New Zealand introduced its pre-travel authorization system in 2019 called the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, or simply the NZeTA.
Holding an NZeTA is mandatory for all 60 visa waiver countries. 26 transit visa waiver countries are also eligible for NZeTA, but only for transiting through Auckland airport.
QUICK SUMMARY:
- Eligibility:
- 60 visa waiver nationalities to visit/transit in NZ
- 26 transit visa waiver countries to transit through the AKL airport
- All nationalities to transit through AKL airport if coming from or going to Australia
- All nationalities as cruise passengers entering NZ for 28 days or less
- NZeTA validity: 2 years, multiple-entry
- Allowed stay:
- Visiting: 90 days (180 days for UK citizens)
- Transiting: Airside transit up to 24 hours
- Cruise: 28 days or less
- NZeTA fee: 17 NZD if applied using the app or 23 NZD if applied online
- IVL fee: 35 NZD IVL fee is added if visiting NZ (not applicable for transiting)
- Processing time: Usually instant, but can take up to 72 hours
If you haven’t already, read the New Zealand Visa Guide to familiarize yourself with New Zealand visa requirements, various visa types for tourists, eligibility and border formalities.
Table of Contents
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How long is the NZeTA valid for?
The NZeTA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue and allows multiple-entries.
The NZeTA is valid even after your passport expires, but you are required to update your passport details in the NZeTA app or using the change request form at least 5 days before travel.
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What is the allowed duration of stay?
The NZeTA allows you to stay for up to 3 months on each entry. The allowed duration of stay is 6 months if you’re traveling on a UK passport.
You can only be in New Zealand for up to 6 months within any 12-month rolling period.
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What are the allowed ports of entry?
You can enter New Zealand through any international port of entry.
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When to apply for NZeTA?
Since the NZeTA is valid for 2 years, you can apply for it as soon as you start planning your trip to New Zealand.
The NZeTA processing time is 72 hours, but in most instances, it’s processed within 5 minutes. So to summarize:
- Earliest to apply: 2 years
- Latest to apply: 72 hours
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Who is eligible to apply for NZeTA?
The eligibility to apply for an NZeTA depends on the purpose.
Purpose 1: Visiting NZ
The following 60 nationalities are eligible for NZeTA to visit NZ.
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Oman
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
Regardless of nationality, Australian permanent residents are also eligible to apply for NZeTA for visiting or transiting in NZ
Purpose 2: Transiting in NZ
In addition to the above 60 visa waiver countries, the following 26 transit visa waiver countries are also eligible to apply for NZeTA for transiting via Auckland International Airport’s transit zone.
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Bolivia
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Fiji
- Indonesia
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Nauru
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Thailand
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
Air passengers other than the above 60 visa waiver and 26 transit visa waiver nationalities are also eligible for NZeTA if they’re arriving from or traveling to Australia, and transiting at Auckland International Airport’s transit zone.
You are only allowed to transit at Auckland International Airport and are not allowed to enter the country. To enter the country, you’ll need a regular New Zealand visitor visa.
If you’re not from a visa waiver or transit visa waiver country and not traveling from or to Australia, you would need a New Zealand transit visa to transit in Auckland International Airport.
Purpose 3: Cruise passengers
Cruise passengers other than the above 60 visa waiver and 26 transit visa waiver nationalities are also eligible for NZeTA if arriving in NZ on a cruise ship and staying in NZ for 28 days or until the ship leaves, whichever is sooner.
In order to stay longer than 28 days or leave by other means, they must hold a regular visitor visa.
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What are the required documents?
The following documents are required to apply for NZeTA.
- Original passport
- Digital face photo or a selfie
You also need a debit/credit card to pay and an email address to receive the confirmation.
Passport Requirement
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you plan to leave New Zealand.
Photo requirements
If applying for NZeTA on the website, you can upload a digital photo, or you can take one using your laptop’s camera.
If you upload a digital photo, it must be:
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Under 10 MB
- JPG or JPEG format
If you use the mobile app, you can only take a photo using your mobile phone camera.
