If you are travelling to New Zealand from overseas, you may need to obtain a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before your departure.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ), part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), processes visa applications. This guide explains the requirements, how to apply, what documents you may need and how the Congress organising team can assist.

New Zealand's entry requirements depend on your nationality, passport, purpose of travel and intended length of stay.

Australian citizens: Australian citizens travelling on a valid Australian passport generally do not need to apply for a visa or NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand.

Delegates from visa-waiver countries: Citizens of many countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore and numerous European countries, may be eligible to travel to New Zealand without applying for a Visitor Visa in advance. Most travellers using the visa-waiver arrangements must obtain an NZeTA before departure.

Delegates from non-visa-waiver countries: If your nationality is not eligible for visa-waiver travel, you will generally need to apply for a Visitor Visa before travelling to New Zealand. Other visa arrangements and exemptions may apply depending on your circumstances.

Check your requirements here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visit/what-you-need-to-visit-new-zealand/

If you are eligible to travel using an NZeTA, you can apply online or through the official NZeTA mobile application. Immigration New Zealand advises that NZeTA applications should be submitted at least 3 days (72 hours) before travel. We strongly recommend applying earlier.

You will generally need:

• Your passport details
• A recent photograph
• Your contact information
• Payment of the applicable NZeTA fee and International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), where required

An NZeTA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry to New Zealand. You must still meet the relevant entry requirements when you arrive.

NZeTA information and application: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/new-zealand-electronic-travel-authority-nzeta/

For delegates attending the eMHIC Congress as participants, an NZeTA or standard Visitor Visa will generally be the appropriate option, depending on your nationality and circumstances.

If you require a Visitor Visa, we recommend beginning your application as early as possible. Immigration New Zealand advises submitting visa applications at least four weeks before your intended travel date. We strongly recommend applying considerably earlier, preferably several months before travel, to allow for any additional documentation or processing requirements.

Visa processing times vary according to nationality, visa type and individual circumstances.

You should not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you are confident that you have the appropriate travel permission.

Apply for a Visitor Visa: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/visitor-visa/

Important: Business Visitor Visas

Delegates should not automatically apply for a Business Visitor Visa simply because they are attending a professional conference. Immigration New Zealand advises that attendees should only apply for a Business Visitor Visa if their intended activities meet the requirements of that visa category. If you are travelling to New Zealand to provide commercial services or perform other activities beyond ordinary conference participation, different visa conditions may apply. Please check with Immigration New Zealand before applying if you are uncertain which visa category is appropriate.

Depending on your circumstances, Immigration New Zealand may require the following documents.

Personal identification

• A valid passport
• A passport photograph meeting INZ requirements
• Personal and contact details
• Any health or character documents requested by INZ

Evidence of your Congress participation

• An official invitation letter from the eMHIC Congress organisers
• Confirmation of your Congress registration
• Details of your role at the Congress, such as delegate, speaker, panellist or exhibitor
• A copy of the Congress programme or event itinerary, where available

Travel information

• Your intended arrival and departure dates
• Details of your planned activities in New Zealand
• Flight itinerary or evidence of onward travel, where available
• Accommodation details, if arranged

Financial information

Unless your costs are being covered by an approved sponsor or another organisation, you may need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your visit.

This may include bank statements, evidence of prepaid accommodation or other financial documentation accepted by INZ.

You may also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds or arrangements to leave New Zealand at the end of your visit.

Personal cover letter

Immigration New Zealand requires a personal cover letter outlining your intended travel dates and plans in New Zealand if this information is not already adequately included in your Congress invitation letter.

Your cover letter should explain:

• Why you are visiting New Zealand
• Your role and intended participation in the Congress
• Your proposed arrival and departure dates
• Any additional travel planned before or after the Congress
• Who is paying for your travel, accommodation and living expenses
• Your intention to leave New Zealand at the end of your authorised stay

Providing complete and consistent information can help avoid unnecessary delays in the assessment of your application.

The eMHIC Congress organising team can provide an official invitation letter to support your visa application.

Important: An invitation letter confirms your participation in the Congress. It is not a visa, does not guarantee visa approval and does not constitute financial sponsorship.

Your invitation letter will confirm:

• Your full legal name as shown in your passport
• Your role at the Congress
• The name, dates and venue of the Congress
• Your intended arrival and departure dates, including flight details if available
• Who will cover your expenses while in New Zealand
• What costs are covered, such as registration, travel, accommodation, meals and living expenses (if applicable)

To request an invitation letter, please email maria@emhicglobal.com

Please provide the following information:

Before departing, please ensure that:

• You have received your approved visa or NZeTA, if required.
• Your passport meets New Zealand's validity requirements.
• You have copies of your Congress invitation letter and registration confirmation.
• You have evidence of your accommodation, travel arrangements and sufficient funds, if requested.
• You complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before arriving in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Traveller Declaration can be completed online: https://www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz/

The eMHIC team can provide an official Congress 2027 invitation letter but we are unable to provide any immigration advice.

If you have questions about your visa requirements, need assistance completing your application or wish to enquire about an existing visa application, pleas contact Immigration New Zealand directly.

Immigration New Zealand Customer Service Centre

• Telephone (international): +64 9 914 4100

• Telephone (within New Zealand): 0508 558 855 (free from NZ landlines)

• Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 6:00am–10:00pm New Zealand time, excluding public holidays

• Website: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/contact-us/

If you are enquiring about an existing visa application, please have your passport number, application number or INZ client number available.

Language assistance: Immigration New Zealand offers interpreter assistance for callers who do not speak English. Simply tell the operator your preferred language when connected.

You can also check the progress of an existing application through your Immigration New Zealand online account.

Important: The eMHIC Congress organising team can provide invitation letters and confirmation of your participation in the Congress. However, questions about individual visa eligibility, application requirements and immigration decisions should be directed to Immigration New Zealand. For personalised immigration advice, you may need a licensed or exempt immigration adviser.