Tourist Guide to New Zealand Visa Requirements

For citizens of visa waiver countries, the New Zealand visa requirements include the eTA for New Zealand which is an electronic travel authorization, launched by the Immigration Agency, Government of New Zealand after July 2019.

Updated on Dec 31, 2022 | New Zealand eTA

For an instant and urgent requirement, an Emergency Visa for New Zealand can be requested at New Zealand Visa Online. This might be a death in the family, a sickness in oneself or a close relative, or a court appearance. For your emergency eVisa to visit New Zealand, an urgent processing charge must be paid which is not required in the case of tourists, Business, Medical, Conference, and Medical Attendant New Zealand Visas. You may receive an Emergency New Zealand Visa Online (eTA New Zealand) in as little as 24 hours and as much as 72 hours with this service. This is appropriate if you are short on time or have scheduled a last-minute trip to New Zealand and want a New Zealand visa right away.

New Zealand Visa (NZeTA)

New Zealand Visa Application Form now allows visitors from all nationalities to obtain New Zealand eTA (NZETA) by email without visiting New Zealand Embassy. Government of New Zealand now officially recommends New Zealand Visa or New Zealand ETA online rather than sending paper documents. You can obtain NZETA by filling out a form in under three minutes on this website. The only requirement is to have a Debit or Credit Card and email id. You do not need to send your passport for Visa stamping. If you are arriving to New Zealand by the Cruise Ship route, you should check the New Zealand ETA eligibility conditions for Cruise Ship arrival to New Zealand.

What is the New Zealand eTA (Visa)?

For citizens of visa waiver countries, the New Zealand visa requirements include the eTA for New Zealand which is an electronic travel authorization, launched by the Immigration Agency, Government of New Zealand after July 2019.

Although it is not a visa, the NZeTA was introduced in August 2019 and has been obligatory for citizens of all 60 visa waiver countries for admission (NZeTA), and all cruise travellers, since October 2019. 

Travellers who meet the requirements can simply get their NZeTA and enter the nation for leisure, business, or transit.

The following travellers entering New Zealand must have a New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) visa waiver:

  • citizens of the 60 nations that offer visa-free entry
  • cruise passengers from every country
  • travellers transiting between countries (required for 191 countries)

By submitting a short online application, citizens of nations that are eligible for eTA New Zealand as well as eligible transit travellers can quickly and conveniently get an eTA for New Zealand.

For transit travellers without a New Zealand visa stopping over in New Zealand, the Transit NZeTA is required.

The eTA New Zealand online application form just needs to be filled out once, and there is no need to go to an embassy or consulate.

This implies that before leaving, any qualified travellers who intend to transit via Auckland International Airport or travel to New Zealand for vacation or business must apply for an eTA visa waiver to New Zealand.

The majority of applications are handled in one to two business days. When accepted, the eTA New Zealand (NZeTA) is electronically delivered to the petitioner at the email address they indicate on their application form.

The New Zealand eTA is good for up to numerous visits and is valid for two years after it is issued.

Applicants must pay a minor processing fee and a tourist tax known as the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy in order to qualify for the NZeTA visa waiver (IVL).

The IVL was established as a method for tourists to directly support the industry's infrastructure and contribute to the preservation of the New Zealand environment they enjoy while visiting.

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Who needs a New Zealand eTA (Visa)?

There are some countries that might not have to go through the New Zealand visa requirements. In order to enter New Zealand without a visa for up to 90 days starting on October 1, 2019, passport holders from all 60 countries that currently offer visa waivers must first apply for an NZeTA for tourism.

Australians have residency status immediately upon arrival, but UK nationals may enter for up to six months.

An NZeTA for transit is required even for those who are simply passing through New Zealand en route to a third-country destination.

The eTA New Zealand is valid for a total of 2 years from the date it is granted, whether it is used for transit or tourism.

The following are the countries eligible to apply for the New Zealand eTA, or NZeTA:

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Andorra

Argentina

Bahrain

Brazil

Brunei

Canada

Chile

Hong Kong

Iceland

Israel

Japan

Kuwait

Liechtenstein

Macau

Malaysia

Mauritius

Mexico

Monaco

Norway

Oman

Qatar

San Marino

Saudi Arabia

Seychelles

Singapore

Republic of South Korea

Switzerland

Taiwan

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United States

Uruguay

Vatican City 

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EU passport holders can enter New Zealand on New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for a period of 90 days without obtaining a visa. Learn more at New Zealand Visa from European Union.

