Do Argentine citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
Yes, citizens from Argentina are required to obtain the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) prior to traveling. The NZeTA is not a visa, but an electronic entry authorization that allows multiple stays of up to 90 days within a two-year period.
However, having the NZeTA does not guarantee entry into New Zealand. Immigration officers at the border have the authority to refuse entry if the traveler does not meet the required criteria or poses a security threat.
The NZeTA is mandatory for all air and sea travelers, including those in transit, and it must be applied for before departure, as it cannot be issued on arrival.
New Zealand Traveller Declaration for Argentines
All travelers, including Argentine citizens, must submit the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before entering New Zealand.
• The earliest the NZTD can be submitted is 24 hours before departure.
• It must be completed before arriving at passport control in New Zealand.
• The NZTD collects customs, immigration, and biosecurity details.
• It can be completed online or via the NZTD mobile app, at no cost.
• Each traveler, including children, must submit an individual declaration.
Entry conditions for Argentine citizens visiting New Zealand
Along with the NZeTA, citizens from Argentina must meet the following entry conditions:
• A valid passport – It must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure.
• Proof of sufficient funds – Either:
- NZD $1,000 per person per month of stay, or
- NZD $400 per person per month if accommodation has been prepaid.
• A return or onward travel ticket – To confirm plans to leave New Zealand after the visit.
• Health and character checks – Border officials may require health or security assessments if necessary.
How to apply for NZeTA for Argentines
The process for applying for an NZeTA is quick and easy. Simply follow these steps:
1. Access the official website or app – Visit the New Zealand Immigration website or use the NZeTA app.
2. Complete the application form – Fill in your personal, passport, and travel details.
3. Answer any security and health questions – Some travelers may be asked for additional information.
4. Pay the application fee – Payments can be made online via credit/debit card or PayPal.
5. Receive confirmation – Once approved, the NZeTA is linked to your passport electronically.
It is recommended to apply for the NZeTA at least 72 hours before your flight to allow for sufficient processing time.
What documents are required to apply for NZeTA for Argentine citizens?
When applying for an NZeTA, Argentine citizens need to provide the following:
• A passport valid for at least 6 months after the arrival date.
• One blank page for stamps in the passport.
• Travel dates for entry and departure.
• A credit/debit card or PayPal account to pay the application fee.
How much does NZeTA cost for Argentines?
The NZeTA application has the following fees:
• NZD $17 for applications made through the official mobile app.
• NZD $23 for applications submitted through the website.
Additionally, all travelers must pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which costs NZD $100 and is automatically added to the NZeTA fee.
What is the processing time for NZeTA?
The standard processing time for an NZeTA is usually up to 72 hours.
Health insurance requirements for citizens from Argentina visiting New Zealand
While health insurance is not mandatory for travelers from Argentina, it is highly recommended. Visitors are not entitled to free or subsidized medical care in New Zealand, so comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised to cover potential medical expenses during the trip.
An individual who intends to travel to and stay in New Zealand as a transit passenger must apply for a transit visa before proceeding to New Zealand, unless this requirement is waived.
Transit is only available at Auckland Airport and transit passengers must remain in the transit area for the duration of their time in New Zealand and no longer than 24 hours. Transit passengers who do not pass through Auckland Airport, or who must leave Auckland Airport's transit area, or who will remain in Auckland Airport's transit area for more than 24 hours, are not eligible to enter New Zealand as a transit passenger and must obtain a Visitor Visa if they are not travelers from visa-free countries.
Transit travelers without visas
From June 20, 2020, the transit visa cancellation applies to, but is not limited to, the following persons:
- A citizen of New Zealand or a holder of a residence class visa;
- An owner of a temporary entry visa;
- A person subject to visa cancellation, but only if he has an electronic transit permit;
- A traveler traveling to or from Australia:
1.A person whose immediate or final destination after transiting through New Zealand is Australia, but only if they hold a valid visa issued by the Australian Government to enter Australia and have a Transit Electronic Permit
2.A person traveling from Australia and having a transit electronic permit;
3.A person whom a representative of the Immigration Service, by special instruction, classified as a person subject to the withdrawal of a transit visa;
4.Citizens of the following countries, but only if they have a transit electronic permit:
Bahamas, Bermuda, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Federated States of Micronesia, Indonesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Thailand Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Venezuela.
Instructions for importing cats and dogs from approved countries:
- Download and read the health standards (IHS) and the IHS guidance document. In the latter, you can find a sample of the veterinary certificate that you need to provide for your cat or dog. It displays all tests, treatment courses and examinations. A separate form can be downloaded at https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/
- Check whether your pet meets all requirements for import into New Zealand. For ease of checking, special checklists have been developed on the MPI website, which you can use to check compliance with all requirements. Your pet must be provided with a special microchip and vaccinated against rabies (only after microchip insertion). He must also pass a blood test no later than 3 months and no earlier than 24 months before the date of importation and undergo treatment for certain parasites 24 to 48 hours before departure;
- Book quarantine at a transit point approved by MPI. A list of such items can be found at https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/. The quarantine period is not less than 10 days. You will need the booking confirmation letter later when submitting your application.
- Apply for an import permit. It takes 20 days to issue such a permit, so you need to apply in advance. Permits are of two types, depending on the country from which the animal is imported. Category 2 – rabies-free countries, category 3 – countries where rabies is absent or under control. For each of these categories, there is a separate application form that can be downloaded from the MPI website.
- Declare medications for the pet if he needs to take any medications while on the road.
- Notify the MPI no later than 72 hours before the arrival of the animal in the New Zealand with the following data:
- Flight number;
- Date and time of arrival
- Name of the carrier and contract number
- Species and breed of pet
- The number of animals in the invoice
- Confirmation of reservation of the quarantine point
- Number of the consignment note (if known)
Restrictions on the import of animals
In addition to cats and dogs, only rabbits and guinea pigs from Australia and chinchillas from Great Britain are allowed into New Zealand.
New Zealand has a unique population of rare and endangered bird species. Therefore, in order to avoid the introduction of bird diseases into the country, the importation of birds into the territory of New Zealand is prohibited until all risks are studied and health standards are developed.
New Zealand Customs may ask for a return ticket, cash, traveller's checks or credit cards.
What can be transported to New Zealand by plane?
Firstly, the import of national and foreign currency is not limited. But the declaration is mandatory if the amount exceeds NZD 10,000. Secondly, you can transport fruits, vegetables, wood products, plants and seeds. But know that they are subject to inspection.
Citizens over the age of 17 can import up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars duty-free. Goods for personal consumption worth up to 700 NZD are also carried duty-free.
What is prohibited from import to New Zealand:
- Drugs, weapons (but if special permission from the New Zealand police has been obtained in advance, firearms and cold weapons can be imported with mandatory customs declaration)
- Beekeeping products
- Food for domestic animals
- Ivory in any form, tortoise shell products, marine animal bones and tusks, horns and skin
- A number of diuretics, hypnotics and sedatives, cardiac preparations, tranquilizers, all types of vaccines, medicines for the manufacture of which musk is used, if their necessity is not confirmed by the relevant medical prescriptions
What is prohibited from export from New Zealand:
- Samples of plants and animals that are under state protection
- Leather, bone, bird feathers, coral, and shell products
- Meat and sausage products in both directions