Welcome to the most exciting blog post on earth! No, not really. But, we’ll do our best. This guide covers everything you need to know about the NZeTA: eligibility, costs, application steps, validity, common mistakes, and insider tips to avoid delays.
What is the NZeTA and why does it matter?
If you’re heading to New Zealand for a holiday, business trip, or even just transiting through Auckland Airport, you might need an NZeTA—short for New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority. It’s not a visa, but a mandatory pre-travel authorisation for visitors from visa-waiver countries, cruise passengers, and some transit travellers. Introduced in 2019, the NZeTA helps streamline border security and makes your arrival smoother.
The NZeTA is generally a faster online authorisation process compared to applying for a visa. It allows you to enter New Zealand for short stays—typically up to 3 months per visit, or 6 months for UK citizens. It’s valid for 2 years for travellers and 5 years for airline or cruise crew. The NZeTA also covers transit through Auckland International Airport for up to 24 hours.
Applying is simple: You submit your details online or via the official app, pay the fee and IVL (International Visitor Levy), and wait for approval (usually within 72 hours). It’s mandatory for most travellers who don’t need a visa, so check your eligibility before booking flights.
⚠️ Pro tip: If you hold a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) you don’t need an NZeTA.
👉🏼 For more info on other ways to travel to New Zealand, like the WHV, see our Beginner’s guide to backpacking New Zealand.
Does the NZeTA guarantee entry into New Zealand?
The NZeTA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry. It simply authorises you to travel to New Zealand and seek permission to enter at the border. Immigration officers can still refuse entry if you don’t meet entry requirements (e.g., insufficient funds, no onward ticket, health or character concerns).
That being said, assuming you meet all the typical requirements, and you’re not a drug dealer, you’ll be granted entry into Middle-earth.
We’ll cover items you should have for entry into New Zealand towards the end of this post. ⬇️
Who needs an NZeTA?
If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 3 months (or 6 months for UK citizens), you need a visa, not an NZeTA. If you’re a backpacker visiting New Zealand for tourism and not planning to work, here’s when you’d need an NZeTA.
✅ You need an NZeTA if you:
- Hold a passport from a visa-waiver country (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Japan, most EU nations).
- Your stay is short-term—up to 3 months per visit (or 6 months if you’re from the UK).
- Your purpose is tourism, transit, or business (but not paid work).
- Are an Australian permanent resident (Australian citizens are exempt).
- Are a cruise ship passenger or crew member.
- Are transiting through Auckland International Airport on your way to another country (even if you don’t leave the airport).
❌ You don’t need an NZeTA if you:
- Already hold a valid New Zealand visa (e.g., WHV).
- Are an Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport (different rules apply).
- Are a New Zealand citizen.
👍🏼 Pro tip: Use the official Immigration NZ checker before booking tickets to confirm if you need an NZeTA—it takes seconds and removes guesswork.
Can I fly without an NZeTA if I don’t have a visa?
No, you cannot fly to New Zealand without an NZeTA unless you already have a visa (or are an Australian citizen, or a New Zealand citizen with an endorsement on a foreign passport). If you don’t have a visa, you must have a valid NZeTA to travel to New Zealand.
Airlines will check your travel documents before departure, and without an NZeTA or a valid visa, you’ll likely be denied boarding. Remember, the NZeTA doesn’t guarantee entry—it simply allows you to travel to New Zealand and request permission at the border.
Visa-waiver countries
If your passport is from one of these countries, you’ll need an NZeTA:
Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (HKSAR), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (permanent residents), UK, USA, and many more.
How long is an NZeTA valid?
The NZeTA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries, but each stay must not exceed the allowed duration.
- Travellers: Valid for 2 years
- Crew members: Valid for 5 years
- Allows multiple entries during its validity period
- Each visit:
- Up to 3 months (most countries)
- Up to 6 months (UK citizens)
You are limited to a maximum of six months in New Zealand within any 12-month period.
📅 Pro tip: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from New Zealand.
How much does the NZeTA cost?
The cost of an NZeTA depends on how you apply. If you use the official mobile app, the fee is NZD $17, while applying through the Immigration New Zealand website costs NZD $23.
In addition to this, you must pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which is NZD $100 per person. This levy supports tourism infrastructure and conservation projects across New Zealand. Both fees are paid together during the application process.
