UK Visas

Visas for the UK

It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with entry requirements for the United Kingdom.  Failure to meet these requirements could result in your being refused entry and returned to New Zealand.  The High Commission can not interfere in this decision.  For information on what the High Commission can and can not do for New Zealand citizens overseas, visit our website on Safetravel.

New Zealand passport holders may enter the UK for six months without a visa on a visa waiver if they are genuine visitors.

To live and work in the UK you must obtain the necessary visa before you arrive in the country. These visas can only be applied for from your country of residence;  this will likely be New Zealand for most New Zealanders.

For further information within New Zealand contact the British High Commission in Wellington. 

The UK Border Agency is responsible for UK Immigration.  The UK Border Agency's visa services website provides details on whether you need a visa, and if so, information on how to apply. 

Extending a Visa

The UK Border Agency provides information on how to extend your visa.

The UK Border Agency has seven public enquiry offices, which may be able to assist New Zealanders who are making straightforward applications to extend their stay or settle in the United Kingdom. Please note not all public enquiry offices can process all types of applications.

If your passport is with the UK Border Agency as part of a visa application, we recommend that you do not plan any travel until your passport is returned.

Visas applications are a matter between yourself and UK authorities. The New Zealand High Commission is not able to intercede or make representation on your behalf.

Transferring your visa to a new passport

If the passport containing your visa has expired, you will need to contact the UK Border Agency to arrange for the visa to be transferred to your new passport.

The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs Passports Office in London has no authority to transfer any UK visa or permit from your old New Zealand passport to a new one.

Visa advice for outside the UK

The New Zealand High Commission is not able to advise you of the visa requirements for other countries.

You should contact the embassy of the country you wish to travel to in order to confirm whether a visa is required.  The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office website has a list of foreign embassies based in the United Kingdom.