Immigration New Zealand will end paper applications for several visitor and transit visa categories from 1 October 2026, moving applicants to its Immigration Online platform.
Immigration New Zealand will stop accepting paper applications for several visitor and transit visa categories from 1 October 2026. The change will move affected New Zealand visa applications to the Immigration Online platform. Paper applications submitted before the deadline will continue through the existing process.
The move forms part of a wider digital shift in the country’s immigration system. It is intended to reduce paperwork, simplify applications and support more efficient processing. The timing also comes ahead of the Southern Hemisphere’s upcoming tourism season.
Visitor and transit categories move online
The new requirement covers a broad range of visitor visa categories. These include general Visitor Visas, Group Visitor Visas and Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visas. Business Visitor and Academic Visitor applications are also included. Transit Visas and visas for medical treatment will also move to the digital system. Several other specialised visitor categories are also affected. However, some individual visa categories remain outside this phase of the transition.
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Paper applications accepted until 30 September
Travellers can continue to submit paper applications until 30 September 2026. Immigration New Zealand will process those applications under the current arrangements. From 1 October, applicants in the affected categories must apply through Immigration Online.
After that date, Immigration New Zealand will accept paper submissions only in exceptional circumstances. Travel agents and other intermediaries will therefore need to update their procedures before the change takes effect. They should also check whether each client’s visa category falls within the new digital requirement.
Travel trade prepares for digital-only processing
For the travel industry, the shift places greater emphasis on digital application support. Tour operators, advisers and agencies will need to guide clients towards the correct online process. The change also removes the need to manage physical application forms for the affected categories.
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The reform does not alter the underlying visa requirements. It changes the way applicants submit documents and enter the processing system. For affected New Zealand visa applications, Immigration Online will become the standard channel from 1 October 2026.
The transition is expected to make the process more consistent for travellers and the trade. It also gives New Zealand a fully digital route for a wider range of visitor and transit applications. Some specialist categories, however, will remain outside the current rollout.