New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

Complete guide to visiting New Zealand - Requirements, application process, fees, and everything you need to know

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What is NZeTA?

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a mandatory travel authorization system introduced by Immigration New Zealand in October 2019. This digital travel permit allows citizens from visa-waiver countries to enter New Zealand for tourism, business visits, or transit purposes without obtaining a traditional visa.

Similar to systems like the US ESTA or Australian ETA, the NZeTA streamlines border control and enhances security by pre-screening travelers before they board flights or cruise ships to New Zealand. Once approved, the NZeTA is electronically linked to your passport and remains valid for multiple entries over a two-year period.

NZeTA Key Features

Valid for 2 Years
Once approved, your NZeTA remains valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Make unlimited trips within this period.
Multiple Entry Permit
Travel to New Zealand multiple times without reapplying. Perfect for frequent travelers, business professionals, and tourists planning return visits.
Stay Up to 90 Days
Each visit allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to 90 days (or 24 hours for transit). Ideal for tourism, family visits, or short business trips.
100% Digital Process
Apply entirely online from anywhere in the world. No embassy visits, no paperwork, no passport stamping required. Receive approval via email.
Secure & Encrypted
Your personal information is protected with bank-level encryption. NZeTA is directly linked to your passport in New Zealand immigration systems.
Includes IVL Fee
NZeTA applications include the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), supporting New Zealand's tourism infrastructure and conservation.

Who Needs an NZeTA?

Visa-Waiver Country Citizens
Citizens from over 60 visa-waiver countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most European Union nations, must obtain an NZeTA before traveling to New Zealand.
Cruise Ship Passengers
All cruise ship passengers from visa-waiver countries, even if only transiting through New Zealand ports, must have a valid NZeTA before boarding their cruise.
Transit Passengers
Travelers connecting through New Zealand airports or seaports, even if not leaving the international transit area, must have an NZeTA or appropriate transit visa.

How to Apply for NZeTA

1
Complete Online Application
Fill out the secure online application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. The process takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
2
Upload Required Documents
Provide a digital copy of your passport bio-data page and a recent passport-style photograph meeting New Zealand requirements.
3
Pay Application Fee
Pay the NZeTA application fee securely using credit card or debit card. The fee includes both the NZeTA processing and the IVL conservation levy.
4
Receive Email Confirmation
Get instant confirmation that your application has been received. Our team begins processing your NZeTA immediately upon payment.
5
NZeTA Approval
Receive your approved NZeTA via email within 24-72 hours (regular processing) or 4-12 hours (express processing). Your NZeTA is electronically linked to your passport.
Start Your NZeTA Application

NZeTA Fees & Processing Times

Choose the processing speed that fits your travel timeline. All fees include the NZeTA processing and the NZD $35 International Visitor Levy (IVL).

Tourist NZeTA

Regular Processing$135
Processing: 24-72 hours
Valid for 2 years
Multiple entries
Stay up to 90 days per visit
Express Processing$170
Processing: 4-12 hours
Valid for 2 years
Multiple entries
Stay up to 90 days per visit

Transit NZeTA

Regular Processing$85
Processing: 24-72 hours
Valid for 2 years
Multiple transits
Stay up to 24 hours
Express Processing$105
Processing: 4-12 hours
Valid for 2 years
Multiple transits
Stay up to 24 hours

Country-Specific NZeTA Guides

Detailed NZeTA information tailored for citizens of specific countries. Get requirements, tips, and application guidance for your nationality.

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United States

NZeTA Guide →

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United Kingdom

NZeTA Guide →

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Canada

NZeTA Guide →

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Australia

NZeTA Guide →

🇩🇪

Germany

NZeTA Guide →

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France

NZeTA Guide →

🇮🇹

Italy

NZeTA Guide →

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Spain

NZeTA Guide →

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Japan

NZeTA Guide →

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Singapore

NZeTA Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does NZeTA approval take?
Regular processing takes 24-72 hours, while express processing is completed within 4-12 hours. Most applications are approved within 24 hours. We recommend applying at least 3 days before your travel date.
Can I apply for NZeTA at the airport?
No, you cannot apply for an NZeTA at the airport. You must have an approved NZeTA before checking in for your flight or boarding your cruise ship to New Zealand. Airlines will verify your NZeTA status before boarding.
Do children need an NZeTA?
Yes, all travelers including infants and children from visa-waiver countries need their own NZeTA. Each person, regardless of age, must have an individual NZeTA linked to their passport.
What if my NZeTA application is declined?
If your NZeTA is declined, you will need to apply for a visitor visa through Immigration New Zealand. The email notification will explain the reason for decline and provide guidance on next steps.
Can I extend my NZeTA stay in New Zealand?
The NZeTA allows stays of up to 90 days per visit for tourism purposes. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visitor visa extension through Immigration New Zealand before your 90 days expire.
Do I need to print my NZeTA?
No, you don't need to print your NZeTA. It's electronically linked to your passport in the New Zealand immigration system. However, we recommend saving a copy of your approval email for your records.
View All FAQs

Ready to Visit New Zealand?

Apply for your NZeTA now and get approved within 24-72 hours. Simple, secure, and hassle-free process.

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