Keep in mind that these charges are non-refundable, even if your travel plans change or your application is declined. Third-party websites often charge more and cannot fast-track your application, so always use the official channels.
Applying via the app is not only cheaper but also faster, as it allows you to scan your passport and upload your photo easily. Budget for these costs before booking flights—they’re mandatory for most short-term visitors.
💳 Pro tip: Avoid third-party sites—they often overcharge and can’t fast-track your application anyway. Stick to the official app or website.
Processing time
- Most NZeTA requests are processed within 72 hours
- Many are approved in minutes, but delays happen if details or photos don’t meet requirements
⏱️ Pro tip: The app is the fastest way to request an NZeTA. Apply at least a week before travel—don’t leave it to the last minute.
How to apply for an NZeTA
Good news, the process is straightforward and super easy. Even better news, Immigration NZ’s free mobile app is the cheapest and fastest way to get one.
To apply for an NZeTA simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather essentials
You’ll need:
- A valid passport—it must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from NZ.
- A credit or debit card to pay for the NZeTA and IVL.
- A valid email address to receive confirmation.
- A recent photo—passport style, plain background, no filters.
- Basic health and character information—including any criminal convictions or history of deportation.
- Genuine reasons for visiting New Zealand and an intention to leave at the end of your stay.
Step 2: Choose your method
- Official mobile app: Fastest option (scan passport + card)
- Official website: Immigration NZ portal
📲 Pro tip: Most people complete the app process in under 5 minutes. It also reduces photo upload errors.
Step 3: Complete the form
- Enter your personal details and passport info
- Answer health and character questions honestly
- Upload photo
⏩ Pro tip: For faster approval, double-check every detail (passport, photo requirements, etc.) before submitting—errors mean reapplying (and paying again).
Step 4: Pay and submit
- Pay fees—NZeTA (NZD $17 via app or NZD $23 online) + IVL (NZD $100)
- Receive confirmation email with reference number (approval is usually within 72 hours)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Incorrect passport details: Must match exactly (duh)
- Photo fails: No filters, AI edits, or poor lighting!
- Multiple applications: Fees are non-refundable
- Last-minute requests: Risk of missing your flight
Refund policy
- Fees and IVL are non-refundable, even if:
- You cancel your trip
- Your request is declined
- You submit duplicate applications
Refunds only apply for technical faults on Immigration NZ systems.
Transit passengers
If you’re transiting through Auckland Airport for less than 24 hours, you still need an NZeTA (unless exempt). You must stay in the transit area.
✈️ Pro tip: If you need accommodation during transit, apply for a Visitor Visa instead.
Items you should have for entry into New Zealand
You may be asked to show evidence of the following when you check in for your flight or upon arrival in New Zealand:
- Proof of onward or return travel—a plane ticket, cruise ship itinerary, etc.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses during your stay (at least NZD $1,000 per month, or NZD $400 per month if accommodation is already paid for). This can be shown via bank statements or credit card statements.
- Your NZeTA confirmation email or letter.
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD)—which you must complete no earlier than 24 hours before flying.
FAQs
Do Australians need an NZeTA?
Australian citizens: No. Australian permanent residents: Yes.
Can I work or study on an NZeTA?
No—NZeTA is for short visits only. For work or study, apply for the correct visa—like a WHV.
How do I check my NZeTA status?
Use the official Immigration NZ website or app with your reference number.
Essential resources
- Request an NZeTA (Official Site)
- Visa Waiver Countries List
- Paying the IVL
- Photo Requirements
- Check Status or Make Changes
Apply early, travel easy
We got there! Hopefully that means you guys have got your NZeTA? Or, maybe you scored yourself a WHV instead? Either way we’re happy for you!
The NZeTA is simple, affordable, and essential for most short-term visitors to New Zealand. Apply early, use the official app, and avoid common mistakes. With your NZeTA sorted, you’re ready to explore Aotearoa.
Now it’s time to start planning the fun stuff—what better way to start than with our insider guides to New Zealand’s highlights. Each has been carefully curated for you by our very own resident Kiwi (not the bird or the fruit). ✌🏼
⭐ 25 best things to do in New Zealand: North Island highlights
⭐ 25 best things to do in New Zealand: South Island highlights
