New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA): Complete Guide
The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is a mandatory pre-travel authorization for nationals of visa-waiver countries visiting or transiting New Zealand.Visitors can travel to New Zealand with an NZeTA if they are citizens of a visa-waiver country or territory, cruise ship passengers, or Australian permanent residents.
Citizens of China or Pacific Islands Forum countries may also qualify when travelling from Australia with an eligible Australian visa.
Processing usually takes up to 72 hours. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years with unlimited entries (or 5 years for airline crew members), allowing stays of up to 3 months per visit (or 6 months for UK citizens).
What Is the NZeTA?
The NZeTA is an electronic travel authorization — not a visa — that allows nationals of visa-waiver countries to visit New Zealand (Aotearoa) for up to 3 months (or 6 for UK citizens) per stay without applying for a regular visa.New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a digital pre-travel authorization linked electronically to the passport. New Zealand introduced the NZeTA in 2019 to strengthen border security and screen travelers from visa-waiver countries before they board their flights. Key facts at a glance:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Electronic travel authorization (NOT a visa) |
| Cost | from NZD $17 |
| Processing time | Up to 72 hours |
| Validity | 2 years (travelers) / 5 years (crew) |
| Max stay per visit | 3 months (or 6 for UK citizens) |
| Entry type | Multiple entry |
| Linked to | Specific passport |
| Introduced | 2019 |
However, the NZeTA is technically NOT a visa. It is an electronic travel authority that grants permission to board a flight to New Zealand.
New Zealand is also known as Aotearoa in the Māori language. Both names refer to the same country, and both “NZeTA” and “Aotearoa NZeTA” refer to the same authorization.
Who Needs an NZeTA?
You should have an NZeTA if you hold a passport from a visa-waiver country and plan to visit or transit through New Zealand.You do not need an NZeTA if you already hold a valid New Zealand visa, such as work, student, visitor, or residence permits.
You are also exempt if you travel using a New Zealand or Australian passport, have a New Zealand citizen endorsement on a foreign passport, or are part of an Antarctic scientific mission or official visiting force with supporting evidence.
Nationalities that need an NZeTA
The NZeTA is required for passport holders from visa-waiver countries, including:- Andorra
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia (citizens only)
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece (only for Greek passports issued on and after 1 Jan 2006)
- Hong Kong (residents travelling on HKSAR or British National–Overseas passports only)
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea, South
- Kuwait
- Latvia (citizens only)
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania (citizens only)
- Luxembourg
- Macau (residents travelling on Macau Special Administrative Region passports)
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Oman
- Poland
- Portugal (passport holders who have the right to live permanently in Portugal)
- Qatar
- Romania
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan (permanent residents travelling on Taiwan passports)
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom (UK) (citizens and other British passport holders who have the right to reside permanently in the UK)
- United States of America (USA) (including USA nationals)
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
What is more, cruise ship passengers who disembark in New Zealand need to have an NZeTA.
Crew members require an NZeTA but are exempt from paying the IVL levy. Crew NZeTAs are valid for 5 years.
Every traveler — including infants and children — must have their own individual NZeTA (parents or guardians apply on behalf of minors).
If you hold passports from both a visa-waiver country and a non-visa-waiver country, use the visa-waiver country passport to apply for and travel with your NZeTA.
How Much Does the NZeTA Cost?
The NZeTA costs NZD $17 via the official mobile app or NZD $23 via the website. Most travelers also pay a NZD $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), bringing the total to approximately NZD $117–$123 per person.NZeTA fee breakdown
| Application method | NZeTA fee | IVL | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official app (recommended) | NZD $17 | NZD $100 | NZD $117 |
| Official website | NZD $23 | NZD $100 | NZD $123 |
What is the IVL?
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is a NZD $100 fee paid alongside the NZeTA or visa.The IVL funds New Zealand’s conservation infrastructure and tourism facilities.
Most overseas travelers applying for an NZeTA or New Zealand visa must pay a non-refundable fee of about NZD $100.
Payment and refunds
The NZeTA accepts credit or debit cards (Mastercard, Visa, or UnionPay). American Express, PayPal, and other payment methods are not accepted.Fees are usually only refundable in exceptional situations. When you submit a NZeTA/visa application or an expression of interest (EOI), a fee is typically required to cover processing costs.
You may be eligible for a refund if your application has not yet been processed or if you withdraw your EOI, as each request is reviewed individually.
Refunds may be considered if you paid when it was not required, paid the incorrect amount, or if your form was rejected and returned to you.
