Italy is part of New Zealand's visa-waiver programme. Italian passport holders must apply for an NZeTA before travel — not a visa — and can stay up to 90 days per visit to explore New Zealand's remarkable landscapes and vibrant Italian-Kiwi communities.
Apply for NZeTA NowItaly and New Zealand maintain warm diplomatic and trade relations, with bilateral cooperation spanning food and beverage exports, tourism, and cultural exchange. Italy is a significant EU economy and a key source of tourism to New Zealand, reinforcing the bilateral framework that underpins the visa-waiver arrangement for Italian passport holders.
New Zealand has a notable Italian diaspora, with a significant Italian-heritage community particularly in the Hawke's Bay and Gisborne regions — historically linked to Italian immigrants who arrived in the early 20th century. This community connection means many Italian visitors have family roots in New Zealand, creating a meaningful social dimension to the bilateral relationship.
Italy holds one of the world's strongest passport rankings. Italian travellers demonstrate consistently high compliance with New Zealand's entry and visa conditions, supporting the continuation of the visa-waiver arrangement and Italy's standing as a trusted-traveller nation for New Zealand border management purposes.
Everything Italian passport holders need to complete their NZeTA application successfully.
Your Italian passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand. Check your expiry date before applying.
A working email address is required — your NZeTA approval is delivered exclusively by email, not as a printed document or passport stamp.
Credit or debit card to pay the NZeTA fee, which includes the IVL conservation and tourism levy, in a single online transaction.
Answer health and character questions honestly. Significant health issues or criminal convictions may result in a requirement for a standard visa.
Fill in your personal details, Italian passport information, and travel plans. The form takes 5–10 minutes to complete on any device.
Enter your Italian passport number and expiry date accurately. The NZeTA is electronically linked to this specific passport document.
Pay securely online. The fee covers both the NZeTA processing charge and the IVL conservation levy in one straightforward payment.
Most Italian applicants receive NZeTA approval within 24–72 hours. The approval is linked electronically to your passport — no printed copy is needed at check-in.
Practical advice for Italian passport holders planning a visit to New Zealand — flight routes, Italian community regions, and NZ customs rules.
From Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP), the journey to Auckland takes approximately 24 hours with one stop. The most popular routing for Italian travellers is via Dubai on Emirates, which offers excellent connections from both Rome and Milan. Alternatively, Singapore Airlines via Singapore is a popular option. Expect a total journey time of 22–26 hours depending on connection time.
Italian heritage in New Zealand runs deep. The Hawke's Bay region — sometimes called the "Tuscany of New Zealand" — was partly shaped by Italian immigrant families who settled there in the early 20th century, bringing with them viticulture knowledge that helped establish the region's world-class wine industry. Visiting wineries in Hawke's Bay, with their Italian family names and traditions, is a unique experience for Italian visitors. The North Island town of Gisborne also has strong Italian community connections.
New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of Italy's — summer runs from December to February, and winter from June to August. Italian travellers visiting over the European winter (December–January) will find New Zealand's peak summer, with long days, warm beaches, and outdoor festivals. Those seeking skiing and alpine experiences should visit during the New Zealand winter (July–September), when Queenstown and Mount Ruapehu offer world-class ski conditions.