line-work-chhinese for inquiries.

You can also call the Consular Protection Emergency Contact Number of the Embassy in New Zealand for assistance:

Chinese Embassy in New Zealand phone number: 04-4995022 (New overseas dialing method:+ 64-4-4995022）

Chinese Consulate General in Auckland telephone: 09-5251200 (New overseas dialing method:+ 64-9-5251200）

Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch telephone: 03-3411016 (new overseas dialing method:)+ 64-3-3411016）

Special Reminder

New Zealand consists of two islands, North and South, with many mountains and surrounded by the sea, and a variable climate. In new tourism, special attention should be paid to the following safety precautions: (1) Pay attention to weather and tidal changes, and be safe when going out for sightseeing, fishing, and swimming; （2） The roads in the new mountainous area are narrow and winding, and some mountainous areas have no mobile phone signal. When driving, it is important to prepare a map, sufficient gasoline, etc., and drive carefully to ensure safety; （3） Be familiar with and strictly follow the local traffic rules of right-hand drive and left-hand drive when driving a new car.

air traffic

1、 International flights

Air New Zealand: Opened Auckland Shanghai and Auckland Hong Kong routes.

China Southern Airlines has opened Guangzhou Auckland and Guangzhou Christchurch (Christchurch) routes.

Cathay Pacific Airways has launched the Hong Kong Auckland route.

Eastern Airlines has opened Shanghai Auckland and Hangzhou Auckland routes.

Hainan Airlines has opened the Shenzhen Auckland route and will launch the Haikou Auckland route from December 8, 2023.

China International Airlines has opened the Beijing Auckland route.

Checking in for flights to New Zealand from overseas requires arriving at the airport approximately three hours in advance. If taking domestic flights within New Zealand, you should arrive at the airport at least one hour in advance to complete the luggage check-in procedures.

2、 Main airports

Oakland International Airport

www.aucklandairport.co.nz

Auckland International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand. The airport is divided into international terminals and domestic terminals. From 6am to 10:30pm, there is free bus service between international and domestic terminals, and the station is located at the main entrance of both terminals. There is a pedestrian walkway connecting the two terminal buildings, which can be reached by walking along the green sign line on the ground for 10 minutes. You can take airport buses, public buses, and taxis from the airport to the city center.

Wellington International Airport

https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz

Wellington International Airport offers airport buses, public buses, and taxis to and from the city center.

Christchurch International Airport

www.christchurchairport.co.nz

Christchurch International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the South Island of New Zealand. The airport has airport buses, public buses, and taxis that travel to and from the city center.

land transport

New Zealand's highways are in good condition, with a total length of 94000 kilometers, including 11000 kilometers of expressways. The total length of railways is 4128 kilometers, with approximately 589 kilometers of electrified railways.

Public transportation such as buses and trains is relatively convenient.

There are numerous car rental companies in the new country. The proportion of new private car ownership is high, and the majority of the public travels by car. New Zealand vehicles should drive on the left, and domestic driver's license holders should apply for a local driver's license and learn local traffic rules as soon as possible. Motorcycles and cyclists must wear safety helmets.

water communication

New Zealand currently has 6 international waterway routes and 13 major ports. Auckland, Wellington, Littleton, Dunedin, and Tauranga are important container ports.

Urban transportation

The main urban transportation in New Zealand includes buses, taxis, and self driving cars, with good road conditions and great convenience. Taxis need to be booked in advance.

major city

The main cities in New Zealand include Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Rotorua, Hamilton, Dunedin, and others.

1、 Wellington: The capital city, with a population of approximately 540000 in the Wellington Region, of which the city center has a population of around 210000. Wellington is located at the southern end of New Zealand's North Island and is an excellent port city. It is the southernmost capital city in the world. Established as the capital of New Zealand since 1865, it is the political and cultural center of the country. The climate is relatively mild, with an average annual temperature of 13.2 degrees Celsius, abundant rainfall, and frequent strong winds, making it a famous "wind city".

