Planning a family holiday to New Zealand and wondering whether children need their own NZeTA? The answer is generally yes — every eligible traveller needs an NZeTA, including children.
The good news is that families can manage multiple applications together, making the process easier when travelling with children or in a larger group.
Do Children Need an NZeTA?
Yes. NZeTA for children follows the same basic requirement as for adults: each eligible child must have an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand.
Immigration New Zealand states that every member of a family or group must meet the NZeTA requirements. If you apply online, you need to submit a separate NZeTA request for each traveller.
This means that having an approved NZeTA as a parent does not automatically cover your children.
For example, if a family from the USA is travelling to New Zealand with two parents and two children, each eligible traveller needs their own NZeTA.
Check the NZeTA online application information
NZeTA for Children: What Parents Should Know
Applying for an NZeTA for a child is straightforward, but parents should carefully check the information before submitting the request.
You will generally need:
- The child's passport or travel document
- An acceptable photo
- Accurate personal details
- Information required by the NZeTA application
- Travel and accommodation information where requested
- Evidence of onward travel and sufficient funds if required at check-in or arrival
The passport details entered in the NZeTA request must match the passport the child will use for travel. Immigration New Zealand warns that incorrect passport information could affect boarding.
What If a Child Is on a Parent's Passport?
In some cases, a child may be endorsed on a parent's passport. Immigration New Zealand says this can be accepted as the child's travel document, but the child must still meet the relevant requirements, including having an NZeTA.
When applying for that child's NZeTA, the parent's passport details are entered as required.
However, families should check their current passport arrangements before travelling because travel documents and airline requirements can affect the journey.
Can Families Apply for NZeTAs Together?
Yes, families can organise their NZeTA requests together.
There is an important difference between submitting applications together and having one NZeTA cover the whole family.
Each person still needs an individual NZeTA. If you use the official NZeTA mobile app, you can request NZeTAs for up to 10 people at the same time.
For example, a family of six can manage all six NZeTA requests through the app in one group submission.
If you use the online form instead, a separate request is required for each family member.
NZeTA Family Application: Online vs App
| Feature | Online Form | NZeTA App |
| Individual NZeTA required | Yes | Yes |
| Family members can be processed together | Separate requests | Up to 10 people at once |
| Passport details required | Yes | Yes |
| Photo required | Yes | Yes |
| Processing time | Up to 72 hours | Up to 72 hours |
| NZeTA fee | NZD $23 | NZD $17 |
| IVL where applicable | NZD $100 | NZD $100 |
Immigration New Zealand currently lists the NZeTA fee as NZD $23 through its website and NZD $17 through the mobile app. Most travellers who need the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) pay an additional NZD $100. Some travellers are exempt, so families should check the applicable requirements before payment.
How to Apply for NZeTA for Children
The process can be easier if parents prepare the family's information before starting.
1. Check Whether Each Family Member Needs an NZeTA
NZeTA eligibility depends on the traveller's passport, travel purpose and circumstances.
Most eligible visa-waiver travellers can use an NZeTA, but some people do not need one or may need a visa instead. Check the requirements for every family member rather than assuming the same rule applies to everyone.
2. Prepare Each Child's Information
Before applying, check:
- Passport validity
- Passport number
- Full name and date of birth
- Child's photograph
- Travel details
- Parent or guardian information where applicable
Take extra care with children's names because even a small spelling difference can cause problems if the NZeTA details do not match the travel document.
3. Submit the NZeTA Requests
For an online application, submit a separate request for every traveller.
For a family of four, this means four NZeTA requests. If using the official mobile app, up to 10 people can be requested together.
4. Allow Enough Processing Time
Immigration New Zealand advises travellers to allow up to 72 hours for NZeTA processing, although some requests may take longer if additional checks are needed.
Do not leave the family's applications until the last minute.
What About Group Bookings?
If you are travelling with grandparents, relatives, friends or another large group, the same NZeTA principle applies: every eligible traveller needs their own NZeTA.
For example, imagine two families are travelling together from Canada:
- Family A: 2 adults + 2 children
- Family B: 2 adults + 1 child
- Total: 7 travellers
All seven eligible travellers need their own NZeTA. If using the mobile app, the seven requests can be made together because the app supports up to 10 people at once.
For larger groups, careful record-keeping is useful. Create a simple checklist showing each person's name, passport number, application status and NZeTA confirmation.
NZeTA Group Application vs Group Visitor Visa
These terms can be confusing.
An NZeTA group request does not mean that one NZeTA covers everyone. It simply allows multiple individual NZeTA requests to be managed together through the app.
A Group Visitor Visa is a different immigration process for eligible groups travelling together for the same purpose. It involves individual Visitor Visa applications for each group member.
If your family members are eligible for NZeTAs, check those requirements rather than assuming you need a Group Visitor Visa.
Important Family Travel Checks Before Departure
Once the NZeTAs are approved, don't stop checking your travel documents.
Each traveller should have:
- A valid passport
- Their NZeTA approval/confirmation
- Proof of onward travel where required
- Evidence of sufficient funds where required
- Any other documents relevant to their circumstances
Immigration New Zealand says travellers should carry their NZeTA confirmation email when checking in.
Also remember that an NZeTA does not by itself guarantee entry into New Zealand. Travellers must still meet the applicable entry requirements when they arrive.
For additional New Zealand immigration information, you can also explore the parent-category resident visas information for related family immigration topics.
How Long Is an NZeTA Valid for Children?
An NZeTA is generally valid for two years for travellers, including eligible children, while the passport and other requirements remain applicable.
It can be used for multiple trips during its validity period. Each visit is generally limited to up to three months, or up to six months for UK citizens, subject to the applicable entry conditions.
If a child receives a new passport, parents should not assume the existing NZeTA automatically transfers. The NZeTA is linked to the passport details used in the request, so check the current requirements before travelling.
Common Mistakes Families Should Avoid
Family applications involve more details, so small errors can be easy to make.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Assuming children are automatically covered by a parent's NZeTA
- Entering a child's name incorrectly
- Using an old passport number
- Applying with a different passport from the one used for travel
- Forgetting one family member's application
- Waiting until just before departure
- Assuming an NZeTA guarantees entry
Checking everyone's details before submitting can help prevent unnecessary problems.
FAQ: NZeTA for Children and Families
Does my child need a separate NZeTA?
Yes. Eligible children must have their own NZeTA. A parent's approved NZeTA does not automatically cover the child.
Can I apply for NZeTA for my whole family?
Yes. Each person still needs an individual NZeTA, but the mobile app allows requests for up to 10 people at the same time.
How long does an NZeTA take for children?
Immigration New Zealand advises allowing up to 72 hours for processing. Some applications can take longer if additional checks are required.
Does every child have to pay the NZeTA fee and IVL?
Fees depend on the traveller's circumstances and eligibility. The current NZeTA fee is NZD $23 through the website or NZD $17 through the mobile app, while the IVL is NZD $100 for most people who are required to pay it.
Apply for Your Family's NZeTA
Travelling with children becomes much easier when everyone's documents are prepared in advance. Check each traveller's eligibility, enter passport details carefully, and allow enough time for processing.
Ready to prepare your family trip? Apply for your NZeTA online and make sure every eligible family member has the required travel authorisation before departure.
Information checked against Immigration New Zealand guidance available in September 2026. NZeTA eligibility, fees and immigration requirements can change, so travellers should verify the latest requirements before applying.
