New Zealand eTA Guide for German Citizens

To improve the immigration system of New Zealand, the government launched a scheme on 1st October 2019. The NZeTA helps the government to take control over border security checks, ensures hassle-free entry and keeps up with the compliance in accordance with regulations set by the immigration department.

The NZeTA is valid for travelers belonging to visa waiver countries and the cruise ship passengers for entering New Zealand.

After the introduction of the NZeTA, it has been made compulsory for the eligible travelers to apply for the electronic visa who are planning to enter the country for short-stays for various reasons like tourism, transiting through the nation or attending business affairs.

What is a New Zealand eTA?

The NZeTA is an electronic visa which is offered to only citizens of visa-waiver countries and the immigration officials ensure that the travelers entering the nation from visa-waiver countries and the cruise ship passengers from any nation have the NZeTA before landing in New Zealand.

From the year it was initiated, the NZeTA scheme has been able to strengthen its security, ensuring smooth entry and following official instructions in accordance with the immigration guidelines.

By making the NZeTA compulsory, the government has been able to intensify the border security checkpoints, making it convenient for authorized travelers to enter, reducing the risk of unapproved applicants to enter and screening in advance of travelers related to their character, health, etc, before approving their NZeTA.

Who is eligible to apply for NZeTA?

Travelers from selected countries like Germany are entitled to apply for the NZeTA, those applicants fulfilling the eligibility criteria includes:

• Citizens who are looking for short-stays, and from visa-waiver countries
• Travelers from any nation coming by cruise ship to New Zealand.
• Crew members working on cruise ship and flights
• Transiting passengers from designated transit visa-waiver countries, transiting (layover) through New Zealand

Who are the lucky travelers who do not need NZeTA?

There some travelers who have the concessions of visiting New Zealand without obtaining the NZeTA, the list includes:

• Citizens with New Zealand passport
• Valid New Zealand visa holders
• Foreign passport holders with valid supportable New Zealand citizen proclamation.
• Australian citizens with valid Australian passport
• Members from countries who are a part of Antarctic Treaty
• Members of military forces, such as armed forces traveling on the grounds of some official duty.

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Do German citizens need the NZeTA?

German citizens planning to travel to New Zealand should apply for NZeTA instead of applying for the normal regular visa, those wishing to visit the nation for short-stays like tourism, business meetings and events and for transiting through the nation.

The NZ visa for German citizens offers a validity period of two-years with multiple-visits, stays per visit is 3 months (90 days).

What are the prerequisite conditions to apply for the NZeTA?

German citizens who have the urge to visit New Zealand, in order to visit the nation they should fulfill the following requirements:

• Valid Germany passport
• Passport-size photo, meeting the photo requirements
• E-mail address for getting NZeTA related-updates and approved NZeTA.
• Credit or debit card
• Character certificate, in case of any criminal record in the past or have been imprisoned or denied the NZeTA. In this kind of mentioned situation the NZeTA acceptance or rejection entirely depends on the immigration officials.
• Health certificate that the travelers is in good health and does not carry any contagious diseases.
• Return ticket or onward journey ticket if they are transiting through New Zealand.

NZ Visa for German Citizens, what are the steps required for the application process for NZeTA?

NZ Visa for German Citizens, the applicants have to apply for the NZeTA online without having to worry about visiting the consulate office physically. The form requires applicants to fill the basic details, here is a brief guide to fill the form:

What is the NZeTA Processing Time?

After the submission of the NZeTA application, the applicant has to wait for approval. The standard time-taken for NZ Visa for German Citizens is 3 working days (72 hours). Ensure that you have filled the form accurately, incomplete details in the form could lead to delays and even sometimes you have to deal with rejection.

The immigration of New Zealand cross-checks each and every application thoroughly, be careful while filling the form.

How can we check the status of NZeTA?

Those applicants who have applied for the NZeTA and are curious to know the status of your application, they can check the status of NZeTA online. When you login in with your reference number to check, you will see the status as pending, declined or approved, whichever stage your application is. However, applicants do not have to worry, as they will be mailed regarding the latest updates related to the NZeTA. If the NZeTA is approved you will receive it in your mail.

What are the documents German citizens need to carry to New Zealand?

Those who have the approved NZeTA and visiting New Zealand, for them it is important to know the list of documents that they have to take with them :

• Approved NZeTA
• Valid Germany passport
• Return ticket
• Accommodation/stay information
• Funds up to NZ$1000/- for per month stay

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In case your NZeTA application is approved, what's next?

Approved NZeTA will be received by mail, travelers should take a print-out copy and keep a digital copy safe as well. When you visit New Zealand you have to carry it along with you. On-arriving in New Zealand, the traveler has to show the approved NZeTA and your passport to the immigration officials at the border security checkpoints.

In case your NZeTA application is rejected, what's next?

