Tourist Guide to New Zealand Visa Requirements
Introduced in July 2019, the NZeTA is an electronic visa linked to your passport, and this has been made mandatory from October 2019. So, NZeTA is an electronic travel authorization for visa waiver countries.
So, all travelers from visa waiver countries should apply for NZeTA to enter New Zealand. If a visitor is not from a visa waiver country, he will need to apply for some other visa, consult the immigration officials of New Zealand for clarification.
Travelers qualified for NZeTA can enjoy their visit to New Zealand for a maximum period of 2 years, with a 3 month stay allowed during each visit. The initiative of introducing the NZeTA was taken, as a move to strengthen New Zealand's security and take border controls in line.
Travelers are required to have all the documents to fill the eTA form.In the application form you need to fill in your personal information, passport information, travel details, health declaration, why you are visiting New Zealand, Security questions, etc. You will need the necessary documents like valid passport, passport size photo and other additional documents.Once you have filled the form and reviewed, click on the submit button, you will be taken to the payment page, make the payment via your PayPal account or debit or credit card.
Travelers arriving by cruise ship, irrespective of any nationality, cruise ship passengers will have to apply for NZeTA to enter New Zealand.
Who can Apply for NZeTA? How to go Forward with the Process?
NZeTA allows citizens to travel to New Zealand, so those who are eligible to apply for the NZeTA include:
- Travelers from visa waiver countries: Those travelers who are from visa waiver countries and are looking for short stays can apply for NZeTA.
- Transiting passengers: Those passengers transiting (layover or stop) through New Zealand can apply for NZeTA.
- Travelers arriving by cruise ship: Irrespective of any nationality, cruise ship passengers will have to apply for NZeTA to enter New Zealand.
- You are a permanent resident of Australia
So the above travelers from visa-waiver nations can apply for the NZeTA, here is how they need to go forward with the process.
You can apply for NZeTa through the NZeTa mobile app or website. Complete the details required in the form like personal particulars, passport details, eligible questions, etc. After completing the form, applicants have to upload the documents and recent passport photo. After confirming, pay the NZeTA and IVL fees from your debit or credit card. The required time-taken to process is 72 hours (3 days). When you apply for the NZeTa, the last stage involves payment of fees, you have to make the payment for NZeTa and IVL fees, which needs to be paid one-time, and applicable for two years for multiple visits.
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy fees is added as a fund to maintain and protect the natural environment and tourism infrastructure of New Zealand.
The approved NZeTa will be sent digitally through your email. Travelers embarking on a trip to New Zealand soon, take a print out of the approved NZeTA or save a digital copy.
What are the purposes for which the NZeTA can be used?
The purposes for which the NZeTA can be used are mentioned below, so that you are aware whether you have provided a valid reason to apply for NZeTA:
- For short stay purposes: Travelers from visa-waivers countries can use this visa to stay for short periods, maximum 90 days.
- Transit: Travelers from transit-waiver countries can apply for transit NZeTA if they are transiting (or layover) through New Zealand Airport to another country.
- To attend business meetings: Business travelers from visa waiver countries can use NZeTA to attend meetings, events, conferences and seminars.
- Tourism reasons: NZeTA can be used for tourism purposes, travelers from visa waiver countries can explore the tourist places of the country.
- Recreational activities: NZeTA allows travelers from visa waiver countries to visit New Zealand for recreational activities like cultural festivals, sports or other events.
- For visiting family and friends: If you have friends and family in New Zealand, the NZeTA makes it possible for eligible countries to visit them.
NZeTA lets you visit the country for the above reasons and ensures a smooth entry into the country.
Countries eligible to apply for NZeTA
The following are the countries eligible to apply for NZeTA:
All European Union citizens
Other countries
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European passport holders are a part of the visa waiver program, they can smoothly enter New Zealand with the help of NZeTA which is valid for 2-years allowing unlimited-entries with 90 days stay. For better clarification, check New Zealand Visa for EU citizens.
Travelers who are exempted from applying NZeTA on their visit to New Zealand?
