---
title: New Zealand visa for citizens of France
description: "Citizens of France need a visa for New Zealand and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 270 days. Fee: NZ$211. Processing: 15–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/new-zealand/france
lastModified: 2026-08-16
---

# New Zealand visa for citizens of France

Citizens of France need a visa for New Zealand and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

*Not yet verified · last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.*

> Our latest check could not confirm these details against an official source, or found a conflict. Treat them as a starting point and confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you book.

Official application site: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/

## Key facts

- **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa · General (up to 9 months)
- **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center
- **Maximum stay:** Up to 270 days
- **Entries:** Multiple entry
- **Processing time:** 15–30 days
- **Government fee:** NZ$211
- **Passport validity:** At least 3 months
- **Biometrics:** Required
- **Appointment:** Required
- **Interview:** Not required
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required
- **Proof of funds:** Proof of sufficient funds for stay (e.g., bank statements)

## How to apply

1. **Check eligibility and gather documents** — Confirm you meet health, character, and financial requirements.
2. **Pay International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)** — Pay NZ$35 online via Immigration NZ website and keep receipt.
3. **Complete visitor visa application form (INZ 1188)** — Fill in electronically or manually and print.
4. **Book biometrics appointment at nearest VAC** — Schedule online through VFS Global for fingerprinting/photo.
5. **Attend appointment and submit documents** — Bring printed forms, passport, photos, and all supporting documents to the centre.
6. **Pay visa application fee** — Fee of NZ$211 (or equivalent) paid at VAC or online as instructed.
7. **Wait for processing** — Average 15–30 days; you may be contacted for additional information.
8. **Receive decision and collect passport** — If approved, passport with visa sticker will be returned via courier or collection.

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond departure from New Zealand.
- **Passport-sized photographs** (Identity): Two recent photos meeting NZ visa specifications.
- **Completed visitor visa application form (INZ 1188)** (Identity): Download from Immigration NZ website.
- **Proof of sufficient funds** (Financial): e.g., bank statements for last 3 months showing minimum NZ$1,000 per month of stay.
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Include round-trip flight bookings or onward ticket.
- **Proof of accommodation** (Travel, optional): Hotel bookings or invitation letter from host.
- **Employment letter / proof of ties** (Employment): Letter from employer confirming leave, or proof of studies/business ties.
- **Medical insurance (recommended)** (Supporting, optional): Not mandatory but strongly advised.
- **International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) payment receipt** (Supporting): Must be paid online before applying (approx. NZ$35).
- **Police certificate (if requested)** (Supporting, optional): May be required based on country of residence or previous travel.

## Proof of funds

- **Minimum balance:** NZD 1,000 per month of stay
- Bank statements for last 3 months
- Pay slips
- Sponsor letter with sponsorship form

If sponsored, sponsor must provide bank statements and sponsorship form.

## Good to know

- Overstaying any visa may result in deportation and future bans.
- Entry via eGate requires an ePassport and prior approval of ETA or visitor visa.
- Permanent residency or return visa holders from Australia may apply for entry on arrival.

## Common refusal reasons

- **Incomplete or incorrect application form** — Double-check all sections and provide accurate information.
- **Insufficient funds** — Provide clear bank statements and sponsor letter if applicable.
- **No strong ties to home country** — Include employment, property, or family ties evidence.
- **Health or character issues not declared** — Honestly disclose any medical or criminal history; obtain medical/police certificates if requested.

## FAQs

### Do citizens of France need a visa for New Zealand?

Citizens of France need a visa for New Zealand and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa · General (up to 9 months).

### How long can citizens of France stay in New Zealand?

Up to 270 days.

### How much does the New Zealand visa cost for citizens of France?

Government fee: NZ$211.

### How long does New Zealand visa processing take?

Typically 15–30 days.

### What documents do citizens of France need for New Zealand?

Valid passport; Passport-sized photographs; Completed visitor visa application form (INZ 1188); Proof of sufficient funds; Travel itinerary; Employment letter / proof of ties; and 4 more.

### How long must my passport be valid for New Zealand?

At least 3 months.

### Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/

## Sources

- [immigration.govt.nz](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/)

## More

- [New Zealand visa for every passport](/visa/new-zealand)
- [Every destination for France passport holders](/visa/passport/france)