Travellers who do not need the New Zealand eTA (Visa)

Unless they are a: All visitors to New Zealand without a visa must have an NZeTA.

  • a New Zealander possessing a passport issued by New Zealand or a foreign passport bearing an NZ endorsement
  • a visa holder from New Zealand
  • Australian nationals travelling to New Zealand with their Australian passport

New Zealand visa requirements:

Regardless of whether they have a passport from a qualifying country or not, Australian permanent residents of third-country nationalities must apply for an eTA; however, they are exempt from paying the related tourist levy.

Crew members from passenger airlines and cruise ships need an eTA for New Zealand. The employer requests the Crew eTA, which is distinct from the NZeTA.

The following groups are also exempt from the New Zealand eTA visa waiver:

  • Passengers and crew of a non-cruise ship
  • Members of the crew of a foreign cargo ship
  • Government of New Zealand guests
  • Under the Antarctic Treaty, foreign nationals
  • Members of a visiting force and their supporting staff

Before travelling to New Zealand, all airline and cruise line crew members, regardless of their country, must confirm that their company has obtained a Crew New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) on their behalf. The Crew NZeTA is valid for up to 5 years after it has been granted.

How does the New Zealand eTA (Visa) work?

Foreign visitors without a visa are automatically pre-screened by the New Zealand eTA or NZeTA system. It verifies that applicants are eligible to travel without a visa and that they satisfy the eTA New Zealand visa requirements.

The eTA simplifies border crossing, boosts security, and makes it even safer for locals and tourists to visit New Zealand.

A  New Zealand eTA or NZeTA can be obtained online in three steps for passport holders who meet the eligibility requirements:

  • The electronic application form must be filled out
  • Submit the request and pay the processing fee
  • Email the approved electronic travel authority for New Zealand

Note: Applicants for NZeTA do not need to visit an embassy or visa application centre. The process is completely online.

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How to request a New Zealand eTA (Visa)? 

To get started, New Zealand eTA or NZeTA candidates require the following documents:

  • valid passport from a nation that grants visas
  • Passport-style image
  • NZeTA fees can be paid with a debit or credit card.

Visitors must respond to a series of questions by inputting personal information into the eTA NZ application form for nationals of countries that do not require visas, such as:

  • Full name, address, and birth date
  • Passport information
  • Planned routes

On the New Zealand eTA application form, candidates must additionally respond to a few straightforward security and health-related questions.

To complete the request, applicants must pay the New Zealand electronic travel authority fees and IVL with a debit or credit card. Through the IVL, tourists directly support the industry's infrastructure while also supporting the preservation of the scenic surroundings they enjoy while travelling.

How soon before travelling to New Zealand should I apply for a New Zealand eTA (Visa)?

Applications for New Zealand eTA or NZeTA are processed fast. In 1 to 2 working days, most applicants receive word of their visa waiver approval.

Visitors should submit their applications as soon as they know their vacation itinerary, though. The New Zealand eTA can be acquired well in advance because it is valid for 2 years or until the passport expiration.

The eTA is a multi-entry permit, and prior to each journey to New Zealand, visitors are not required to renew the eTA.

Tourism, business, and transit with a New Zealand eTA (Visa)

For business, travel, and transit, there is the New Zealand Travel Authority. A stay with the eTA may not exceed three months (6 months for UK citizens).

New Zealand eTA (Visa) for passengers transiting through Auckland Airport

As a part of the New Zealand visa requirements, travellers with layovers in New Zealand may apply for an NZeTA for transit.

  • a traveller with a passport from a nation with visa-free travel or transit
  • a holder of a visa for permanent residence in Australia
  • any nationality may travel directly from New Zealand to Australia (current Australian visa required)
  • any country may travel from Australia even if the trip began elsewhere.

If none of the aforementioned situations applies, a transit visa to New Zealand is necessary.

Passengers in transit may not stay longer than 24 hours at Auckland International Airport (AKL), either on the aircraft they arrived on or in the international transit area.

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There are about 60 nationalities that are allowed travel to New Zealand, these are called Visa-Free or Visa-Exempt. Nationals from these nationalities can travel/visit New Zealand without a visa for periods of up to 90 days. Learn more at New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) Frequently Asked Questions.

New Zealand eTA (Visa) for cruise ship passengers

On a cruise ship having an NZeTA, tourists of all nations are welcome to visit New Zealand.
If they have an eTA, even passport holders from countries without visa waivers are eligible to enter New Zealand without a visa.
Cruise guests from nations that do not require visas must apply for an eTANZ before leaving.
If they do not have a passport from a nation that is exempt from visa requirements, foreigners travelling to New Zealand to board a cruise ship require a visa.