2、 Auckland: located in the northwest of the North Island, it is the largest city in New Zealand with a population of 1.7393 million (2023), including 171000 overseas Chinese (2018), accounting for about 70% of the total number of overseas Chinese in New Zealand. The city is located by the sea, with gentle terrain, many hills, beautiful scenery, and pleasant climate, earning it the nickname of "City of Sails". Auckland has developed manufacturing, commerce, and financial services industries, and is the center of New Zealand's economy and an important gateway for foreign exchanges. As the largest port city in New Zealand, Auckland leads the country in culture, education, and technology. Many renowned universities such as the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, and Massey University are located here.

3、 Christchurch (Christchurch): located on the Canterbury Plain in the eastern part of the South Island, with a population of approximately 390000, it is the commercial and industrial center of the South Island and a hub for wool, beef, mutton, and agricultural products. The city has a strong English flavor and is known as the "Garden City" due to its numerous botanical gardens and gardens.

4、 Rotorua: located in the central part of the North Island, with a population of approximately 72000. Duo Natural Hot Springs is a Maori settlement area and a famous tourist destination. There are Maori Museum, Maori Craft Research Institute Sculpture Center, Maori Hall, and Maori Village in the city. The city has complete tourism facilities and a continuous stream of tourists. Rotorua is also known for its forestry industry, producing and exporting a large amount of wood and its products every year.

5、 Hamilton: located approximately 105 kilometers southeast of Auckland city. Built in the 1860s and officially established as a city in December 1945, with a population of 160000, it is New Zealand's largest inland city and the capital of the North Island region of Waikato, serving as a political, commercial, and agricultural service center. Due to its convenient transportation and beautiful natural environment, the city is also an internationally renowned agricultural research center.

6、 Dunedin: Located on the southeast coast of the South Island, it is the second largest city on the island with a population of approximately 130000. The city is full of cultural atmosphere, with numerous historical buildings, museums, and bird conservation areas. The University of Otago in the city is the first university in New Zealand. At present, there are still many typical Scottish style buildings preserved in the city, known as the "most Scottish like city outside of Scotland".

Commodity prices

1、 Main products. New Zealand has developed agriculture, abundant dairy products, beef and mutton, fish products, fruits and other agricultural and animal husbandry products, making life convenient. Some grains such as rice need to be imported from other countries such as Australia.

2、 Price situation. New Zealand has a relatively high per capita national income level, with a per capita GDP of approximately $48000 and a moderate price level.

3、 Currency and exchange rates. The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar. Since March 1985, the Singapore dollar has implemented a free floating exchange rate policy. The exchange rate of the Singapore dollar to the Chinese yuan is approximately 4.3 yuan per Singapore dollar.

4、 Tax burden. New Zealand is a high welfare and high tax country. The highest national personal income tax is 33%, corporate tax is 28%, and goods and services tax (for all sold goods) is 15%.

5、 Payment method. New Zealand stores accept various payment methods such as cash and credit cards, and e-commerce is well-developed. China UnionPay cards can be withdrawn from over 2200 ATMs under the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), the Westpac Bank, the ANZ Bank, and Kiwi Bank, and can be used for consumption or shopping at over 60000 merchants. Some stores also support WeChat and Alipay payment.

6、 Banking and financial services. The financial and banking industry in New Zealand is well-developed, with major domestic banks including the National Bank, the Westpac Bank, the ANZ Bank, the Bank of New Zealand, Kiwi Bank, TSB Bank, HSBC, and others. At present, three Chinese banks, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Bank of China, have also opened new branches to provide different types of financial services.

