Planning a trip to New Zealand? If you’re not an Australian citizen, you’ll need either a traditional visitor’s visa or an NZeTA. Read on for a comprehensive guide to obtaining a visa to travel to New Zealand.
What is an NZeTA?
An NZeTA is a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority that you can apply for online. If you are travelling to New Zealand on holiday and meet certain criteria, you may be able to obtain an NZeTA instead of applying for a visitor’s visa.
Who needs an NZeTA?
Any visitor travelling to New Zealand with a passport from a visa waiver country or territory must apply for an NZeTA. Visa waiver countries include the United States, United Kingdom and European Union member states. A full list of visa waiver countries can be found here.
While Australian citizens do not require a visitor visa or NZeTA, Australian permanent residents must present an NZeTA when travelling to New Zealand.
An NZeTA is good for visitors planning to stay in New Zealand for up to three months, or six months for visitors from the United Kingdom. You will need to show your onward ticket to an immigration officer on arrival. If you plan to stay longer than three months, you will need to apply for a visitor’s visa instead. You will also need to apply for a visa if you are already in New Zealand and wish to extend your stay.
You must obtain an NZeTA whether you arrive via Auckland Airport or by cruise ship. Transit passengers travelling through Auckland Airport on their way to Australia can also apply for an NZeTA, regardless of where they are arriving from. Transit passengers on their way to another country can only apply for an NZeTA if they are from a visa waiver country or a transit visa waiver country.
How to apply for an NZeTA
You can apply for an NZeTA online in your own language. The eTA will be sent to your email and you will need to print it out and present it with your passport on arrival.
Applications are usually processed within 72 hours, but you should apply well in advance in case of complications or delays.
NZeTA applications cost NZD 17 (about USD 10.65) through the free app and NZD 23 online. You will also need to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy – an additional NZD 35 – at the time of application.
How long is an NZeTA valid?
An NZeTA is valid for multiple visits for up to two years.