Everything you need to know about the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a mandatory pre-travel authorisation for citizens of visa-waiver countries visiting or transiting through New Zealand. It was introduced by New Zealand Immigration on 1 October 2019.
Unlike a traditional visa, the NZeTA is electronically linked to your passport — there is no stamp or sticker in your travel document. Once approved, it allows multiple entries into New Zealand for up to 90 days per visit (or 6 months for British citizens), and remains valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
The NZeTA applies to all eligible travellers — whether arriving by air, sea, or cruise ship — and must be obtained before you board your flight or vessel to New Zealand.
All NZeTA applicants are required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) — a government-mandated fee introduced to help fund New Zealand's tourism infrastructure, conservation projects, and natural environment. The IVL is included in your total NZeTA application fee and does not need to be paid separately.
The IVL applies to all eligible travellers arriving in New Zealand, including those on cruise ships. It is a one-time payment per NZeTA application and is non-refundable once processed.
The NZeTA covers a range of short-stay purposes but does not permit paid employment in New Zealand.
Sightseeing, holidays, and recreational travel throughout New Zealand.
Visiting relatives or friends residing in New Zealand.
Attending meetings, conferences, and business activities (no employment).
Participating in unpaid amateur or recreational sporting events.
You need an NZeTA if you fall into one of the following categories:
Citizens of one of the 60+ visa waiver countries (including UK, USA, Canada, EU nations, Australia) who wish to visit New Zealand for up to 90 days (or 6 months for British citizens).
All passengers arriving in New Zealand on a cruise ship, regardless of nationality, must hold an NZeTA — including those just transiting between ports.
Permanent residents of Australia who are not Australian citizens and plan to stay in New Zealand for less than 3 months.
Travellers passing through Auckland International Airport in transit to/from Australia or another country, if they hold a visa-waiver passport.
British passport holders enjoy an extended stay allowance compared to other visa-waiver nationals. UK citizens can stay in New Zealand for up to 6 months per visit under the NZeTA, compared to the standard 90 days for most other countries. This makes the NZeTA especially attractive for British travellers planning extended holidays, family visits, or long-stay business trips to New Zealand.
British citizens are eligible to apply online — the process takes just a few minutes, and approval is typically received within 72 hours. Once issued, the NZeTA is valid for 2 years with multiple entries.
Apply as UK CitizenBefore and upon arrival in New Zealand, you must meet the following requirements:
You must hold a confirmed return or onward travel ticket before arriving in New Zealand. Immigration officers may ask to see proof of departure.
You must be able to demonstrate that you have adequate financial means to support yourself during your stay without seeking employment.
You must not be suffering from, or expected to develop, any serious infectious disease or health condition that could pose a risk to public health.
You must not have been convicted of a criminal offence carrying a prison sentence, and must not pose a risk to security, public order, or law enforcement.
The NZeTA does not permit you to work for a New Zealand company or organisation in any paid or voluntary capacity during your stay.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. It is recommended your passport has at least 6 months validity beyond your intended departure date.
The NZeTA application is entirely online — no embassy visit, no paperwork. Complete the process in under 10 minutes.
Fill in the secure online application form with your passport details, travel plans, and contact information. Takes under 10 minutes.
Pay securely using Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. The total fee includes the government IVL levy and our processing service charge.
Your approved NZeTA is sent to your email within 72 hours and is electronically linked to your passport. No printing required.
Standard NZeTA applications are processed within 24 to 72 hours. In the majority of cases, approvals arrive within 48 hours. Processing times can vary depending on application volume and individual circumstances.
We recommend applying at least 5 working days before your departure to allow for any delays or requests for additional information. Applying early gives you peace of mind before your trip.
The NZeTA is a multiple entry travel authorisation — once issued, you can travel to New Zealand as many times as you like within the 2-year validity period without reapplying.
Each visit allows you to stay for up to 90 days (or 180 days for British citizens). The NZeTA validity begins from the date of issue, not the date of first entry. You must reapply if your NZeTA expires or if you obtain a new passport.
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Dedicated visa support team to guide you through your NZeTA application from start to finish.
Receive instant status updates by email and SMS at every stage of your NZeTA application.
Join thousands of travellers who have successfully obtained their New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority through our secure online service.
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