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How much is the NZeTA fee?
The NZeTA fee is:
- 17 NZD if you apply through the app
- 23 NZD if you apply on the website
Additionally, everybody visiting (entering) New Zealand on an NZeTA must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of 35 NZD.
It’s automatically added to the final price, bringing the total to 52 NZD or 58 NZD, respectively.
IVL fee is not applicable for NZeTA for transiting at Auckland International Airport.
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What is the processing time of NZeTA?
The NZeTA processing time is 72 hours. But most applications are processed very quickly, some even instantly.
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How to apply for NZeTA?
You can apply for NZeTA either online or using the mobile app. The application costs 23 NZD online and 17 NZD on the mobile app. Applying using the app is cheaper, and the process is also much simpler. But you can choose the option that works for you.
Steps to apply for NZeTA online
Go to the New Zealand Immigration NZeTA website and enter the following information.
STEP 1: Traveller information
Section: Request your NZeTA
- Select your nationality as shown on the passport you will be travelling on
- Select the issuing country or territory as shown on your passport
- Enter your passport number exactly as it appears on your passport
- Select the expiry date as shown on your passport
If you’re from a “Visa Waiver” country
If you’re from a “Visa Waiver” country, you’ll see the “Traveller details” section. Fill in the details in the “Traveller details” section. [Jump to Traveller details section]
If you are NOT from a “Visa Waiver” country, you’ll be asked the following questions to figure out your NZeTA eligibility.
- Are you an Australian permanent resident?
If you’re an Australian perment residents
If you are Australia permenent resident, you are eligible to apply for NZeTA regardless of your nationality. Select “Yes” to the above question and confirm that you are an Australian permanent resident. You’ll then see the “Traveler details” section. Fill in the details in Traveller details section. [Jump to Traveller details section]
If you are NOT an Australian permanent resident, select “No” to the above question and answer the following questions.
- Are you travelling to New Zealand on a cruise or cargo ship?
If you’re a cruise passenger
If you are traveling on a cruise or cargo, you are eligible to apply for NZeTA regardless of your nationality. Select “Yes” to the above question. You’ll then see the “Traveler details” section. Fill in the details in Traveller details section. [Jump to Traveller details section]
If you are not traveling on a cruise or cargo, select “No” to the above question and answer the following questions.
- Do you want to visit New Zealand, or transit through Auckland International Airport to or from Australia?
If you will be visiting New Zealand, select “I will be coming to New Zealand to visit“. If you are not eligible for an NZeTA for visiting New Zealand, you’ll see a message that you are not eligible to apply for the NZeTA. In that case, you’ll have to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa.
If you’re a transit passenger
If you will be transiting at Auckland International Airport, select the option “I am a transit passenger” and confirm that you are a transit passenger. You’ll then see the “Traveler details” section. Fill in the details in Traveller details section.
Section: Traveller details
- Enter your family/last name as shown on your passport
- Enter your given name(s) including your middle name(s) as shown on your passport
- Have you ever been known by a different name?
- Select your gender as shown on your passport
- Select your date of birth as shown on your passport
- Enter your place of birth
- Select your country or territory of birth
- Enter your National Identity Number, if you have one
- Enter a valid email address
- Confirm email address
Section: Eligibility questions
- Have you ever been deported, removed or excluded from another country (not New Zealand)?
- Are you currently prohibited from entering New Zealand following deportation from New Zealand in the past?
- Have you ever been convicted of any offence (in any country)?
Click on the “PROVIDE YOUR PHOTO” button.
STEP 2: Traveller photo
Here you can upload your digital photo, or you can let the application capture your photo using your laptop’s camera.
To upload your photo, expand the “Upload a photo” section and click on the “UPLOAD YOUR PHOTO” button.
After uploading the photo, click on the “Submit” button.
STEP 3: Review and confirm details
Review all the details you have entered. If everything is correct, click on the “CONFIRM” button.