In case, your NZeTA is not approved, you will mail the reason for your NZeTA application being rejected. If the reason is related to incomplete filling of details, wrong uploading of documents or need more supporting documents, then you can try applying for a regular visitor visa, or check out the helpdesk for guidance.

Are German citizens with approved NZeTA, allowed to renew or extend the NZeTA?

German citizens or citizens from any other visa-waiver countries are not eligible to extend their NZeTA. When the NZeTA gets expired, travelers can apply for a new one if they have the intention to visit New Zealand again.

How can German citizens renew or extend their NZeTA?

Travelers cannot extend or renew their NZeTA, instead they have to apply for a new NZeTA by visiting the site. Travelers have to follow the same guidelines to apply for the NZeTA, as when you applied before. Applicants have to again fill in the personal details, passport details, health record, criminal history (if any), etc. When the details are completed you will have to submit the form and pay the application fees.

Are there any specific requirements for renewal or extension of the NZeTA?

There are no requirements as renewal or extension of the approved NZeTA is not allowed. Instead when the NZeTA is about to expire, travelers can apply for a new NZeTA in advance, but make sure that the passport is valid and you need to provide all the updated details in case of any change.

The time-taken to apply for the new NZeTA is the same i.e. 72 hours (3 days) working days and may take more than that if additional information is required.

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German citizens traveling to New Zealand with the NZeTA, What are the prerequisite conditions?

The NZeTA has certain rules which are important for the travelers to follow:

• The NZeTA offers a limited stay period of 90 days (3 months) for each visit.
• The NZeTA offers a validity period of 2-years with unlimited entry into the country.
• With the NZeTA, travelers cannot use it for study or work.

German citizens traveling to New Zealand with the NZeTA, what are the important points that they should know beforehand?

Travelers with approved NZeTA, before traveling to New Zealand should know the following rules:

• The NZeTA can be used for transiting, tourism and business purposes, and not for other reasons like job, voluntary work or study.
• Travelers should carry a soft copy of the NZeTA to show to the immigration officials on arrival at the border security checkpoints along with the passport.
• Valid passport
• Good health and no criminal records.

German citizens arrived in New Zealand with NZeTA, what is the stay-limit allotted?

German citizens arriving in New Zealand with the approved NZeTA, for each visit the maximum stay-limit offered is 3 months (90 days). Visitors planning to stay for longer than 3 months (90 days) should apply for extended-stay visas.

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Those travelers from visa-waiver countries wishing for short-stays as vacationers to explore New Zealand or for business activities or for transiting through New Zealand, they should Apply For NZ eTA with the Online New Zealand Visa Application. Those who do not belong to visa-waiver countries should apply for a normal regular visa.

Information related to the New Zealand Embassy In Germany

German citizens who want to visit New Zealand for purposes related to short stays like business, transiting or tourism should apply for the NZeTA. The New Zealand Consulate office is located in Berlin (which is the capital of Germany). The embassy helps in immigration and visa services to German citizens or other nationals who want to visit New Zealand and New Zealand citizens living in Germany or traveling to Germany.

Address of the New Zealand embassy in Berlin, Germany:

Atrium, 4th Floor, Friedrichstrae 60, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Fax: +49(30)20621114

Telephone: +49(30)206210

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/europe/germany/new-zealand-embassy/

Note: The New Zealand Embassy office is open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Consular service is also offered but on appointment basis only, to make the appointment you have to either call directly to the embassy or through the website.

The New Zealand Honorary Consulate office is also located in Munich (an important city of Germany). The embassy helps in limited consular services to the citizens of New Zealand.

Address of the New Zealand Honorary Consulate in Munich:

17 Hohenstaufenstrae, 80801 Munich, Germany

Fax: +49 89 3074 5715

Telephone: +49 89 3074 5714

Email: [email protected]

Note: The New Zealand Honorary Consul in Munich does not provide immigration services, so citizens will have to visit the New Zealand Embassy located in Berlin.

Information related to the German Embassy in New Zealand

The German Embassy is located in Wellington (which is the capital of New Zealand), it helps the German citizens who are already living in New Zealand or who want to visit New Zealand in immigration and visa services. It also works for the immigration and visa services of the New Zealand citizens or other nationals who want to visit Germany.

German embassy's address in Wellington, New Zealand:

New Zealand, Thorndon, 90-92 Hobson Street, Wellington 6011

Website: https://wellington.diplo.de

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: +49-3050000

Fax: +49-30181751000

Note: The timing to visit the embassy is from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, from Monday to Friday only. Consular service is also offered but on appointment basis only, to make the appointment you have to either call directly to the embassy or through the website.

The New Zealand Honorary Consulate office is also located in Auckland (an important city of New Zealand). The embassy helps in limited consular services to the citizens of New Zealand.