How to Apply for the NZeTA
Travelers may apply via the official NZeTA app (iOS/Android, NZD $17) or at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz (NZD $23).It’s important to start the process at least 72 hours before the flight. Airlines check NZeTA status at check-in. Without a valid NZeTA, you will be denied boarding.
Documents needed for NZeTA
- ✅ Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from New Zealand
- ✅ Photo of your face (less than 6 months old, white background, no glasses)
- ✅ Credit or debit card for payment
Method 1: Official NZeTA App (Recommended — NZD $17)
The app is the fastest and cheapest way to obtain NZeTA. Most applications take under 5 minutes.Step 1: Download the free NZeTA app from the iOS App Store or Google Play (search “NZeTA” — official app by Immigration New Zealand).
Step 2: Open the app and tap “Request an NZeTA.”
Step 3: Scan the passport using a phone camera. The app auto-fills your passport details.
Step 4: Take a selfie — the app guides you through the photo requirements.
Step 5: Answer the declaration questions — health, character, and travel history questions. Answer honestly.
Step 6: Pay NZD $17 + $100 IVL using Visa or Mastercard. Step 7: Review an email for the NZeTA confirmation with the reference number. Check your spam folder if not received within 72 hours.
Method 2: Official Website
Step 1: Go to nzeta.immigration.govt.nz — the only official NZeTA website.Step 2: Click “Request an NZeTA.”
Step 3: Enter your passport details manually (name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, expiry date).
Step 4: Upload a photo of your face meeting the technical requirements.
Step 5: Answer the declaration questions.
Step 6: Pay NZD $23 + $100 IVL using Visa or Mastercard.
Step 7: Check your email for the NZeTA confirmation.
After you apply for NZeTA
After submitting the NZeTA form:- You receive a confirmation email with your NZeTA reference number.
- Your NZeTA is linked electronically to your passport — no printout required.
- Check your NZeTA status at any time: nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/check-status.
NZeTA Processing Time
NZeTA is processed within 72 hours. Most applications are approved within 24 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight — no expedited processing is available.| Processing scenario | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Standard processing | Up to 72 hours |
| Most applications approved within | 24 hours |
| Weekend/public holiday | Same timeframe (automated system) |
| Expedited/urgent processing | Not available |
- Check your spam/junk email folder.
- Check your status at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/check-status using your reference number.
- Contact Immigration New Zealand if the status shows no result.
| Authorization | Processing time |
|---|---|
| NZeTA | Up to 72 hours |
| Visitor visa | 1–3 weeks (or longer) |
NZeTA Validity & How to Use It
The NZeTA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue (5 years for crew members) and allows unlimited entries to New Zealand, with each stay limited to 3 months (or 6 if you are a UK citizen).Validity periods
| Traveler type | NZeTA validity | Max stay per visit |
|---|---|---|
| General travelers | 2 years | 3 months (or 6 months) |
| Airline/maritime crew | 5 years | Per crew schedule |
How the NZeTA works at the border
NZeTA is stored electronically and linked to the passport number. You do not need to print it or carry any documents. Airlines check your NZeTA status automatically at check-in. Border officials verify it electronically on arrival.Multiple entry
The NZeTA allows numerous entries to New Zealand within the 2-year validity period for most travelers. Each visit is limited to 3 months (or 6 in the case of UK citizens). You can leave and re-enter New Zealand multiple times.NZeTA and passport renewal
Your NZeTA is linked to the specific passport used at application. If you renew your passport, your old NZeTA becomes invalid. You must apply for a new NZeTA using your new passport.Work and study restrictions
The NZeTA does NOT allow you to work or study in New Zealand. It is for tourism, transit, and short visits only. Working or studying requires a separate work visa or student visa.Renewing your NZeTA
When your NZeTA expires, apply for a new one through the same process (app or website). There is no renewal process — each NZeTA is a new application.NZeTA vs New Zealand Visitor Visa
The NZeTA is for nationals of visa-waiver countries and usually allows stays up to 3 months. A visitor visa to New Zealand is required for nationals of non-visa-waiver countries or for stays longer than 3 months.| Feature | NZeTA | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Visa-waiver country nationals | Non-visa-waiver nationals |
| Cost | ~NZD $17–$23 | NZD $175+ |
| Processing time | Up to 72 hours | 1–3 weeks (or longer) |
| Max stay | 3 months per visit | Up to 9 months |
| Application | Online only (app/web) | Online + supporting documents |
| Work allowed | No | Depends on visa type |
| Study allowed | No | Depends on visa type |
| Multiple entry | Yes (unlimited within validity) | Depends on visa type |