New Zealand entry restrictions for international tourists

To be admitted, visitors from outside must fulfil all New Zealand visa requirements. Visitors visiting New Zealand must provide the following documents to immigration officials upon arrival:

  • A passport that is still valid for at least three months after the scheduled departure date
  • Visitor's visa or NZeTA
  • Proof of continued travel

Additionally, visitors must adhere to New Zealand's health and moral standards and have the necessary cash for their stay.

Foreigners must also pass immigration and customs inspections. When packing their bags, travellers should refer to the list of items they must report when entering New Zealand.

Benefits of New Zealand eTA (Visa)

Most travellers now arrive prepared because they applied for their New Zealand eTA visa waiver in advance rather than waiting until the last minute.

This disproves the tourism industry's early concerns about the likelihood of chaos (huge numbers of passengers checking in without an eTA).

The eTA for New Zealand has a number of advantages, some of which are listed below:

  • Holders of the New Zealand eTA are permitted numerous visits.
  • For a maximum of two years, the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is valid.
  • The border arrival process is made easier by electronic authorization.
  • The NZeTA visa waiver application process takes about 5 minutes to complete.
  • Most eTA requests—more than 99%—are handled automatically.
  • Increased security within the island for both residents and visitors alike
  • The eTA enables NZ immigration authorities to conduct a preliminary check on visa-exempt citizens to identify and deter potential threats to New Zealand's security.
  • You can complete the entire application procedure online without having to go to a New Zealand embassy or consulate.
  • Immigration To address potential eTA issues, New Zealand has placed personnel in several locations across the world.

Travelling with New Zealand eTA (Visa) for visa-waiver citizens

New Zealand is an incredible place to visit, and more people are choosing to travel there every year.

As a part of New Zealand visa requirements, for nationals of nations that do not require visas, planning a vacation with a New Zealand eTA is easy. Visitors can avoid the trouble of visiting an embassy or consulate to secure a visa by using this approach.

Prior to departure, all applicants must fulfil the fundamental NZeTA requirements and submit the online application.

Visitors entering New Zealand must show a copy of their New Zealand eTA (visa) to border officials when they arrive.

Visitors will be inspected before they leave for New Zealand as part of the eTA NZ visa waiver, also known as the New Zealand eVisa, and anyone who poses a security concern will be turned away.

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Every Nationality can apply for NZeTA if coming by Cruise Ship. Learn more: Visa Waiver Countries

What is the difference between New Zealand Visa and New Zealand eTA (Visa)?

The following are some of the differences between a New Zealand visa and a New Zealand eTA:

  • The maximum length of stay for New Zealand eTA is six months at a time (New Zealand electronic Travel Authority or NZeTA). eTA New Zealand will not be appropriate for you if you plan to stay in New Zealand for a longer period of time.
  • Furthermore, acquiring a New Zealand eTA (New Zealand electronic Travel Authority, or NZeTA) does not require a trip to the New Zealand Embassy or New Zealand High Commission, whereas obtaining a New Zealand visa does.
  • Additionally, New Zealand eTA (also known as NZeTA or New Zealand electronic Travel Authority) is sent electronically by email, whereas New Zealand Visa may call for a passport stamp. The additional feature of repeated entry eligibility for New Zealand eTA is advantageous.
  • The eTA New Zealand Visa Application Form can be completed in under two minutes, whereas the New Zealand Visa application can take several hours to complete. The eTA New Zealand Visa Application Form (also known as New Zealand Visa Online or NZeTA) generally requires answering health, character, and biodata questions.
  • New Zealand Visas can take several weeks to be issued, but most eTA New Zealand Visas (also known as NZeTA or New Zealand Visa Online) are approved on the same or the following business day.
  • The fact that all nationals of the European Union and the United States are eligible for New Zealand eTA (also known as NZeTA) suggests that New Zealand sees these individuals as low-risk.
  • For all intents and purposes, you should regard the eTA New Zealand Visa (also known as the NZeTA or New Zealand Visa Online) as the new type of New Zealand tourist visa for the 60 nations that do not require a visa to enter New Zealand.

Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, European citizens, Hong Kong citizens, United Kingdom citizens, Mexican citizens, French citizens and Dutch citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.

Please apply for a New Zealand eTA 72 hours in advance of your flight.