Frequently Asked Questions

The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is a mandatory pre-travel authorisation introduced on 1 October 2019 for citizens of visa-waiver countries. It is required for visiting, transiting, or arriving by cruise ship into New Zealand. The NZeTA is electronically linked to your passport — there is no physical sticker or stamp.

No. The NZeTA is a travel authorisation, not a traditional visa. It is available only to passport holders from visa-waiver countries. Citizens of non-waiver countries must still apply for a full New Zealand visitor visa through Immigration New Zealand.

No. The NZeTA is entirely electronic and is linked directly to your passport number in New Zealand's immigration system. You do not need to print it or carry a paper copy — border officials can verify it automatically when you travel.

The NZeTA is valid for tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, conferences, unpaid amateur sports, and transit through New Zealand. It does not permit paid employment or volunteering for a New Zealand organisation.

No. The NZeTA does not permit paid or voluntary employment in New Zealand. If you intend to work, you must obtain the appropriate New Zealand work visa before travelling.

You need an NZeTA if you are: a passport holder from one of 60+ visa-waiver countries (including UK, USA, Canada, EU nations); an Australian permanent resident (not an Australian citizen) staying less than 3 months; a cruise ship passenger regardless of nationality; or a transit traveller through Auckland International Airport from a visa-waiver country.

The following do not require an NZeTA: New Zealand citizens and permanent residents; Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport; people holding a current New Zealand visa (visitor, work, student, or residency). Citizens of non-visa-waiver countries must apply for a full visitor visa instead.

Yes. All passengers arriving by cruise ship — including visa-free nationals and cruise crew — are required to hold a valid NZeTA, regardless of nationality. This applies whether New Zealand is your final destination or a port of call.

Yes. If you are transiting through Auckland International Airport and hold a visa-waiver passport, you must have a valid NZeTA — even if you are not leaving the airport. This applies to those connecting to/from Australia or other destinations.

No. The NZeTA requires applicants to be in good health. If you intend to travel to New Zealand for medical treatment or consultation, you must apply for a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa through Immigration New Zealand instead.

Applying is simple: (1) Complete the secure online form with your passport and travel details — takes under 10 minutes. (2) Pay the fee securely by card. (3) Receive your approved NZeTA by email within 72 hours. No embassy visit or paperwork required.

You will need: a valid passport from an eligible visa-waiver country; a current email address to receive your NZeTA; a valid debit or credit card for payment; and a recent passport-style photo (JPEG, 500KB–3MB, minimum 900×1200 pixels).

The application requires: personal details (full name, date of birth, address); passport details (number, nationality, issue and expiry date); contact information (email address); and basic travel plans. All information must match your passport exactly.

Yes. A parent or guardian can complete the NZeTA application on behalf of a child. Each child requires their own separate NZeTA application linked to their individual passport. Children travelling on a UK passport can also stay up to 6 months per visit.

After submission and payment, your application is reviewed by New Zealand Immigration. You will receive email and SMS status updates during the process. Once approved, your NZeTA is sent to your email address and is automatically linked to your passport in the immigration system.

The IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) is a mandatory government fee that all NZeTA applicants must pay. It was introduced to fund New Zealand's conservation efforts, national parks, and tourism infrastructure. The IVL is collected as part of your NZeTA application and does not need to be paid separately.

Yes. The total fee you pay when applying includes both the government IVL levy and our service processing fee. You do not need to pay anything separately to New Zealand Immigration. All fees are clearly shown before you confirm your application.

The government IVL levy component is non-refundable once submitted — this is a New Zealand government policy. Our service fee refund terms are covered in our Refund Policy. We encourage applicants to verify eligibility before applying.

We accept all major payment cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, and JCB. All transactions are SSL encrypted with 256-bit security. Payment can be made in your local currency.

Standard NZeTA applications are processed within 24 to 72 hours. In most cases, approval arrives within 48 hours. Processing times may vary based on application volume and individual circumstances. We recommend applying at least 5 working days before your departure.

Your approved NZeTA is sent directly to your registered email address. You will also receive an SMS confirmation. The NZeTA is simultaneously linked to your passport in New Zealand's immigration system — no physical document or printout is required.

NZeTA rejections are uncommon but can occur if you have a criminal record, health concerns, or incomplete information. If your application is rejected, you will be notified by email. You may then need to apply for a standard New Zealand visitor visa through Immigration New Zealand, depending on your circumstances.

Yes. Our application portal uses 256-bit SSL encryption on all servers. All personal data provided during your NZeTA application is fully encrypted during transmission and at rest. We follow strict data protection policies in line with applicable privacy law.

The NZeTA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval. During this period, you can travel to New Zealand as many times as you wish without reapplying. After 2 years, you must apply for a new NZeTA.

Yes. The NZeTA is a multiple entry travel authorisation. You can enter and exit New Zealand as many times as you like during the 2-year validity period, subject to the maximum stay limit per visit.

Most visa-waiver nationals can stay for up to 90 days per visit. UK and British citizens are permitted to stay for up to 6 months (180 days) per visit. You must ensure your departure falls within this window or apply for a further visa if needed.

No. The NZeTA cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than permitted, or if your NZeTA has expired, you must apply for a new NZeTA or the appropriate New Zealand visa before travelling.

Yes. The NZeTA is linked to your specific passport number. If you obtain a new passport (due to renewal, loss, or name change), you must apply for a new NZeTA linked to your new passport before travelling to New Zealand.

Yes. British passport holders must hold a valid NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand. UK citizens are among the eligible visa-waiver nationals and can apply online in minutes. You do not need to visit a New Zealand embassy or consulate.

British citizens benefit from an extended allowance — they can stay in New Zealand for up to 6 months (180 days) per visit, compared to the standard 90 days for most other visa-waiver nationals. The NZeTA itself remains valid for 2 years with multiple entries.

UK citizens need: a valid British passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your arrival date in New Zealand); a current email address; a valid debit or credit card; and a recent passport-style photo in JPEG format.

UK travellers arriving in New Zealand may be asked to demonstrate financial means at the border. The general guidance is approximately NZ$400 per month if you have pre-booked accommodation, or up to NZ$1,000 per month without. Bank statements or travel funds evidence can be used.

Yes. The NZeTA for UK citizens is a multiple entry authorisation. British passport holders can enter and exit New Zealand as many times as they wish during the 2-year validity period, with each stay not exceeding 6 months.

A UK Emergency Travel Document (ETD) may be accepted for entry into New Zealand if accompanied by a valid permanent resident, work, or study visa. ETDs are generally accepted for transit and departure. Tourists should confirm acceptance with their airline and New Zealand Immigration before travel.

Your passport must be from an eligible visa-waiver country and be valid for the full duration of your stay in New Zealand. We recommend having at least 6 months of passport validity beyond your intended departure date. The NZeTA is tied to your passport number — a new passport requires a new NZeTA.

Yes. You must hold a confirmed return or onward travel ticket before arriving in New Zealand. Immigration officers at the border may ask to see evidence of your planned departure. One-way travel without onward plans may result in being denied entry.

Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for the NZeTA, but it is strongly recommended. New Zealand's healthcare system does not cover most overseas visitors, and medical costs can be significant. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation is advisable for all travellers.

The New Zealand Travel Declaration is a separate online system used by air travellers to complete a health and customs declaration before arriving in New Zealand. It is distinct from the NZeTA and must be completed closer to your travel date. Both the NZeTA and Travel Declaration may be required for entry.