What applicants need to do before 8 October 2026
From 24 September 2026, new applications for most listed New Zealand visitor visas must be started in Enhanced Immigration Online. If you already have a draft in the older online system, Immigration New Zealand says you can complete and submit it until 7 October 2026.
On 8 October 2026, remaining drafts for the affected forms will be deleted. Applicants who still need to apply after that date will need to begin a new application in Enhanced Immigration Online. Submitted applications are not affected: applicants can continue to upload documents and respond to Immigration New Zealand requests until a decision is made.
Before you start or continue an application
- Confirm that your intended visitor visa type is included in the affected forms.
- Save copies of documents and information held in an old-system draft before the deadline.
- Do not submit a duplicate application solely because the platform is changing.
- Use Immigration New Zealand’s official visa page and online guidance to start the correct application.
For UAE-based travellers, see our New Zealand visa documentation from UAE guide for practical document-preparation guidance, then verify the application route directly with Immigration New Zealand.