Medical Visa: Vietnam → New Zealand
Vietnam citizens must apply for a Medical Visa at the New Zealand embassy or consulate in Hanoi. Globally, the Vietnam passport sits at position #82 for mobility. Expect an application fee near $175, and decisions typically arrive in 7–20 business days. We estimate roughly 40% of these applications are approved. New Zealand lies in Oceania, hosts its seat of government in Wellington, circulates the NZD as its currency, uses English as an official language, is home to ≈5.2M people. The permitted stay reaches 90 days per entry. Required documents, fees, and step-by-step application instructions follow.
Quick answer
Vietnam passport holders must apply for a New Zealand medical visa at the embassy or consulate. Government fee $175, typical processing 20 business days. Plan to submit at least 20 days before travel.
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Required Documents
- Current passport (minimum 6 months validity remaining after the trip)
- Visa application form, fully completed and signed
- Two recent passport-size color photographs
- A round-trip travel itinerary (reservation, not necessarily paid)
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter
- Recent bank statements covering the past 3-6 months
- A valid travel/medical insurance policy
- Police clearance certificate from country of residence
- Letter from the treating hospital or doctor
- Treatment plan and cost estimate
- Medical records and diagnostic reports
- Financial proof to cover treatment
- Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- Medical report from your home doctor specifying diagnosis
- Invitation / treatment plan letter from New Zealand-licensed hospital
- Cost estimate from the New Zealand hospital (treatment + length of stay)
- Proof of payment / advance deposit to the hospital
- Bank statements covering treatment cost + stay + return
- Family member visa (if accompanying as caretaker)
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Hotel or medical facility accommodation booking
- Travel + medical insurance covering pre-existing condition
- Recent passport photos
- Visa application form
Eligibility
- Documented medical condition requiring treatment in New Zealand
- Hospital invitation/appointment confirmed
- Sufficient funds for full treatment cost
- Travel fitness certified
- No criminal record
Required proofs
- Bank funds to cover total treatment cost + 30% buffer
- Hospital invoice / cost estimate
- Health insurance covering pre-existing condition
- Sponsor declaration if family pays
Key facts
- Source country
- Vietnam
- Destination country
- New Zealand
- Visa type
- Medical Visa
- Entry requirement
- Visa Required
- Application fee
- $175 USD
- Processing time
- 7–20 business days
- Maximum stay
- 90 days per visit
- Validity
- 180 from issue date
- Estimated approval rate
- ~40.00%
- Source passport rank
- #82/199
Compiled by VisaCross from official embassy sources. Last reviewed June 2026. See methodology.
About New Zealand
- Capital
- Wellington
- Region
- Oceania
- Currency
- New Zealand Dollar
- Language
- English, Maori
- Population
- 5,200,000
How much does the trip cost?
USD averages — vary by season and accommodation type.
Preparation timeline
-
Week 1
Renew your passport if it expires within 6 months. Take fresh photos with white background.
-
Week 2
Gather financial proof: last 3 months of bank statements, employer letter, ID copy.
-
Week 3
Book refundable hotel + flights — most embassies want booking confirmations, not paid receipts.
-
Week 4
Buy travel insurance covering at least €30,000 medical, and print the policy.
-
Week 5
Submit the application at the embassy or authorized center, pay the fee.
Visa Fee
$175
USD (approx.)
Processing Time
7–20
business days
Max Stay
90
days per visit
Validity
180
from issue date
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How to Apply
- Apply at the New Zealand embassy or consulate in Hanoi
- Through an authorized visa application center (VFS Global, BLS International)
- Online pre-application followed by an in-person biometrics appointment
- Submit biometric data at the nearest VAC (Visa Application Centre)
Processing and timeline notes
- Express medical visa: 2-7 days where available
- Standard: 2-4 weeks
- Faster with hospital sponsorship letter
- Some countries (India, Thailand) have dedicated medical visa fast tracks
Smart tips that boost approval
- Pick a JCI-accredited hospital
- Get a written cost estimate
- Plan for unexpected stay extensions
- Bring all medical records translated
- Arrange interpreter and discharge plan upfront
What to do after arrival
- Go directly to the host hospital
- Confirm payment / deposit on arrival
- Get the patient ID / admission number
- Plan discharge logistics with hospital staff
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting an application form with information that does not match the supporting documents
- Booking non-refundable flights or hotels before the visa is approved
- Failing to show sufficient funds for the full duration of the stay
- Leaving sections of the form blank or using inconsistent name spellings
- Choosing an unlicensed hospital
- Underestimating treatment cost
- No interpreter / language support arranged
- Missing referral letter from home doctor
- Insurance not covering pre-existing condition
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vietnam citizens need a Medical Visa for New Zealand?
Yes, Vietnam citizens must apply for a Medical Visa at the New Zealand embassy or visa application center before traveling. New Zealand's capital is Wellington, in Oceania.
How much does the Medical Visa cost?
The current Medical Visa fee is about $175 USD, payable to the New Zealand embassy or processing center (often charged in NZD or USD). Third-party service fees may apply additionally.
How long does it take to process the Medical Visa?
Allow roughly 7–20 business days for a decision. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for delays or additional document requests.
What documents do I need?
Prepare a valid passport, a fully completed form, recent passport-size photos, proof of sufficient funds, proof of travel medical insurance, a dated itinerary, and an accommodation booking — with additional documents possible depending on your case.
Can I extend my Medical Visa once I'm in New Zealand?
Extension policies vary. Contact the New Zealand immigration authority within the country to inquire about extending your stay.
What happens if my application is denied?
Refusals are issued in writing with a reason. Strengthen the weak point and submit a fresh application, or use the formal appeal channel; the original fee is not refunded.
Do I need travel insurance?
Most New Zealand Medical Visa applications require proof of travel medical insurance with adequate coverage for the duration of your stay.
Can I work on a Medical Visa?
Each visa category has specific work rights. Confirm with the embassy whether your visa permits work.
What medical proof is required?
Detailed letter from a New Zealand hospital or medical center stating diagnosis, treatment plan, duration, cost, and medical board approval to receive you. Attached to your local medical reports.
Do I need special health insurance?
Yes. Tourist health insurance doesn\'t cover planned treatment. You need a medical-travel insurance with $50,000-200,000 coverage, or pre-transfer funds to cover costs.
Can I bring a medical attendant with me?
Yes. Many countries grant a medical attendant visa for one or two people for the same treatment duration, especially for critical cases or minors.
How do I pay treatment costs from abroad?
Pre-paid bank transfer, bank guarantee letter for the required amount, or proof of sufficient funds. Some countries require 30-50% advance payment before visa issuance.
When should I start applying before the treatment date?
Start at least 2 months before the treatment date. Emergency cases have a fast-track lane (1-2 weeks) with an emergency letter from the hospital.
Can I extend the visa if I need more treatment?
Generally yes, with an updated report from the treating hospital justifying the extension. Apply locally two weeks before the original visa expires.
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Reviewed by the VisaCross editorial team
Last reviewed: June 2026. We cross-check this route against official embassy publications and update when policies change.