NZeTA VISA 101 GUIDE

This page will help answer any questions you have about the NZeTA visa (a.k.a. New Zealand ETA) for New Zealand

This post will also discuss the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) which was introduced in mid-2019.

Note: All information was correct on the date above. Double-check any information you’re unsure about using official NZ Government visa sources.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What is the NZeTA?
2. NZeTA FAQ
3. IVL info

1. WHAT IS THE NZeTA?

The NZeTA stands for New Zealand electronic Travel Authority and was introduced on October 1st, 2019. The NZeTA is an electronic visa waiver that people must apply for if they are travelling to New Zealand but don’t need to apply for a more traditional visa.

There are also additional countries that can apply for an NZeTA if they’re only transiting through Auckland International airport.

You won’t need a visa if:

• you’re travelling to New Zealand for less than three months (six months if you’re from the UK)
• from one of the following countries as listed on the Immigration New Zealand website (this includes all transits through NZ):

COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE FOR AN NZeTA FOR TOURISM (<3 MONTHS) & TRANSITS

Andorra
Argentina
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia – citizens only
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong – residents with HKSAR or British National–Overseas passports only
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Korea — South
Kuwait
Latvia — citizens only
Liechtenstein
Lithuania — citizens only
Luxembourg
Macau — only if you have a Macau Special Administrative Region passport
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Oman
Poland
Portugal — if you have the right to live permanently in Portugal
Qatar
Romania
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan — if you are a permanent resident
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom — if you have the right to reside permanently in the United Kingdom
United States of America — including USA nationals
Uruguay
Vatican City

Not from one of these countries? Anyone can enter New Zealand as a cruise ship passenger (you’ll need the right documents etc. of course).

COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE FOR AN NZeTA FOR TRANSITS PURPOSES ONLY

Bahamas
Bermuda
Bolivia
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Federated States of Micronesia
Indonesia
Kiribati
Nauru
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Republic of Marshall Islands
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Thailand
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
Venezuela

2. NZeTA VISA FAQ

Do you need to have a flight leaving NZ when you arrive?

For the NZeTA you do. I’ve written a post about the different ways you can get proof of onward travel (NZ specific) if you prefer to use one-way flights.

Do Australians need to apply for an NZeTA?

• Australian permanent residents: Yes, you need an NZeTA.
• Australian citizens: No, you don’t need a visa or an NZeTA to visit New Zealand.

Where do I apply for the NZeTA?

There are three official places you can apply for the NZeTA:

• The New Zealand Immigration website (more expensive): https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/
• The Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/nzeta/id1470900142
• The Android Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.govt.mbie.eta

How much does the NZeTA cost?

• Via the immigration website: NZ$23.
• Via the Android app or Apple app: NZ$17.

You’ll pay the NZ$35 in addition to this for the IVL (more below).

How can I pay for the NZeTA?

When you apply, you have the option of paying via credit and debit cards (MasterCard and Visa).

I see other sites offering to apply for the NZeTA on my behalf, are these legitimate?

Maybe yes, but most of the time no. You should apply for your own NZeTA via the official website or apps. The process is quick and you eliminate the unnecessary middle man.

I have a working holiday visa. Do I need to apply for the NZeTA?

No. If you have applied for any visa, then there’s no need to apply for an NZeTA too. That includes working holiday visas, medical visas, and tourist visas for long stays etc.

How long does it take to get the visa approved?

If you’re considering when to apply for the NZeTA, do it ASAP. The maximum amount of time you’ll have to wait is 72 hours to get a response, but you’ll often be approved within 10 minutes. If you arrive at an airport and the airline asks to see your valid NZeTA you must show this otherwise they can refuse to let you board.

How long does my NZeTA valid for?

Your NZeTA is valid for at least two years from the time you get your approval and for multiple entries. Remember, you can only visit NZ for 3 months at a time (6 months for UK), and a total of 6 months out of every 12 months.

Can I check the status of my NZeTA?

You sure can via this page. You’ll need your NZeTA reference number from your application and a few of your passport details.

Note: You don’t need to have any proof of travel or medical insurance when you arrive in NZ with this visa.

3. WHAT’S THE STORY WITH THE IVL

To keep things simple, you’ll make your payment for the NZeTA and the IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) at the same time. The IVL was introduced on July 1st, 2019 as a tax to help fund the infrastructure tourists will likely use when in New Zealand.

Specifically, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis has stated that the IVL will help fund 10 projects such as Arthur’s Pass development, Kākāpō sustainability, and further investment in Milford Sound.

Everyone needs to pay this IVL tax when applying for your NZeTA (excluding those transiting through Auckland Airport). This means your total payment when applying will be either NZ$52 via the app or NZ$58 via the website.

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If you have any questions about the NZeTA, post them below and I’ll do my best to help. Alternatively, let people know how you got on with your application below 🙂

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