Travelers who are not required to apply for the NZeTA on their visit to New Zealand include:
- New Zealand passport
- Traveler with NZ valid visa
- Traveler with foreign passport with New Zealand citizen affirmation
- An Australian citizen who is traveling with Australian passport
The following travelers are also free from NZeTA requirement:
- Members belonging to The Antarctic Treaty
- New Zealand Government guests
- Visiting force members like armed forces, navy, etc
- Non-cruise vessel crew members and passengers
- Foreign ship crew members carrying cargo
However, foreigners who think they are free from NZeTA requirements, should consult the Immigration of New Zealand, before making a decision.
NZeTA for visa-waiver country citizens: Obligatory documents required
To apply for NZeTA, visa-waiver country citizens need to provide the following documents:
- Valid passport: The passport should have compulsory six months validation including your return.
- Recent passport size photo: It is important to fulfill the photography requirements while uploading the photo.
- Debit or credit card for fees payment
- Valid email address for NZeTA notifications
After submitting the NZeTA application, visa-waiver country citizens may be asked to provide other important information and documents like:
- Documents providing proof that you have enough money to support yourself like bank statements with a minimum balance of NZ$1,000 for per month stay.
- Return flight ticket or onward travel proof
- You are also asked questions about your character and health. If you are suffering from any health issues, and want to visit for medical treatment, you have to fill out a medical visa.
If NZeTA is approved, you will be notified via the email ID you have provided. As it is electronically connected to the traveler's passport, keep a printed or digital copy of the approved NZeTA to enter New Zealand.
How does the NZeTA work?
Foreign travelers from visa-waiver countries without the visa, can apply for NZeTA.The NZeTA cross checks and screens all the travelers before allowing them to visit New Zealand. This improves the border security and keeps a track on potential risks and prevents unwanted travelers from entering. The initiative of introducing the NZeTA was taken, as a move to strengthen New Zealand's security and take border controls in line.
As the NZeTA has to be applied online it saves time from physically visiting the embassy of New Zealand for receiving the visa and eliminates the process of receiving stamp on visa. Applicants can apply for the NZeTA in three-simple steps:
- Complete the NZeTA application form
- Review and submit, pay the NZeTA and IVL fees
- Wait for confirmation and receive the approved NZeTA via mail.
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Citizen of any nationality can apply for an NZeTA if arriving New Zealand by a cruise ship. However, if traveller is arriving by air, then the traveller must be from a Visa Waiver or Visa Free country, then only will NZeTA (New Zealand eTA) be valid for the passenger arriving into the country.
What are the NZeTA and IVL for New Zealand?
According to the Immigration of New Zealand, the NZeTA was introduced as a step forward to improve the way travelers are evaluated before arriving in the country. This initiative helps to reduce the clearance time required in border checks and for the security of the nation.
Along with NZeTA fees, travelers are required to pay for the IVL, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy is a tax on tourists for conservation purposes. This is a way for travelers to contribute directly to maintaining the tourism infrastructure and protecting the natural environment.
How many days in advance before traveling to New Zealand should you apply for NZeTA?
The general time required for the NZeTA to be processed is around 1-3 days (72 hours). However, it varies from application to application, if everything is okay, you might get the approved NZeTA before 3 days, but if something goes wrong like incomplete form, requirement of more documents, it may take more than 3 days.
So it is recommended that travelers, eagerly waiting to travel to New Zealand, should apply for NZeTA at least 7-4 days in advance.
The NZeTA has a validity period of 2 years with multiple entry opportunities, but stays limited to 3 months for each visit.
Rejection of NZeTA, in some cases:
The New Zealand immigration department may reject your NZeTA, depending on the inaccurate information you have provided, having committed a crime or not meeting the requirements.
If such an issue arises, the travelers can apply for NZeTA again.Travelers are suggested to apply in advance to avoid any unexpected delays. Travelers will have enough time to apply for NZeTA again, and submit all the supporting documents.
Tourism, business, and transit experience with NZeTA
For business, travel, and transit purposes, travelers from visa-waiver countries can opt for the NZeTA which is valid for two years with unlimited-entries to the nation. The stay allowed is 3 months (90 days). In the approved NZeTA, you can check out the start and end date of this electronic visa.
NZeTA for passengers transiting through Auckland Airport
Travelers entering New Zealand for transiting (stoppage or layover) through New Zealand, either by air or sea, should apply for the NZeTA. Travelers even if they have no plans for exiting the airport, they need to apply for the NZeTA. Travelers with transit-visa cannot stay in the transit area of Auckland Airport for more than 24 hours.
