Everything you need to know about New Zealand's Electronic Travel Authority, from requirements to application process
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a mandatory travel authorization for citizens of visa-waiver countries visiting New Zealand. Introduced in October 2019, the NZeTA enhances border security by pre-screening travelers before they board flights or cruises to New Zealand.
An NZeTA is not a visa but rather a pre-travel authorization linked electronically to your passport. It allows eligible travelers to visit New Zealand for tourism, business meetings, visiting friends and family, or short-term study (up to 3 months) without obtaining a traditional visa. The NZeTA replaced the old system where visa-waiver travelers simply presented their passport upon arrival.
Think of the NZeTA as similar to the United States' ESTA or Canada's eTA system—it's a streamlined online authorization process designed to improve border security while maintaining efficient processing for legitimate travelers. The system allows Immigration New Zealand to identify potential security or immigration risks before travelers depart for New Zealand.
You need an NZeTA if you meet all these criteria:
Visa-waiver countries requiring NZeTA include:
Europe & UK:
Americas:
Asia:
Middle East & Others:
Important Notes:
What is the IVL? The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is a mandatory charge for all international visitors to New Zealand. The NZD $35 levy funds conservation projects, maintains Department of Conservation facilities like walking tracks and huts, and supports tourism infrastructure throughout New Zealand.
The IVL is paid once and remains valid for the duration of your NZeTA (up to 2 years), even if you make multiple trips to New Zealand during that period. This means if you visit New Zealand three times over two years with the same NZeTA, you only pay the IVL once.
Important: These fees are non-refundable, even if your NZeTA application is declined or if you decide not to travel to New Zealand. Make sure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
Before starting your application, gather the following information:
Download the app or visit the website
The official NZeTA app is available for iOS and Android devices. Alternatively, you can apply through the Immigration New Zealand website. The app is recommended as it has lower fees (NZD $52 vs $58).
Create an account or log in
You'll need to create a RealMe account if you don't have one. This secure system is used across New Zealand government services. Keep your login details safe as you'll need them to check your application status.
Enter your passport and personal details
Carefully enter your passport details exactly as they appear in your passport. Any mistakes can cause processing delays or require a new application. The system will scan your passport if using the app.
Answer security and health questions
You'll be asked about criminal history, previous visa declinations, medical conditions, and other security-related questions. Answer honestly—providing false information can result in your NZeTA being declined and future applications being affected.
Pay the application fee and IVL
Use a credit or debit card to pay the NZeTA application fee and International Visitor Levy. The payment is processed securely through the Immigration New Zealand system. Once payment is confirmed, your application enters the processing queue.
Wait for approval notification
You'll receive an email when your NZeTA is processed. Most applications are approved within 10-20 minutes, but some may take up to 72 hours for manual review. Check your spam folder if you don't see the email.
Helpful Application Services
While you can apply directly through Immigration New Zealand, professional application services can help ensure your application is completed correctly and provide support if issues arise. These services check your eligibility, review your application for errors, and offer customer support throughout the process.
www.nzeta.nz - Trusted NZeTA application service with worldwide support, multilingual assistance, and application review to prevent common mistakes
Most applications: Approved within 10-20 minutes through automated processing
Some applications: May require manual review by immigration officers, taking up to 72 hours
Our recommendation: Apply at least one week before your planned departure to allow time for unexpected delays
Do not book flights until your NZeTA is approved. While most are processed quickly, manual reviews can occasionally take longer, especially during peak travel seasons.
Standard validity: 2 years from approval date
Passport expiry: NZeTA expires when your passport expires, even if within the 2-year period
Multiple entries: You can visit New Zealand multiple times during the validity period
Per visit duration: Each stay can be up to 90 days
If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new NZeTA with your new passport details. The old NZeTA cannot be transferred.
No, an NZeTA does not permit any form of work in New Zealand, whether paid or unpaid. You may attend business meetings, conferences, or training sessions, but cannot work for New Zealand employers or provide services for payment.
If you want to work in New Zealand, you need to apply for an appropriate work visa. Visit our Work Visa guide to learn about work visa options including Working Holiday Visas and Accredited Employer Work Visas.
If your NZeTA is declined, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. Common reasons for declination include criminal convictions, previous immigration issues, or providing incomplete or false information.
The fees are non-refundable even if declined. However, you can apply for a full visitor visa instead of an NZeTA. Visitor visas undergo more thorough assessment and allow immigration officers to consider your individual circumstances in detail.
If your NZeTA is declined, visit the Immigration New Zealand website to apply for a visitor visa, or consult with a licensed immigration adviser about your options.
No, you don't need to print anything. The NZeTA is stored electronically in Immigration New Zealand's systems and linked to your passport. Airlines can verify your NZeTA electronically before you board your flight, and immigration officers can see it when you arrive in New Zealand.
However, it's a good idea to keep a copy of your approval email (digital or printed) for your own records, especially if you need to confirm your NZeTA status or application reference number.
An NZeTA allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a visitor visa while still in New Zealand, before your current NZeTA-authorized stay expires. You cannot extend the NZeTA itself.
Visitor visa applications from within New Zealand can take several weeks to process and have no guaranteed outcome. It's generally better to plan your visit duration carefully from the start or apply for an appropriate long-term visa before arriving in New Zealand.
Yes, every traveler to New Zealand needs their own NZeTA, regardless of age. This includes infants and babies, even if they're traveling on a parent's passport. Each child requires a separate NZeTA application with the full fees (NZD $52-58 per child). Parents or guardians can complete the application on behalf of minors.
Apply early
Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least 7 days before your departure date to allow for processing time and potential issues.
Double-check passport details
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from New Zealand. Enter all details exactly as they appear in your passport.
Answer questions honestly
Provide truthful answers to all security and health questions. False information can result in visa declination and affect future applications.
Use a valid email address
Your NZeTA approval will be sent by email. Make sure to use an email address you check regularly and check your spam folder.
Save your confirmation
Keep a copy of your approval email and application reference number for your records and for checking your NZeTA status.
Consider using assistance services
If you're unsure about any aspect of the application or want to minimize errors, professional application services can review your application and provide support throughout the process.
While the NZeTA is perfect for short visits up to 90 days, New Zealand offers numerous other visa options if you want to work, study, or live in New Zealand longer term: