New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

Who needs an NZeTA

To visit New Zealand on an NZeTA you must be a citizen of a visa waiver country, a cruise ship passenger or an Australian permanent resident ¹. Citizens of China or a Pacific Islands Forum country travelling from Australia with an eligible Australian visa can apply too ¹.

To transit through Auckland International Airport you must be a citizen of a visa waiver or transit visa waiver country, an Australian permanent resident, or travelling to or from Australia ¹. Transit is allowed for up to 24 hours in the transit area ¹.

Who does not need one

Immigration New Zealand says you do not need an NZeTA if you ⁴:

• Have a valid New Zealand visa of any kind
• Travel on an Australian passport, a New Zealand passport or a foreign passport with a New Zealand citizen endorsement
• Belong to a scientific programme or expedition under an Antarctic Treaty party
• Are a member of a visiting force travelling on duty

Cost and the visitor levy

Immigration New Zealand's fee table, in force from 1 October 2024, sets the NZeTA request fee at NZ$17 through the mobile app and NZ$23 through the website ³. The app lets you request NZeTAs for up to 10 people at once ¹.

Most travellers pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZ$100 with the NZeTA ². It is charged each time you request an NZeTA and is not refunded, even if your request is declined ².

Who does not pay the IVL

You do not pay the IVL if you ²:

• Travel on an Australian or New Zealand passport, or a passport from many Pacific Island nations
• Are a transit passenger arriving at and leaving from Auckland International Airport
• Hold a New Zealand resident visa or an Australian Resident Visa
• Hold a Business Visitor Visa or an APEC business travel card

When to apply and how long it lasts

Allow 72 hours ¹. Checks can take up to 3 days, and longer if more investigation is needed ¹. Cruise passengers must apply before the ship leaves for New Zealand ¹.

The NZeTA is valid for 2 years for travellers and allows multiple trips ¹. Each visit can last up to 3 months, or 6 months for UK citizens ¹. You can spend no more than 6 months in New Zealand in any 12-month period ¹.

At check-in

• Your passport must be the one used for the NZeTA and valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave New Zealand ¹.
• Carry your NZeTA confirmation email and proof of onward travel ¹.
• You may be asked to show at least NZ$1,000 a month, or NZ$400 a month if accommodation is paid ¹.

Use the official website or app

Immigration New Zealand says to use the official NZeTA website or mobile app to request your NZeTA ¹. The government fees are NZ$17 or NZ$23 plus the NZ$100 levy ^2,3. Sites that charge more are adding their own fees ³.