If you are a UK citizen living overseas, you may wonder which passport you should use when applying for an NZeTA for New Zealand.
The key rule is simple: your NZeTA must be linked to the passport you will use to travel to New Zealand. Where you currently live does not replace the importance of your travel document.
Do UK Citizens Living Abroad Need an NZeTA?
Yes, if you are travelling on a UK passport and visiting New Zealand under the visa-waiver arrangement, you generally need an NZeTA before travelling.
Immigration New Zealand states that NZeTA requirements depend on the passport you are travelling on, how you are travelling, and the purpose of your visit.
UK citizens travelling on a UK passport can use an NZeTA for visits of up to six months at a time, subject to meeting New Zealand's entry requirements. The NZeTA itself is generally valid for two years.
Living in another country does not automatically change this rule.
For example, a British citizen living in the Netherlands who travels to New Zealand using a valid UK passport would generally be assessed according to the UK passport they present for travel.
Which Passport Should You Use for Your NZeTA?
The most important rule is to apply using the same passport you will use to enter New Zealand.
Immigration New Zealand specifically says your NZeTA must be requested with the passport you will travel on. The details in the NZeTA must match that passport.
This means you should:
- Choose the passport you intend to use for your New Zealand trip.
- Enter the passport details exactly as shown.
- Make sure the passport is valid for the required period.
- Travel with that same passport.
- Check that your NZeTA is linked to that passport before departure.
An NZeTA is electronically linked to the passport, so choosing the wrong passport can create problems at check-in.
What If You Live Outside the UK?
Living abroad does not by itself mean you need to apply using the passport of your country of residence.
Example: UK Citizen Living in the USA
Imagine you are a British citizen who permanently lives in the USA.
You hold:
- A valid UK passport
- A US residence permit
- A planned holiday to New Zealand
If you intend to travel to New Zealand using your UK passport, your NZeTA should be associated with that UK passport.
Your US residence status does not turn your UK passport into a US passport.
Example: UK Citizen Living in Germany
Suppose you are a British citizen living and working in Germany but still travel internationally with your UK passport.
For your New Zealand trip, the important document is the passport you will use for the journey.
If you use your UK passport, your NZeTA application should contain the details of that UK passport.
What If You Have Dual Citizenship?
This situation requires extra care.
If you have two passports, do not automatically assume that either passport can be used with the same NZeTA.
The NZeTA is connected to a specific passport. If you decide to travel using a different passport from the one entered in your application, you may need to make a new NZeTA request for the passport you will actually use.
Simple example
Suppose you are both a UK and Australian citizen and hold:
- UK passport
- Australian passport
If you plan to travel using your UK passport, make sure your NZeTA application uses the UK passport details.
If you instead travel using your Australian passport, different entry requirements may apply because Australian citizens have separate arrangements with New Zealand.
The safest approach is to decide which passport you will present for the New Zealand journey before submitting your NZeTA request.
UK Passport vs Passport of Your Country of Residence
Your country of residence and your passport nationality are two different things.
The important takeaway is that where you live is not the same as the passport you use to travel.
How to Apply for an NZeTA With a UK Passport
The application process is straightforward when your information is accurate.
Step 1: Choose Your Travel Passport
Before starting the application, decide which passport you will use to travel to New Zealand.
For a UK citizen living abroad, this will often be the UK passport, but the correct choice depends on the document you will actually present when travelling.
Step 2: Check Your Passport Details
Have your passport available when completing the application.
Check:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Passport issue information
- Passport expiry date
Your NZeTA details need to match your travel passport accurately.
You can begin your NZeTA Application Form when you are ready to provide these details.
Step 3: Submit the NZeTA Request
Complete the required information and submit the request.
Immigration New Zealand advises travellers to allow up to 72 hours for NZeTA processing, although some applications may take longer if additional checks are required.
For this reason, do not leave the application until the day of your flight.
Step 4: Check Your Confirmation
Once approved, keep your NZeTA confirmation information available when travelling.
The NZeTA is electronically connected to your passport, so it is especially important that the passport details used in the application are correct.
How Long Can UK Citizens Stay in New Zealand?
UK passport holders travelling with an NZeTA may be granted a visitor visa on arrival allowing a stay of up to six months per visit, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
Immigration New Zealand also states that travellers using an NZeTA can make multiple trips while the NZeTA remains valid. However, entry is not automatic: travellers must still meet New Zealand's entry and immigration requirements.
You may also need to show evidence of onward travel and sufficient funds when entering New Zealand.
What If Your UK Passport Expires Soon?
Check your passport before applying.
Immigration New Zealand says the passport used for an NZeTA must be valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave New Zealand.
If you are planning to renew your passport before travelling, it is better to resolve the passport issue first.
This is because the NZeTA is electronically linked to the passport details supplied in the application.
What About Working in New Zealand?
An NZeTA is not a general work visa.
If your plan is to work in New Zealand rather than visit for tourism or another permitted short-term purpose, you should check whether you need a separate visa.
If you are considering a Working Holiday Visa, financial requirements may also apply. Our guide on bank balance for a Working Holiday Visa explains the proof-of-funds issue in more detail.
Do not use an NZeTA as a substitute for a work visa.
Common Mistakes UK Citizens Living Abroad Should Avoid
A few simple mistakes can cause unnecessary travel problems.
Avoid:
- Applying with a passport you will not use for the trip.
- Entering your passport number incorrectly.
- Travelling with a different passport from the one linked to your NZeTA.
- Waiting until the last minute to apply.
- Assuming your country of residence determines your NZeTA eligibility.
- Assuming an NZeTA guarantees entry into New Zealand.
The best approach is to check your passport details carefully before submitting the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens living abroad need an NZeTA?
Generally, yes, when travelling to New Zealand on a UK passport under the visa-waiver arrangement. The NZeTA must be linked to the passport you will use for travel.
Can I use my residence country's passport instead?
Only if you are actually travelling on that passport and meet the relevant New Zealand entry requirements. NZeTA eligibility depends on the passport used for travel, not simply your country of residence.
Can I use my UK NZeTA if I get a new passport?
You should not assume that an NZeTA automatically transfers to a new passport. Because the NZeTA is linked to the passport used in the request, check the requirements before travelling with a newly issued passport.
How long can a UK citizen stay in New Zealand with an NZeTA?
A UK passport holder may be granted a visitor visa allowing up to six months per visit, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
Ready to Travel to New Zealand?
If you are a UK citizen living abroad, choosing the correct passport for your NZeTA application is one of the most important steps.
Make sure the passport details in your application match the passport you will actually use to travel.
Apply for your New Zealand NZeTA now and allow up to 72 hours for processing.