If travelers are entering New Zealand through Australia, they will have to apply for the Australian transit visa. Travelers transiting through any of the countries, if you are not sure about the visa-rules check the transiting information.
Transit visa waiver nations from New Zealand:
Bermuda, Bahamas, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kiribati, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Thailand, Tuvalu, Venezuela, Vanuatu.
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Travelers from visa-waiver countries can enjoy a hassle-free entry into the nation with the NZeTA for a stay limited to 90-days and not more than that. They can visit New Zealand for short-stays like vacations, or for business activities, know more about it in NZeTA Frequently Asked Questions.
NZeTA for cruise ship passengers
The NZeTA simplifies the process by allowing eligible travelers from visa waiver nations to apply for NZeTA online. The applicants undergo pre-screening checks, before they receive their approved NZeTA.
Cruise ship passengers from any nation both from visa waiver and non-visa waiver countries can apply for NZeTA. They must have a valid passport, provide details about their cruise itinerary and spend less than 28 days in New Zealand. Cruise ship and flight crew members, for them the duration of NZeTA is for 5 years.
Documents required for travelers visiting New Zealand with NZeTA
When visiting New Zealand, travelers from visa-waiver nations will need to present:
- Valid passport from visa-waiver nation
- Travelers should have proof that they have paid for NZeTA and IVL fees.
- NZeTA approval proof in print out copy or digital
- Passenger Arrival Card
- The passport is linked to the NZeTA, ensure to bring this passport only, if you have two passports.
- Travelers with the NZeTA, make sure to have your return ticket or onward travel from the country, as the immigration officials would verify if you are leaving the country on time.
- Travelers applying for the NZeTA, should at least have NZ$1000/- per person for a per month stay, that includes traveling, meal and accommodation expenses. Providing proof of funds, for example bank statements, credit cards, etc.
Benefits of NZeTA, how it acts as a savior for travelers who need travel-permit to New Zealand faster
The NZeTA has some of the important benefits for which travelers feel a sense of security while applying for it and planning their trip to New Zealand, some its advantages are listed below:
- The NZeTA allows unlimited-entries into the nation.
- The approved NZeTA is valid for a maximum of 2-years.
- Travelers have to spend less time on immigration checks at passport controls
- The NZeTA application form can be completed within 15 minutes
- It is a positive initiative taken towards strengthening the border security, facilitation of tourism and business, and compliance in accordance with the legal procedures.
- 99% of the NZeTA application is handled online.
- It improves the border security and keeps a track on potential risks and prevents unwanted travelers from entering.
- It cross checks and screens all the travelers before allowing them to visit New Zealand
- This electronic visa allows travelers from visa-waiver nations to apply for a visa without physically having to visit the embassy
- The Embassy of New Zealand and Consulate offices are located around the world to help travelers with immigration issues.
How can you differentiate between New Zealand Visa and NZeTA, and how are both useful?
If you are confused between New Zealand Visa and New Zealand NZeTA, here is a list of the differences that might help you clear your doubt:
- The maximum length of stay for NZeTA is 3 months, you can enjoy short stays, if you plan to stay for a longer period, then NZeTA is not the right visa for you. If you are traveling for medical treatment, work or study, you cannot apply for NZeTA, then you have to apply for a regular New Zealand Visa.
- Applying for NZeTA means the entire process is conducted online, you do not have to make trips and appointments with the New Zealand High Commission. But in case of a regular New Zealand visa application you need to make official visits for visa approval.
- Most importantly the approved NZeTA is sent to your email ID, but to receive the New Zealand Visa, you will be called for a passport stamp.
- Another highlight of NZeTA is that it provides unlimited-entries into the nation within 2-years of its validity period, whereas the New Zealand Visa does not offer such benefits.
- The NZeTA application can be completed within 15-minutes, if you have gathered all the documents in advance before filling the form. Whereas the regular New Zealand Visa takes several hours to be completed due to extra questions and requires detailed information.
- The time-taken to process the NZeTA is 1-3 days (72 hours), whereas the regular New Zealand Visa takes weeks to be finally approved.
- Travelers from visa-waiver nations should regard the NZeTA as the new type of New Zealand tourist visa, which is offered to around 60 countries; they can enter the country smoothly without the requirement of visa.
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, Canadian citizens, Brazilian citizens, Slovenian citizens and Emirati citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA.