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Planning a trip to New Zealand? Great choice. After you Submit NZeTA Online, the next big question for many travellers is: How to Track the application so you know it is approved or still under review. This guide explains, in plain and friendly English, How to Track your NZeTA step by step. By the time you finish reading, you should have no doubts about where to look, what the status messages mean, and what to do if something needs fixing.

Quick answer — where to check and what you will need

The easiest place to check is the official NZeTA status page on the New Zealand government site. You will normally need the NZeTA reference number (from your confirmation email) or the passport number you used when you Submit NZeTA Online. If you used the official mobile app, you can also see the status there. These are the official tools to check your application. 

Why people ask “How to Track” — a human reason

It’s natural to worry after you Submit NZeTA Online. You probably booked flights or planned dates. Asking How to Track is a way to calm that worry. Knowing the status helps you decide whether to change plans, contact officials, or relax and pack your bags. This guide aims to answer that question in a friendly, no-jargon way.

Step 1 — wait the usual time, then check

Most NZeTA requests are handled quickly. Often you will get a decision within about 72 hours, though some are faster and a few take longer if officers need more checks. If it’s been less than three days since you applied, give the system that time before worrying. 

Step 2 — check online: the official status page

To check online:

1. Go to the official NZeTA status page.
   
2. Enter your NZeTA reference number, or your passport number and birth date.
   
3. Click the button to check status.
   

This single online check answers the basic question of How to Track your application. The page will usually show short words like “Accepted”, “Pending”, or “Declined”. Always use the official site to avoid scams or third-party fees. 

Step 3 — use the official app if you applied with it

If you applied using the New Zealand NZeTA app, open the app and look for your request there. The app is built by the government and is often the fastest way to apply and check status. The app also lets you request multiple NZeTAs for a family in one transaction. If you did not use the app, the website check still works fine.

Common status messages and what they mean

• Accepted / Approved — Good news. Your NZeTA has been granted. You can travel to New Zealand using the passport shown in the application.
  
• Pending — The application is under review. This can happen when extra checks are needed. If your status is pending, keep checking and avoid rushing to cancel plans immediately. Learning How to Track a pending application helps you decide whether to wait a few more days.
  
• Declined / Rejected — The request was not approved. The message should say why or give instructions, such as applying for a visitor visa instead. If this happens, read the message carefully and follow the next steps.

What to do if status is pending or declined

If your status stays pending longer than expected, check that you entered details correctly when you Submit NZeTA Online. Small mistakes — like a wrong passport number or typo in your name — can slow things down. There is a form to request simple changes to an NZeTA if you need to fix small errors or update passport details. For major changes, such as getting a new passport, you might need to apply again. If your application is declined, the message will often tell you the next steps; if not, contact Immigration New Zealand for clear guidance.