Airports and airlines are welcoming the government’s decision to remove certified translation requirements for visitor visa applications, reducing barriers for travellers and improving New Zealand’s global competitiveness as a tourism destination. Currently, visitors applying to come to New Zealand in languages other than English must provide certified translations of their documents – a process that adds time, cost, and complexity not required by other countries.
The announcement by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford means that while translations will still be required, visitors will no longer need to engage and pay for certified translation services. Instead, they will simply need to provide details of who completed the translation and their relevant qualifications or experience.
“We know this extra translation requirement has been a source of frustration and has affected perceptions of New Zealand in key visa markets,” says NZ Airports Chief Executive Billie Moore. “The Ministers’ announcement today will measurably improve New Zealand’s competitiveness as a tourism destination. We strongly support practical steps like this that make it easier for people to choose to apply and come here.”
Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand Executive Director Cath O’Brien agrees. “To maintain and expand New Zealand’s air connectivity, we need to systematically address friction points like this one. We fully support the commitment from Minister Upston today to make travel to New Zealand as seamless and easy as possible.”
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Billie Moore from NZ Airports nails it: this was a constant frustration for travelers, and now it’s smoother and faster to apply. And Cath O’Brien from the airline reps echoes that this is essential for strong air connectivity—easy visa processes mean more people actually choose.
It also puts NZ more in line with competitor countries that don’t require certified translations, making it more competitive as a tourist destination. And as we’re seeing with the new NZeTA rollout for Chinese travelers in transit, NZ is doubling down on making things easier.
Overall, ditching the translation hoop is a small tweak with big impact. Less cost, less hassle, and ultimately more visitors. NZ is sending a strong, welcoming message—and in tourism, that clarity makes all the difference. Nice work, Aotearoa!
Thanks for your comment. Agree wholeheartedly. Anything airports and airlines (and governments) can do to simplify the process will encourage people to fly and visit. Better for the entire travel ecosystem.