Foreigners planning to travel to New Zealand must apply for an NZeTA. Find out what it is, which categories of travelers must apply for it, and what the current procedure is for obtaining the document

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Known for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture, New Zealand attracts millions of visitors every year. Whether you’re planning a trip to the country for tourism, business or a short stay, you may need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA). This article covers everything you need to know about NZeTA, including requirements, application process, fees and more.

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What is the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA)?

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA) is an online travel authorization required by travelers from countries or regions eligible for visa-free entry to New Zealand. The document allows eligible visitors to enter the country for a short stay, typically for tourism, business or transit purposes. The NZeTA is not a visa, but it functions as a permit that provides grounds for entry to New Zealand.

The NZeTA was introduced in October 2019 and immediately became mandatory for people from visa-free countries. It was introduced as a way to strengthen New Zealand’s border security and bring New Zealand’s border controls in line with international best practice.

Who should get an NZeTA?

The NZeTA is available to travellers from most visa-free countries. This means that citizens of these countries or territories can visit New Zealand without having to apply for a traditional visa. Instead, they can obtain an NZeTA before they travel.

The NZeTA allows you to travel to New Zealand without a visa if:

- You are travelling on a passport from a visa-free country.

- You are an Australian permanent resident.

- You are a cruise ship passenger.

- You are transiting through Auckland International Airport on your way to or from Australia.

- You are transiting through Auckland International Airport on your way to another country (if you are travelling on a visa-free or transit passport).

Which countries require a NZeTA?

- Citizens of countries with which New Zealand has abolished the visa requirement:

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (residents with HKSAR passport or British national passport only), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy. Japan. Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau (with Macau Special Administrative Region passport), Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal (permanent residents of Portugal), Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Region, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (permanent residents only), United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican City.

- Countries with visa-free transit include:

Bahamas, Bermuda, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Venezuela,

Important! Passport holders from other countries (including citizens of Cameroon, Senegal and Algeria) visiting New Zealand will need to apply for a New Zealand tourist visa instead of an NZeTA. If you are travelling to New Zealand for medical treatment or consultation, you must apply for a visa rather than an NZeTA, even if you hold a passport from a country where the visa requirement has been lifted.

Who does not need an NZeTA?

You do not need an NZeTA if:

- You are a citizen of New Zealand or Australia.

- You currently hold a valid New Zealand visa (e.g. a visitor visa).

- You are participating in or associated with a scientific program or expedition that is covered by a Contracting Party to the Antarctic Treaty.

- You are a member of a visiting force (e.g. the armed forces or navy) and are visiting New Zealand as part of their duties.

Documents required for an NZeTA

The NZeTA application process is simple and requires minimal documentation. Here is what you will typically need:

- Passport: You must hold a valid passport from one of the eligible visa-free countries. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure from New Zealand.

- Email address: You will need an email account to which your NZeTA approval will be sent.

- Payment information: You will need a valid credit or debit card to pay for your application. In some cases, additional documentation may be required, such as proof of onward travel, especially if you are applying for an NZeTA for transit purposes.

How to apply for an NZeTA to New Zealand?

The NZeTA application process is completely online and can be completed in a few simple steps:

Step 1 – Complete the online application

Visit the official NZeTA application portal or the dedicated mobile app. Complete the online form, providing your personal details, travel information and passport details.

Step 2 – Answer questions related to security and health

You may be required to answer questions related to your health, any criminal record or if you have been deported from another country. These questions are required to assess your eligibility.

Step 3 – Make a payment

Pay the application fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee is typically around NZ$12 ($7.50 USD) for applications made via the mobile app, or NZ$9 ($5.50 USD) for applications made via the website.

Step 4 – Submit your application

Once you have submitted the form and paid, your application will be processed.

Step 5 – Receive your NZeTA approval

It will usually be sent to your email address within a few minutes or a few days, although processing times may vary depending on your specific circumstances.

However, it is recommended that you apply at least 72 hours before your departure to allow for any delays. If additional checks are required, it may take longer, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date.

NZeTA validity and length of stay

The NZeTA is usually valid for up to 2 years. However, the length of stay in New Zealand under an NZeTA depends on your citizenship and the purpose of your visit:

- Tourists: Most tourists can stay in New Zealand for up to 3 months (90 days).

- Business travellers: You can stay for up to 3 months to attend business events.

- Transit travellers: If you are transiting through New Zealand, your stay is usually limited to 24-48 hours.

New Zealand Entry Package

When you arrive in New Zealand, you will need to provide:

- Valid passport – You must have the same passport you used to apply for your NZeTA.

- NZeTA Endorsement – ​​Although the NZeTA is electronically linked to your passport, it is advisable to carry a printed copy of the endorsement for your reference.

- Onward travel information – you may be asked to provide proof of onward travel (such as a return ticket) to show that you plan to leave New Zealand before your NZeTA expires.

- Sufficient funds – be prepared to show that you have enough money to stay in New Zealand. This is not always necessary, but it is a good idea to have documents to prove your financial capacity.

When can an NZeTA application be refused?

If your NZeTA application is refused, it could be for a number of reasons:

- Incomplete or inaccurate information provided.

- Security or health concerns.

- History of visa violations or criminal offences.

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is an essential document for travellers from visa-free countries who are planning to visit New Zealand for a short period of time. With a simple online application process, minimal paperwork, and quick processing, NZeTA makes traveling to New Zealand hassle-free.

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Reminder! New Zealand has relaxed its visitor visa rules to attract digital nomads. We’ve already told you what’s changing for remote workers in New Zealand in 2025.

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