New Zealand Visa for Samoa Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents
Samoa passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand. Apply at a New Zealand embassy or consulate, or the official visa portal, before travelling.
- Max stay
- Varies
- Visa cost
- NZD 161
- How to apply
- Embassy / visa centre
- Processing
- 7-14 days
How Samoa citizens apply for a New Zealand visa
- → Apply for a visa at the New Zealand embassy/consulate or official visa application centre before travelling. Apply here ↗
No advance visa with these documents
New Zealand officially admits Samoa citizens without a pre-arranged visa when they hold certain third-country visas or residence permits.
eTA / e-permit · up to 90 days
Traveller must be travelling to New Zealand directly from Australia (must check in from an Australian airport; cannot be transiting through Australia). Conditions vary slightly per document - check each rule via the official source.
immigration.govt.nz ↗New Zealand visa cost for Samoa citizens
Fee for Samoa citizens
NZD 161
Temporarily reduced visitor visa total for Pacific nationals (from NZD 216) effective 1 June 2026 for 12 months; includes NZD 41 immigration levy. Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/visitor-visa-fees-temporarily-reduced-for-pacific-nationals/
Visitor Visa (tourist, applied online)
NZD 441 (~$265)
Applications are handled via VFS Global - a service fee applies on top of the visa fee and varies by country and centre.
Fees checked 2 Jul 2026
New Zealand visa types
Visitor Visa
Holiday/tourism, visiting family and friends, or study of up to 3 months
- Apply online via Immigration New Zealand.
- Stay up to 9 months in an 18-month period.
- Fee from NZD 441; processing 80% within 2 weeks.
- Since 27 January 2025 visitors may also work remotely for an overseas employer while in New Zealand on this visa.
Business Visitor Visa
Business meetings, negotiations, exploring opportunities (no local employment)
- For business visits of up to 3 months in a 12-month period.
- Cannot be used to work for a New Zealand employer.
- Fee from NZD 341; processing 80% within 1 week.
Transit Visa
Passing through Auckland International Airport en route to another country
- Required for nationals of transit-visa countries transiting through Auckland Airport (max 24 hours in the transit area).
- Fee from NZD 235; processing 80% within 4 days.
- Not needed if you hold a valid NZeTA or NZ visa.
Other New Zealand visa categories (8)Hide other visa categories
These don't apply to a typical short visit, but cover other reasons people travel to New Zealand. Eligibility varies by visa type - some are limited to specific nationalities, so check each one's conditions.
Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
Receiving pre-approved medical treatment or consultation in New Zealand
- For pre-approved treatment at a specified hospital/institution.
- Must show ability to pay for treatment.
- Up to 6 months; can reapply for longer stays.
- Fee from NZD 341; processing 80% within 4 weeks.
Fee Paying Student Visa
Full-time study with an approved New Zealand education provider
- Requires an offer of place from an approved provider; student pays international tuition.
- Valid up to 4 years.
- Fee from NZD 850; processing 80% within 9.5 weeks.
- Paper applications no longer accepted.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Working for an accredited New Zealand employer with a job offer
- Employer must be AEWV-accredited.
- Valid up to 5 years (3 years for skill level 4-5 roles).
- Fee from NZD 1,540; processing 80% within 7 weeks.
- Pathway to residence via Skilled Migrant Category.
Specific Purpose Work Visa
Working in New Zealand for a specific purpose or event
- For a defined purpose or event (e.g. seconded staff, contract, specialist work).
- Length granted as needed to complete the work; must arrive within 12 months of issue.
- Fee from NZD 1,455; processing 80% within 3 weeks.
Post Study Work Visa
Graduates of eligible NZ qualifications working for any employer after study
Open work rights for up to 3 years depending on qualification level and where you studied. Fee from NZD 1,670; processing 80% within 5 weeks.
Apply here ↗Working Holiday Visa
Holidaying and working in New Zealand (typically age 18–30, 18–35 for some countries)
Available to citizens of countries with a working holiday agreement with New Zealand (normally up to 12 months). All applications must be made online and only while the relevant scheme is open.
Apply here ↗Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
Partners of New Zealand citizens/residents to live and work in New Zealand
- For partners of NZ citizens or residents in a genuine and stable relationship.
- Open work rights; up to 3 years (initially up to 1 year if living together less than 12 months).
- Fee from NZD 1,630; processing 80% within 5 weeks.
Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa
Retirees aged 66+ who invest in New Zealand and can support themselves
- For applicants aged 66 or older with NZD 750,000 to invest for 2 years, plus NZD 500,000 to live on and annual income of NZD 60,000.
- Valid 2 years; can reapply if conditions maintained.
- Fee from NZD 7,891.
New Zealand visa for Samoa citizens - FAQ
Do Samoa citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
Yes - Samoa citizens must apply for a visa in advance at a New Zealand embassy, consulate, or official visa portal before travelling.
What documents do Samoa citizens need for New Zealand?
A passport valid well beyond your planned stay (commonly three to six months, depending on the destination), proof of onward travel and funds, and any documents required for the specific New Zealand visa category - check the official portal for the exact passport-validity rule.