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New Zealand
Korea Visa Guide
Korean Visa Guide for New Zealand Citizens
New Zealand is one of only 7 E-2 treaty countries — making it uniquely easy for New Zealanders to teach English in South Korea. NZ citizens also enjoy 90-day visa-free entry with K-ETA suspended through 2026, a Working Holiday programme, and a growing tech and creative sector presence in Seoul. This guide covers every visa option for New Zealanders.
Review & source basis
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
April 22, 2026
Source references
Nationality-table sections covering New Zealand's visa-exempt entry treatment, K-ETA suspension handling, and consular routing notes.
Visa-type issuance sections supporting the main New Zealand-facing pathways, especially H-1, E-2, D-2, and F-6 routes.
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
No K-ETA required (suspended until 31 Dec 2026)
New Zealand passport holders can enter Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. K-ETA is suspended through 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027, K-ETA may be required again unless the exemption is extended.
Key Facts for New Zealand Citizens
Visa-free stay
90 days (tourism/business)
K-ETA required?
No — suspended until 31 Dec 2026
E-2 treaty country?
Yes — one of only 7
Working Holiday eligible?
Yes (age 18–30)
New Zealanders in Korea
~3,000 registered residents
Korean Embassy in NZ
Wellington + Consulate in Auckland
Best next steps
Based on common visa paths for citizens of New Zealand, here are the most useful next steps.
Korean Visa Options for New Zealand Citizens
Frequently Asked Questions
Do New Zealand citizens need a visa to visit Korea?
No. NZ passport holders can enter Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. K-ETA is suspended through 31 December 2026, so no pre-travel application is required.
What makes the E-2 visa special for New Zealanders?
New Zealand is one of only 7 countries whose citizens can apply for the E-2 English Teacher visa (along with USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and South Africa). E-2 is employer-sponsored and requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited NZ university plus a criminal background check from the NZ Ministry of Justice (apostilled by MFAT).
How do I apostille documents in New Zealand for a Korean visa?
New Zealand is a Hague Convention member. Documents are apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). For a criminal background check, request a Police Certificate from the NZ Police, then apostille it through MFAT. Degree certificates from NZ universities should be apostilled directly by MFAT or the relevant issuing body. Processing is typically 5–10 business days.
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