Bhutan → New Zealand
Bhutan 
New ZealandNew Zealand visa requirements for Bhutan citizens (2026)
Embassy visa required. Yes. Bhutan passport holders need a visa for New Zealand that must be issued before travel, usually with an embassy or visa-center appointment. Typical processing: Up to 72 hours.
Embassy visa required. Apply in person at the embassy, consulate or official visa center.
VTBy the Visa and Trips editorial teamLast updated
New Zealand visa requirements for Bhutan citizens
- Requirement
- Embassy visa required
- Allowed stay
- Set by the embassy on your visa
- Embassy processing
- Up to 72 hours
Documents needed
- Completed visa application form
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages (plus old passports)
- 2 recent passport photos to the embassy’s spec
- Bank statements (often the last 3–6 months)
- Employment / leave letter or business / study proof
- Hotel bookings and a flight reservation
- Travel medical insurance where required
- Appointment confirmation and biometrics (fingerprints)
How Bhutan citizens apply for the New Zealand visa
- Choose the right visa category (tourist / visitor).
- Book an appointment at the embassy or official visa center.
- Gather documents: forms, photos, bank statements, bookings, insurance.
- Attend the appointment, give biometrics and pay the fee.
- Track the application and collect your passport.
Official fees
| Item | Official fee |
|---|---|
| International Visitor Levy (most visitors) | NZD 100 |
Government fees only, from the official sources below. Visa centre or service fees, where they apply, are extra.
Easier alternatives for Bhutan passport holders
Popular destinations with simpler entry for the Bhutan passport than New Zealand, easiest first. Only rules we have verified against an official source are listed.
New Zealand at a glance for travellers
- 61 of 198 passports can enter New Zealand without a visa (visa-free, visa on arrival or an ETA).
- The Bhutan passport gets visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 45 destinations in our dataset.
Sources and last checked
| What | Official source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement & allowed stay | Open passport-index dataset (passportindex.org data, 17 Feb 2026) | 17 Feb 2026 |
| Fees, processing & entry formalities | Immigration NZ: paying the International Visitor Levy | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Fees, processing & entry formalities | Immigration NZ: NZeTA | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Official portal | Immigration New Zealand | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Independent official overview | UK FCDO, New Zealand entry requirements | 22 Oct 2026 |
The Visa and Trips editorial team checks these sources every week. See our editorial and verification policy.
Frequently asked questions
Do Bhutan citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
Yes. Bhutan passport holders need a visa for New Zealand that must be issued before travel, usually with an embassy or visa-center appointment. Typical processing: Up to 72 hours.
What documents do Bhutan passport holders need for New Zealand?
Completed visa application form; Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages (plus old passports); 2 recent passport photos to the embassy’s spec; Bank statements (often the last 3–6 months); Employment / leave letter or business / study proof; Hotel bookings and a flight reservation; Travel medical insurance where required; Appointment confirmation and biometrics (fingerprints).
Where do Bhutan passport holders apply for a New Zealand visa?
At the embassy, consulate or official visa center of New Zealand that serves your place of residence, usually in person with an appointment and biometrics.
How long does a New Zealand visa take for Bhutan passport holders?
Up to 72 hours. Appointment availability varies, so start several weeks before your trip.