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Japan Visa for New Zealand Citizens

Complete visa guide for New Zealand passport holders — requirements, documents, fees, and application process

New Zealand passport holders enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business trips, visiting family, or transit — no visa application needed at a Japanese embassy before travel. You still need a valid passport, return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds at immigration. For stays beyond 90 days, paid work, or long-term study, apply for a visa in advance (see below).

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Visa Required

Visa-Free (90 days)

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eVisa

Not Needed

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Embassies

2 locations

Visa-Free Entry Conditions for New Zealand Citizens

✓Valid New Zealand passport
✓Return or onward ticket
✓Proof of sufficient funds
✓For work/long-stay: Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Long-term visas for New Zealand citizens moving to Japan

Study, work, family reunification, permanent residence and other stays longer than 90 days. These always require a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a visa, regardless of visa-free status for tourism.

Where to Apply

🏛️ Embassy & Consulates

WellingtonAuckland

Visa pathways for New Zealand applicants

Visa-free short stay (up to 90 days)

Covers tourism, business meetings, conferences, family visits, and transit. Carry passport, return/onward ticket, hotel booking or host address, and funds. No paid work, no enrollment in long-term school on this status. Extension is not possible for tourism — you must leave Japan and re-enter, and immigration is increasingly strict on back-to-back "visa run" entries.

Long-term stay (work, study, spouse) — requires COE

You cannot convert a tourist entry to a work/study/spouse visa inside Japan. The Japanese employer, school, or spouse files a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) with the Immigration Services Agency (1–3 months). Once issued, bring the COE plus application to the Japanese embassy or consulate serving your region; the visa sticker is typically ready in 3–7 working days.

Frequently asked questions — New Zealand

Do New Zealand citizens need a visa for Japan?▾

No for tourism or short business stays up to 90 days — your passport is enough at Japan immigration. Yes for paid work, enrollment in a Japanese school, or joining a spouse: those require a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) filed from Japan, then a visa sticker at the embassy before travel.

Can I extend my 90-day stay in Japan?▾

Not for tourism in practice. Japan does not extend short-stay entries except for exceptional circumstances (illness, missed flight). The workaround of leaving and re-entering (“visa run”) is increasingly flagged by immigration — back-to-back short stays risk denied entry. If you need longer, apply for the right long-term visa in advance.

Is Working Holiday visa available for New Zealand citizens?▾

Yes. Japan has a Working Holiday agreement with New Zealand, open to citizens aged 18–30 (or 18–25 for some countries) for up to 12 months with permission to work. Apply at the Japanese embassy in your home country with proof of funds, onward ticket, and a reason letter — there is no COE for WHV.

Tips for New Zealand Applicants

💡90-day visa-free entry for tourism and business
💡Working Holiday visa available (ages 18–30)
💡Strong bilateral Working Holiday program
💡COE required for all work and study visas

Other Country Guides

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