STEP 4: Declaration
Check the boxes under “Declaration” and click on the “CONFIRM” button.
STEP 5: Pay and submit
You’ll now pay and submit your NZeTA application.
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Steps to apply for NZeTA on the mobile app
Download the NZeTA mobile app from Google Play or the App Store and follow these steps:
- Scan your passport. The App will fill in all the information.
- Take a photo of yourself.
- Answer a few questions about meeting the health and character requirements.
- Pay. It will be 52 NZD, which includes the IVL.
- Submit.
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How to track the NZeTA status?
You can track the status of your NZeTA in the app or on the Check Status page. To check the status online, follow these steps.
Go to the NZeTA check status page and enter the following information.
- Do you have an NZeTA reference number?[Instruction: Select “Yes”]
- Enter your NZeTA reference number [Instruction: Enter your NZeTA reference number]
- Enter your passport number exactly as it appears on your passport [Instruction: Enter your passport number]
- Select your nationality as shown on the passport you will be travelling on [Instruction: Select the country of your passport]
Click on the “Search” button. Your NZeTA information will be displayed.
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How to download an approved NZeTA
The NZeTA is electronically linked to your passport, so you don’t need to download or print anything. Immigration in New Zealand can see it when they scan your passport.
If you are ever asked to show proof, for example, when checking in for the flight or cruise, you can show the NZeTA confirmation on the app or the email you received.
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How to update your existing NZeTA?
When you renew your passport, you must update your existing NZeTA with your new passport details. Otherwise, you cannot use your NZeTA with your new passport. Follow these steps to update your NZeTA.
Go to the NZeTA change request form and enter the following information.
Section: Identify the NZeTA
- Do you have an NZeTA reference number? [Instruction: Select “Yes”]
- NZeTA reference [Instruction: Enter your NZeTA reference number]
- Passport number [Instruction: Enter the passport number that you have used to apply for your NZeTA]
- Passport nationality [Instruction: Select the country of your passport]
- Date of birth [Instruction: Enter your date of birth as per your passport]
Section: Tell us how to contact you
- Your contact email address [Instruction: Enter your email address]
- Re-enter your contact email address [Instruction: Re-enter your email address]
- Date of departure to New Zealand [Instruction: Enter your date of travel to New Zealand]
Section: Tell us what you want to update
- What would you like to update? [Instruction: Select “Passport details”]
- Update passport number to [Instruction: Enter your new passport number]
- Update passport expiry date to [Instruction: Enter your new passport’s expiry date]
- Update family name to [Instruction: Enter your family or surname name as per your passport]
- Update given names to [Instruction: You can skip this unless you have changed your given name in the new passport]
- Has the passport been lost or stolen? [Instruction: Select “No”]
- Reason for the change [Instruction: Mention “Passport renewed”]
Section: Declaration
Check the box for “Yes, I agree” and click on the “Submit Form” button.
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How to contact NZeTA customer service?
If you need to contact the NZeTA customer service for any questions, updates on your status, etc., you can call New Zealand Immigration on its phone numbers from 6 am to 10 pm NZ local time.
You can find all phone numbers on the New Zealand Immigration contact page.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get a NZeTA at the airport?
No. You will not be allowed to board your flight without an NZeTA. It is a mandatory requirement to travel to New Zealand.
Do you need to print the NZeTA?
No need. It’s electronically attached to your passport. You can also show the confirmation email you received or the app screen with the valid NZeTA.
How far in advance should I get an NZeTA?
It’s not necessary to do it too far in advance. The processing time is only 72 hours.
On the other side, it’s valid for 2 years, so you might as well get it when you know for sure you will travel to New Zealand.
How many times can you apply for an NZeTA?
You only need 1 NZeTA to travel to New Zealand an unlimited number of times within 2 years. You can apply for a new one after it expires. There is no limit to the number of times you can do that.
Can I extend my NZeTA?
You cannot extend the NZeTA. If you are in New Zealand and want to stay longer, you must apply for another visa, not another NZeTA.
