Who Needs to Pay IVL When Traveling to New Zealand?

Updated on Aug 31, 2024 | New Zealand eTA

Are you planning to travel to New Zealand? If so, you might have heard of the International Visitor Levy or IVL. It is an important part of New Zealand tourism and anyone traveling to the country must know about it.

Let's break down what IVL is and who needs to pay it.

What is the IVL?

The IVL is a levy (fee) charged by most of the foreigners who come to New Zealand. This levy helps the tourism and conservation systems of the country. It is a way to ensure that the travelers directly contribute to protecting the beautiful landscape of New Zealand, so it continues to offer a wonderful experience to all the tourists that come.

Who Needs to Pay the IVL?

All the international visitors that apply for NZeTA or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, commonly known as NZeTA, must pay the IVL. This includes:

  • Holiday travelers
  • Working holiday scheme participants
  • Some student visa applicants
  • Some short-term work visa applicants

However, you don't need to calculate this fee separately, as it is collected via the immigration system when you pay your visa or NZeTA fee.

Who Doesn't Need to Pay the IVL?

The IVL is not required to be paid by everyone. Here are the exceptions:

  • New Zealand citizens and residents (this includes all resident visas).
  • Australian citizens and permanent residents
  • People who are traveling only for transit purposes (with transit visas or transit NZeTA).
  • Visitors from many Pacific Island countries, including: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Fiji, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Niue, Solomon Islands, Pitcairn Islands, Tuvalu, Samoa, Tong, Vanuatu.
  • People with Diplomatic, military, medical, and humanitarian visa
  • Antarctic Treaty travelers
  • People who are Seasonal Employment workers
  • People with Business Visitor Visa (this includes people with APEC business travel cards)
  • Ship and airline crew
  • Most dependents on student and work visas

How Does it Work with the NZeTA?

You must apply for NZeTA before you travel to New Zealand if you have a permanent residence in Australia or are a citizen of a visa waiver country and are eligible. The IVL is generally charged with the NZeTA fees. This makes the process simpler and saves you from any confusion.

Why Was the IVL Introduced?

In 2019, before COVID 19, New Zealand saw a massive rise in international tourists. This increase in tourism led to increased pressure on the infrastructure and environment of the country. Since the number of tourists has continued to increase after the pandemic, IVL has been helping the country ensure that tourism stays profitable.

The levy helps the country's:

  • Tourism infrastructure
  • Conservation projects
  • Natural environment to stay safe
  • Treaty of Waitangi to be honored

Unsure About Paying the IVL?

In case you're not sure if you're supposed to pay the IVL or not, you do not have anything to worry about. When you apply for your visa or your NZeTA online, the immigration system will automatically determine it.

Note:

It is important to pay the IVL when required; otherwise, your application may be delayed or even rejected. If you have more questions, visit the New Zealand Immigration Help Desk or Contact Us.

Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your Online New Zealand Visa. United States citizens, European citizens, Canadian citizens, Croatian citizens, French citizens, Spanish citizens and Czech citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA.

 
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