Insurance Medical

1、 Medical conditions. New Zealand is a high welfare country, with healthcare primarily funded by government grants. The new healthcare system is mainly composed of public hospitals, private hospitals, and family doctors, who jointly provide medical security services. General illnesses are usually treated by family doctors first. If it is a more special or serious illness that cannot be treated by family doctors, it will be recommended to a specialized hospital for treatment. Public hospitals offer free medical care, while private medical services are more expensive. New Zealand's healthcare system implements a separation of medicine and pharmacy. After a physician issues a prescription, patients can purchase medication at the pharmacy based on the prescription.

2、 Medical insurance. New public hospitals have longer waiting times, while private hospitals charge expensive fees. By participating in hospital insurance, one can pay for services that are not provided in the national healthcare system. It is recommended that international students purchase commercial insurance and file a claim with the insurance company in case of an accident.

3、 Hospital pharmacy. There are hospitals and pharmacies in various cities, and some areas also have some Chinese clinics, making it convenient to buy medicine and seek medical treatment.

4、 Accidental injury insurance. The New Zealand Accidental Injury Compensation Authority (ACC) provides compensation to natural persons in New Zealand (whether New Zealanders or foreign tourists) for personal injury caused by accidents, including payment of medical and rehabilitation expenses, compensation for wage losses caused by sick leave, and one-time compensation for permanent injuries. This insurance does not require prior application. Free phone number: 0800101996 (Chinese service available upon request), website: www.acc.co.nz。

Customs taboos

1、 Holidays: New Year's Day (January 1st); The day after New Year's Day (January 2nd); National Day (February 6th); Easter (usually at the end of March or early April); ANZAC Day (April 25th); King's birthday (first Monday in June); Maori New Year (Friday in June or July); Labor Day (fourth Monday in October); Christmas and Boxing Day (December 25th and 26th).

2、 Religious beliefs. New Zealand is a European immigrant country, with descendants of European immigrants currently accounting for approximately 78% of the total population, and indigenous people being M ā ori accounting for about 15%. Descendants of European immigrants mostly believe in Christianity and Catholicism, while Maori people believe in polytheism or Christianity. Respect should be given to the religious beliefs of different ethnic groups.

3、 Customs taboos. The Maori Welcome Ceremony is a peaceful and dignified way of meeting between Maori tribes or a symbol of reconciliation between two hostile tribes. It has now become a routine ceremony held in New Zealand to welcome distinguished guests. The ceremony was conducted in Maori language from beginning to end, presided over by tribal elders. Participants must abide by the rules of the ceremony, and are not allowed to speak, walk, or eat while others are delivering speeches. Smoking is strictly prohibited from beginning to end.

New Zealand attaches great importance to the protection of flora and fauna, even the flowers, wild ducks, and birds in parks must not be violated, and violators will be severely punished. Pets kept at home should also ensure a good living environment, and if animal abuse is found, they will face legal punishment. There are also clear legal regulations for fishing, fishing, and other activities. The "Regulations on Leisure Fishing" provide detailed regulations on the quantity, size, season, and types and sizes of fishing equipment for fish, shrimp, shellfish, etc.

New Zealand attaches great importance to the protection of minors and has strict legal provisions.

New Zealand is a smoke-free country, and smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places.

Communications Power

1、 Internet. New Zealand has a good telecommunications infrastructure, widespread Internet use and developed e-commerce. There are multiple network service providers to choose from.

2、 Phone. The country code for New Zealand is 0064, and the area codes for major cities are Wellington 04, Auckland 09, and Christchurch 03. Calling a new domestic landline from overseas: 0064+region code (with the preceding 0 omitted)+landline number; Dialing a new domestic mobile phone from overseas: 0064+mobile phone number (please omit the 0 in front of the mobile phone number). The new telephone charges are relatively expensive. For international long-distance calls, it is recommended to purchase a long-distance calling card. Mobile phones use the GSM standard, and domestic GSM phones can be used by replacing them with local SIM cards.

3、 Power supply. All power interfaces in New Zealand are three-phase and require a built-in plug converter. The power supply voltage is 220 volts and the frequency is 50 hertz. Domestic electrical appliances can be used normally when they are new.

contact information