Address of German Honorary Consul in Auckland:

Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Auckland

188 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Fax: +64 9 365 52 09

Telephone: +64 9 375 87 18

Email: [email protected]

Note: Since the German Consul in Auckland does not provide immigration services, citizens will have to go to the German Embassy in Wellington for such services.

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Other than Germany, which are the other countries who have the consent to apply for the NZeTA?

New Zealand offers eTA to some of the visa-waiver countries, to know which countries are eligible, here is the list:

Vatican City, US, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates, Uk, Taiwan, South Korea, San Marino, Switzerland, Seychelles, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sweden, Spain, Romania, Qatar, Portugal, Poland, Oman, Norway, Mauritius, Macau, Malta, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Kuwait, Japan, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Hong Kong, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Finland, France, Estonia, Denmark, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Andorra, Argentina, Austria.

Citizens from the above-mentioned countries can apply for the NZeTA to enter the nation. They can enjoy a smooth application process and a convenient experience.

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What are the Ports Of Entry into New Zealand for Foreign Citizens with an eTA?

German citizens with the approved NZeTA should know that there are designated authorized immigration checkpoints for entry and exit, here is the list;

• Wellington International Airport (WLG)
• Hamilton International Airport (HLZ)
• Auckland International Airport (AKL)
• Napier Airport (NPE)
• Queenstown International Airport (ZQN)
• New Plymouth Airport (NPL)
• Tauranga Airport (TRG)
• Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
• Nelson Airport (NSN)
• Dunedin International Airport (DUD)
• Rotorua International Airport (ROT)
• Palmerston North International Airport (PMR)

Note: Travelers with the approved NZeTA should know that they have to enter and exit the country from the same ports and should have a return ticket.

Top-attraction sites in New Zealand for German Tourists

Arrived in New Zealand? Thinking about which places to visit? We have made your travel plan easy by listing the important places to visit in the country to have a fun and relaxing experience, explore the natural wonders, wilderness, rich culture, traditions, and history.

Auckland

Visit places like the Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Auckland Domain park and museum, for shopping and fine dining experience visit Ponsonby or Parnell, etc.

Rotorua

Visitors can visit some of the amazing sightseeing places located here like geysers, hot springs and mud pools.

Queenstown

Visitors can enjoy the serene landscape of Queenstown. Activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, jet boating, and gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak are available for adventure enthusiasts.

Bay of Islands

Those interested in the early history of New Zealand, for example the famous treaty which was signed in 1840 that took place between the Maori chiefs and the British Crown at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, can learn about it in detail here.

Abel Tasman National Park

It is a coastal park, where tourists can relax at the beaches, take a swim in the crystal clear waters and get a glimpse of the native wildlife as well.

Milford Sound

Tourists can admire the sights and watch the marine creatures like dolphins, penguins and seals. One of the common activities of the region is boat cruises.

Waitomo Caves

The Waitomo Caves are famous for the glowworms living inside the cave. Other activities to indulge-in include abseiling and black water rafting.

Tongariro National Park

This national park is situated in North Island and is famous for its active volcanoes, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Tongariro. Adventure lovers can opt for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is a 19.4 km trek. The trek is for moderate and experienced trekkers and will take around 7-9 hours depending on the skill level. The trek welcomes hikers with scenic views of the alpine valleys, lakes and volcanic craters.

Mount Cook National Park

Visitors can engage in activities like taking a flight over the majestic mountain peaks, enjoying a thrilling hike around the park. This national park comprises the highest peak in New Zealand, the Mount Cook peak also known as Aoraki.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is situated near Auckland in the Gulf of Hauraki. Visitors will have to take a ferry from Auckland to reach Waiheke Island, spend the day visiting the vineyards, sampling wine, relaxing at the beaches, etc.

The Catlins: Visitors hoping to enjoy the scenic landscape, waterfalls, beaches and wilderness should visit the Catlins. The marine sea life here comprises sea lions, yellow eyed penguins and fur seals.

Te Anau

Visitors should also include other thrilling sightseeing places like the Lake Te Anau, glowworm caves, and the Kepler Track. This small lakeside town is located at the Fiordland National Park, it is in fact a doorway to the Milford Sound.

Fiordland National Park

This breathtakingly beautiful national park is home to wonderful sceneries and stunning waterfalls. Visitors can either opt for hiking or explore the region by boat cruise through Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound.

Coromandel Peninsula

This place is located in North Island and is famous for activities like enjoying a drive along the coast, opt for the Coromandel Coastal Walkway hike or visit the hot water beach to relax.

We have listed only some of the places to visit in New Zealand; however there are many other exciting sightseeing places and activities that German tourists can include in their travel itinerary. So, if you are eager to visit New Zealand, German citizens should apply for the NZeTA for reasons related to business, tourism and transiting through the country.

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Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). Irish citizens, Austrian citizens, Brazilian citizens, Lithuanian citizens and Bahrain citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA.