Changes for Visit and move to NZ

What happens to a Visitor licence issued before or after 23 September 2026?

If you were issued a Visitor Licence before 23 September 2026, your licence remains valid and is treated as if it were issued under the Arms Act 2026.

If you applied for a Visitor Licence before 23 September 2026 and your application was approved before that date, but the licence was issued on or after 23 September 2026, the licence will be treated as having been issued under the Arms Act 2026.

If you applied for a Visitor Licence before 23 September 2026 and your application had not been approved by that date, your application will be treated as if it were made under section 122 of the Arms Act 2026.

Read more in the Arms Act 2026 about Application for visitor licence and Application by visitor for firearms licence made but not determined before commencement date

Extended duration for visitor licences

From 23 September 2026, visitor licences allow people to use firearms while making one trip to New Zealand within a 12-month period.

From 23 February 2028, visitor licences will allow people to use firearms while making multiple trips to New Zealand within an 18-month period. 

A person can apply for either option (one trip or multi-trip) from 23 February 2028. 

This change will allow visitors to enter and leave New Zealand multiple times within an 18-month period without having to reapply for a licence each time. 

Previously, visitors had to apply for and be granted a visitor licence every time they entered New Zealand.

See more information about Before you apply for a visitor licence

Read more information about Duration of visitor licence in the Arms Act 2026

 

Need help?
phonePhone 0800 844 431 (04 499 2870)
8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday