Two updates affect people who travel to New Zealand without a visa. Visa waiver travel has been suspended for Kuwait passport holders for 3 months. Separately, eligible Chinese and Pacific travellers living in Australia can keep using an NZeTA while a trial is reviewed.
Key points
- From 23:59 NZDT on 12 November 2026, Kuwait passport holders need a visa before travelling to New Zealand.
- Existing NZeTAs held by Kuwait passport holders can no longer be used for travel.
- The suspension runs until 23:59 NZDT on 11 February 2027.
- Kuwaiti nationals who already hold a valid temporary visa, such as a work or student visa, are not affected.
- Eligible Chinese and Pacific travellers coming from Australia can still use an NZeTA while the trial is evaluated.
Kuwait: what has changed
The Minister of Immigration has temporarily suspended visa waiver travel for people travelling on Kuwait passports. The suspension is a precaution linked to Kuwait’s citizenship revocation programme, which has created uncertainty about some people’s citizenship and travel documents.
Travel is still possible, but you need a visa first. Kuwaiti nationals can still visit New Zealand. They just need to apply for an appropriate visa, such as a visitor visa, before they travel. Holders of a valid temporary visa, including work, student and diplomatic visas, can continue to travel on that visa. A decision on what happens after 11 February 2027 will be made before the suspension ends.
NZeTA trial for travellers from Australia
Under a trial, eligible Chinese and Pacific nationals who hold a valid Australian visitor, work, student or family visa can travel from Australia to New Zealand on an NZeTA for up to 3 months, instead of applying for a New Zealand visitor visa. The trial reached the end of its first 12 months on 3 November 2026. There is no immediate change: eligible travellers can still apply for a new NZeTA or use a current one while the trial is evaluated.
What you should do now
- Kuwait passport holders: apply for a visa before booking travel.
- Check your existing NZeTA: it cannot be used on a Kuwait passport during the suspension.
- Travellers from Australia: check you still hold a valid Australian visa before using an NZeTA.
- Allow time: visitor visas take longer than an NZeTA.
Frequently asked questions
Do Kuwait passport holders need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Yes, from 23:59 NZDT on 12 November 2026 until 23:59 NZDT on 11 February 2027.
Can I use my existing NZeTA on a Kuwait passport?
No. You will need to get a visa for travel during the suspension.
I am Kuwaiti and hold a New Zealand work visa. Am I affected?
No. Holders of valid temporary visas, such as work and student visas, are not affected.
Has the NZeTA trial for travellers from Australia ended?
No. Eligible Chinese and Pacific travellers can keep using an NZeTA while the trial is evaluated.
How long can I stay on an NZeTA under the trial?
Up to 3 months.
Related guides
- Visitor visa New Zealand
- Arts and music festival visitor visa
- New Zealand work visas
- Student visa New Zealand
- New Zealand visa news
Need a New Zealand visitor visa? Book a consultation with our New Zealand immigration team.
This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice for your situation.
New Zealand Immigration News: November Update
Charging Migrants for Jobs Is Illegal, Even When Paid Overseas: What Employers Need to Know
Immigration Online Changes: Passport Scans, Family Visa Applications and Sponsored Visitors
Visa Waiver Travel Suspended for Kuwait Passport Holders, and NZeTA Travel From Australia Continues
New Zealand Student Visa Changes: Work Rights, Visa Length and English
Resident Visa Applications Will Be Declined if a Dependent Child Is Unlawfully in New Zealand