What Happens If Your NZeTA Is Lost?
Heading to New Zealand? You'll likely need to apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), which is used as a digital entry permit for many foreign visitors. Travelers coming to New Zealand from visa-waiver countries or through a cruise ship often require an NZeTA.
Countries like the USA, Canada, and several European nations are on this list. You can check here for your country’s name in the list of eligible visa-waiver countries for the New Zealand.
Getting an NZeTA is simple. Just complete an online NZeTA application form, pay a fee, and wait for approval. An NZeTA is valid for two years.
Do This If You Have Lost Your NZeTA While Traveling
Look in Your Email
Start by searching your email. When your NZeTA is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with the details (such as your NZeTA number). Search your inbox thoroughly, and don't forget to check your spam folder. You might find it hiding there.
Reach Out to NZeTA Issuer
Can't your NZeTA email you received? Contact the authority that issued you the NZeTA. You can call or email New Zealand Immigration or the agency you used. Have your passport information ready. You might be asked by the New Zealand authority to provide your passport and other details.
Apply Again if Necessary
If you can't recover your NZeTA, you might need to apply for a new one. While it's not ideal, it's a quick process. Visit New Zealand Immigration’s official website or you can use a trusted service provider. Fill out the NZeTA application form again, and submit your application after paying the charge. You'll usually get an answer within three days.
Learn and Prepare for Next Time
After sorting out your NZeTA issue, take steps to avoid future problems. Save the confirmation email in a dedicated folder. Take a picture of your NZeTA details so they are saved on your phone. You could even print a copy to store with your passport.
Verify Your NZeTA Before You Travel
Just before you leave, check your NZeTA status online by entering your passport information. A quick check can prevent unnecessary stress and hassles at the airport.
Remember, things like losing your NZeTA can happen and it is normal and can be tackled easily. Stay calm, follow these steps, and you'll be ready for your New Zealand adventure.
Extra Tips to Keep Your NZeTA Safe
- Note your NZeTA number separately from other travel documents
- Save a digital copy in secure cloud storage
- Share details with a trusted contact
- Set a reminder to check status before travel
- Exchange NZeTA information if traveling in a group
- Save New Zealand Immigration contact details
- Give a copy to your travel agent
- Use a password-protected app for travel documents
- Make multiple copies for different locations
- Wear a document holder for easy access
- Know the New Zealand Immigration website layout
- Share with company travel department if on business
- Understand NZeTA number vs. request ID differences
- Keep old passports with valid NZeTAs
- Verify the expiration date before traveling
The best way to avoid all these hassles would be to be extra cautious while carrying your NZeTA and prepare for any mishaps in advance. Know that if you are coming to visit the country for sightseeing and other tourist activities, you have to apply for a New Zealand tourist visa online.
READ MORE:
New Zealand has in place quite stringent biosecurity laws at its borders to prevent the accidental or intentional entry of harmful pests, germs, foreign pathogens or diseases. All such high risk material, food or non-food related must be declared or be binned/disposed of in marked garbage bins at airports and seaports throughout New Zealand. If you are in doubt, then please declare such high risk goods. Learn more at What can you bring to New Zealand as a New Zealand Eta Visa (NZeTA) visitor.
Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your Online New Zealand Visa. United States citizens, European citizens, Canadian citizens, United Kingdom citizens, French citizens, Spanish citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.
Please apply for an Online New Zealand Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight.