New Zealand visa for Basotho citizens

As a Lesotho passport holder planning your journey to New Zealand, you'll find that a visa is indeed required for entry, with various options available including tourist, business, transit, and student visas, catering to a range of travel purposes. Most visitors are permitted a stay of up to 3 months, though costs vary depending on the specific visa type you select. Keep in mind that the flight from Maseru to Auckland is a significant undertaking, often involving multiple layovers and spanning over 24 hours, so be prepared for a long travel day across a considerable time zone difference.

Visa required· verified 2026-05-27

Entry requirements

Onward ticket
Required
Funds proof
Required

Visa options

TouristVisitor Visa
270dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
TouristVisitor Visa (Single-entry, up to 9 months)
270dvalid 9mo
Apply
TouristNew Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA – Visitor)
90dmultiple-entryvalid 2y
Apply
TransitTransit Visa
0d
Apply
TransitNZeTA (Transit)
0dmultiple-entryvalid 2y
Apply
StudentStudent Visa
multiple-entry
Apply
Working HolidayWorking Holiday Visa
365dmultiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
Working HolidayWorking Holiday Visa (Some partner countries – 23 months)
690dmultiple-entryvalid 2y
Apply
WorkAccredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
multiple-entry
Apply
WorkRecognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa
Apply
WorkSpecific Purpose or Event Visa
multiple-entry
Apply
WorkPost‑Study Work Visa
multiple-entry
Apply
WorkTalent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa (legacy category)
multiple-entry
Apply
WorkEntrepreneur Work Visa
1460dmultiple-entryvalid 4y
Apply
FamilyPartner of a New Zealander Work Visa (temporary)
multiple-entry
Apply
FamilyPartner of Worker Work Visa (temporary)
multiple-entry
Apply
FamilyDependent Child Student Visa (temporary)
multiple-entry
Apply
FamilyCulturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa
90dvalid 3mo
Apply
FamilyGuardian of a Student Visitor Visa
multiple-entry
Apply
MedicalMedical Treatment Visitor Visa
Apply
HumanitarianRefugee Family Support Category (Residence) – Temporary entry phase
Apply
OtherSkilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
0dmultiple-entry
Apply
OtherStraight to Residence Visa
0dmultiple-entry
Apply
OtherCare Workforce Work to Residence Visa
0dmultiple-entry
Apply
OtherGreen List Work to Residence Visa
0dmultiple-entry
Apply
InvestorEntrepreneur Residence Visa
0dmultiple-entry
Apply
InvestorActive Investor Plus Visa (Residence)
0dmultiple-entry
Apply
FamilyParent Category Resident Visa
0dmultiple-entry
Apply
RetirementParent Retirement Resident Visa
0dmultiple-entry
Apply
RetirementTemporary Retirement Visitor Visa
730dmultiple-entryvalid 2y
Apply
FamilyPartner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
0dmultiple-entry
Apply
FamilyDependent Child Resident Visa
0dmultiple-entry
Apply
HumanitarianRefugee Quota Family Reunification Resident Visa
0dmultiple-entry
Apply
OtherPermanent Resident Visa
0dmultiple-entry
Apply
OtherResident Visa (general class description)
0dmultiple-entry
Apply

Australian Permanent Resident or Resident Return Visa holders may get NZ Resident Visa on arrival with eTA.

Sources