Japan is part of New Zealand's visa-waiver programme. Japanese passport holders must apply for an NZeTA before travel — not a visa — and can stay up to 90 days per visit. Japan and New Zealand enjoy strong trade relations and significant tourism flows between the two countries.
Apply for NZeTA NowJapan and New Zealand have maintained strong diplomatic relations since formal ties were established in the 1950s. Both countries are founding members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), reflecting deep economic integration. Japan is one of New Zealand's most important trading partners, particularly in beef, dairy, and seafood exports, which form the backbone of the bilateral economic relationship.
Japanese tourists have long been one of New Zealand's most valued visitor markets. Japanese visitors are known for their high per-visitor spending, their appreciation for New Zealand's natural beauty, Maori culture, and premium food and wine experiences. Rotorua and Queenstown in particular have Japanese-language infrastructure reflecting the significance of the Japanese market to New Zealand tourism.
Japan's passport consistently ranks among the world's strongest by visa-free access. Japanese travellers demonstrate exemplary compliance with New Zealand border conditions, making Japan's inclusion in the visa-waiver programme a natural outcome of the trusted bilateral relationship.
Everything Japan passport holders need to complete their NZeTA application successfully.
Your Japanese passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from New Zealand. Verify expiry before applying.
A working email address is required — your NZeTA approval is sent exclusively by email, not as a physical stamp or printed document.
Credit or debit card to pay the NZeTA fee, which includes the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), in one online payment.
Answer health and character questions honestly. Serious health conditions or criminal convictions may require a full visitor visa application.
Fill in your personal details, Japanese passport information, and travel plans. The form takes 5–10 minutes to complete on any device.
Enter your Japanese passport number and expiry date. 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 a single transaction.
Most Japanese applicants receive NZeTA approval within 24–72 hours. The ETA is linked to your passport — present your Japanese passport at check-in.
Practical advice for Japanese passport holders visiting New Zealand — from Tokyo flight times to popular destinations and cultural connections.
From Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda (HND), direct flights to Auckland operate by Air New Zealand and Japan Airlines (JAL), taking approximately 10–11 hours — making Japan one of the closest major source markets to New Zealand. This relatively short flight time makes New Zealand a natural first choice for Japanese travellers seeking a long-haul destination without an excessive journey. Flights are also available from Osaka Kansai (KIX) with a connection through Auckland or Sydney.
Rotorua has historically been the most popular destination for Japanese visitors, with its geothermal attractions, Maori cultural performances, and readily available Japanese-language services. Queenstown is another firm favourite, particularly for Japanese travellers interested in bungy jumping, skiing, and wine. The Bay of Islands in Northland is popular for Japanese visitors seeking pristine beaches and dolphins. Many New Zealand hotels and attractions have Japanese-language materials available, reflecting the country's long relationship with Japan as a tourism source market.
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards are widely accepted across New Zealand, including in smaller towns and tourist areas. However, cash is still useful in some rural areas and for smaller purchases at market stalls and local businesses. New Zealand is a left-hand traffic country (same as Japan), which means Japanese drivers will find road navigation much more intuitive than visiting a right-hand traffic country. International driving licences from Japan are valid for New Zealand road use.