ETIAS for New Zealanders

The bilateral agreements

New Zealand signed visa-waiver agreements with several European countries before Schengen existed. Switzerland documents its agreement clearly: New Zealand passport holders can stay up to 90 days in Switzerland regardless of time already spent elsewhere in Schengen.

The conditions are strict

Using the Swiss agreement after 90 Schengen days requires credible evidence of your time in Switzerland (accommodation receipts, transport tickets, ATM slips), staying in Switzerland for that period, and leaving the Schengen area directly from a Swiss external border, for example flying out of Zurich or Geneva to a non-Schengen destination. You may not continue to another Schengen country.

What EES changes for Kiwis

The EES now counts your Schengen days automatically. If you rely on a bilateral agreement, carry your evidence: the system will show you as over 90 days unless border guards accept your proof.

What ETIAS changes

ETIAS is a pre-travel check, not a new limit on days. How border guards will combine it with each bilateral agreement has not been detailed officially; check with the embassy of the country concerned before relying on one.

The basics, in short

• Passport issued under 10 years ago, valid 3 months after you leave.
• 90 days in any 180, all Schengen countries together.
• ETIAS at launch: €20, valid 3 years or until the passport expires.

Rollout, decision times and the 30 countries: full ETIAS guide.

Going to France?

Passport, money to show, insurance and hosting rules for New Zealand citizens visiting France.