Planning a trip from the UK to New Zealand and confused about the NZeTA IVL UK cost? The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is an additional charge that most UK visitors need to pay.
For most UK travellers, the IVL is paid at the same time as the NZeTA request. Here is what you need to know about the cost, payment, exemptions, and application process before travelling.
What Is the NZeTA IVL for UK Travellers?
The IVL stands for International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. It is a charge paid by most international visitors travelling to New Zealand.
The levy is currently NZD $100 per person. If you need an NZeTA, the IVL is generally paid when you request your NZeTA.
The money contributes towards maintaining New Zealand's tourism infrastructure and natural environment, including facilities and conservation-related needs used by visitors.
For UK citizens, the IVL is separate from the NZeTA application fee, although both are normally paid during the same transaction.
Do UK Citizens Need an NZeTA and IVL?
Yes, most UK passport holders travelling to New Zealand for a short visit need an NZeTA before travelling.
The United Kingdom is on New Zealand's visa-waiver list. UK citizens can generally visit without applying for a Visitor Visa in advance, but they must obtain an NZeTA before travelling. UK citizens can stay for up to 6 months under the visa-waiver arrangements, subject to meeting the applicable entry requirements.
For example, if you are flying from London to Auckland for a holiday, you would normally need:
- A valid UK passport
- An approved NZeTA
- Payment of the applicable NZeTA fee
- The NZD $100 IVL, unless an exemption applies
- Evidence of onward or return travel and sufficient funds if requested at the border
- A completed New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD)
An NZeTA does not itself guarantee entry into New Zealand. Border officials still assess whether you meet the entry requirements.
How Much Does NZeTA IVL Cost for UK Travellers?
The IVL is NZD $100 per person for most eligible international visitors.
There is also an NZeTA fee. Immigration New Zealand currently lists the NZeTA cost as:
The exact amount you pay can depend on the application channel and whether you qualify for an exemption. Immigration New Zealand states that the NZeTA is valid for 2 years for travellers.
Is the IVL Included in the NZeTA Fee?
The NZeTA fee and IVL are separate charges. However, if you are required to pay both, they are normally paid together when you request your NZeTA.
So, if you see a total that includes both an NZeTA charge and the NZD $100 IVL, this does not mean you are being charged the IVL twice.
Who Needs to Pay the New Zealand IVL?
Most international visitors who enter New Zealand using an NZeTA or certain visas need to pay the IVL.
For a typical UK tourist travelling to New Zealand, the IVL normally applies.
You should also know that the IVL is charged each time you request an NZeTA when the levy applies.
Who Does Not Need to Pay the IVL?
There are several exemptions.
According to Immigration New Zealand, people generally do not pay the IVL if they:
- Travel on a New Zealand or Australian passport
- Are transit passengers arriving at and leaving from Auckland International Airport
- Hold a New Zealand resident visa
- Hold an Australian Resident Visa
- Hold a Business Visitor Visa or APEC business travel card
- Fall into certain other exempt categories
There are also exemptions for some Pacific Island passport holders and specific visa categories.
If you are travelling on a UK passport as a normal tourist, do not assume an exemption applies simply because you have another visa or residence status elsewhere. Check the rules that apply to your specific travel situation.
When Do UK Travellers Pay the IVL?
You normally pay the IVL when you request your NZeTA.
This means you do not normally pay the levy separately when you arrive at a New Zealand airport.
For example:
Scenario: Sarah is a UK citizen travelling from Manchester to New Zealand for a three-week holiday.
She needs an NZeTA before travelling. During her NZeTA request, she pays the applicable NZeTA fee plus the NZD $100 IVL. Once approved, she travels with her NZeTA confirmation and other required travel documents.
Immigration New Zealand advises travellers to allow up to 72 hours for an NZeTA request to be processed.
How to Apply for an NZeTA and Pay the IVL
The process is straightforward.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that your passport and travel purpose qualify for an NZeTA rather than requiring a Visitor Visa or another visa.
UK citizens are included in New Zealand's visa-waiver arrangements, subject to the applicable conditions.
Step 2: Prepare Your Details
Have your passport and personal information ready before starting your request.
Make sure the information you enter matches your passport details. Incorrect information can cause problems with your travel authorization.
Step 3: Complete the NZeTA Request
You can review the NZeTA application form and provide the required information.
Immigration New Zealand says travellers should apply before travelling and allow up to 72 hours for processing.
Step 4: Pay the NZeTA Fee and IVL
If the IVL applies to you, you pay the NZD $100 levy together with the NZeTA request.
The NZeTA fee is separate, with the current listed amount being NZD $17 through the mobile app or NZD $23 through the website.
Step 5: Wait for Confirmation
Immigration New Zealand advises allowing up to 72 hours for an NZeTA decision.
Avoid leaving your request until the day of departure. If you do not have the required NZeTA when checking in, you may be denied boarding.
Is the NZD $100 IVL Refundable?
Immigration New Zealand states that the IVL is normally non-refundable, including when an application is declined or the traveller later decides not to travel.
Because of this, check your details carefully before submitting your NZeTA request.
NZeTA IVL UK: Important Things to Remember
Before travelling from the UK to New Zealand, keep these points in mind:
- The IVL is currently NZD $100 per person for most eligible visitors.
- The IVL is separate from the NZeTA fee.
- The IVL is normally paid when you request your NZeTA.
- UK citizens are generally eligible to travel under New Zealand's visa-waiver arrangements for short visits.
- UK citizens can generally stay for up to 6 months under the visa-waiver rules.
- NZeTA processing can take up to 72 hours.
- An NZeTA is generally valid for 2 years for travellers.
- The IVL is normally non-refundable.
- You should check whether an exemption applies to your particular circumstances.
FAQs About NZeTA IVL UK
Do UK citizens have to pay the New Zealand IVL?
Most UK citizens visiting New Zealand with an NZeTA need to pay the NZD $100 IVL. Some travellers are exempt, so check the rules for your specific circumstances.
How much is the NZeTA and IVL for UK travellers?
The IVL is NZD $100. The NZeTA costs NZD $17 through the mobile app or NZD $23 through the website, making the combined amount NZD $117 or NZD $123 respectively when both apply.
Do I pay the IVL separately from my NZeTA?
No. When the IVL applies, it is normally paid at the same time as your NZeTA request. The two charges are separate but are collected together.
How long does an NZeTA take for UK travellers?
Immigration New Zealand advises travellers to allow up to 72 hours for an NZeTA request to be processed. Applying before your trip is strongly recommended.
Ready to Travel to New Zealand?
If you are travelling from the UK, sorting out your NZeTA and IVL before departure can help you avoid last-minute problems.
Apply now and complete your NZeTA request well before your journey. Check your details carefully and allow up to 72 hours for processing.
