Top Countries Eligible for NZeTA Visa Waiver in 2025
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New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. With its snow-capped mountains, peaceful beaches, and friendly people, it’s no surprise that millions of tourists want to visit each year. If you’re planning to travel to New Zealand in 2025, and you’re from one of the NZeTA eligible countries, your travel process will be much easier.
This blog will explain everything you need to know about the NZeTA visa waiver, the list of NZeTA eligible countries, how to Submit NZeTA Online, and how to check your NZeTA Visa Status. We’ve made this guide very easy to understand, even if English is not your first language.
What is the NZeTA?
NZeTA stands for New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority. It is an electronic document that allows people from certain countries to visit New Zealand without applying for a traditional visa. If your country is part of the NZeTA eligible countries list, you can stay in New Zealand for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
But remember, NZeTA is not a visa. It is a travel requirement for visa waiver countries. If your NZeTA is approved, it will be valid for 2 years, and you can visit New Zealand many times during that period. Each visit can last up to 90 days (or 180 days for UK citizens).
List of NZeTA Eligible Countries
There are over 60 countries that are part of the NZeTA eligible countries list. These countries have a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand. That means their citizens do not need a full visa but must get an NZeTA before traveling.
Here are some of the main NZeTA eligible countries in different regions:
Europe:
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Belgium
North America:
- United States
- Canada
Asia & Pacific:
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Taiwan (only for permanent residents with passports issued by Taiwan)
- Hong Kong (only for HKSAR or BNO passport holders)
Oceania:
- Australia (Australian citizens don’t need NZeTA, but Australian permanent residents do)
South America:
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Uruguay
Middle East:
- United Arab Emirates
- Israel
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Oman
- Kuwait
Others:
- Mexico
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- Monaco
- Andorra
- Vatican City
These are just some examples. You can find the full updated list of NZeTA eligible countries on New Zealand Immigration’s official website.
How to Submit NZeTA Online
If you are from one of the NZeTA eligible countries, you must apply for an NZeTA before boarding your flight or cruise. The good news is that the process is easy, quick, and can be done entirely online.
Here is how to Submit NZeTA Online:
- Visit the official Immigration New Zealand website.
- Fill out your personal information – your full name, passport details, date of birth, etc.
- Answer some health and security questions.
- Upload a photo (must meet passport photo guidelines).
- Pay the NZeTA fee – NZD 23 through the website or NZD 17 via the app.
- You also have to pay the IVL fee (International Visitor Levy) – NZD 35.
In total, you’ll pay between NZD 50–58 depending on the method you use.
How Long Does It Take to Get NZeTA?
Most applications are processed within 72 hours. But to be safe, apply at least one week before your travel date. Once approved, your NZeTA will be linked to your passport electronically. You don’t need to print anything, but it’s a good idea to save a copy.
How to Check NZeTA Visa Status
After applying, you can check your NZeTA Visa Status by:
- Logging into the official NZeTA portal
- Contacting Immigration New Zealand via their support page
This helps you confirm whether your application has been approved, is still processing, or has been declined. If your application is declined, you may need to apply for a different type of visa.
What You Can and Cannot Do with NZeTA
If you’re traveling with NZeTA, here’s what you can do:
- Visit as a tourist
- Attend business meetings
- Transit through New Zealand
What you cannot do:
- Work or earn money in New Zealand
- Study for more than 3 months
- Get medical treatment
For these purposes, you must apply for the right visa type. Overstaying or working illegally can cause travel bans in the future.
Documents Needed at the Border
Even if your country is on the NZeTA eligible countries list and your NZeTA is approved, New Zealand immigration officers may still ask to see:
- A passport valid for at least 3 months after your stay ends
- A return or onward ticket
- Proof that you have enough money (around NZD 1,000 per month of stay)
- Travel insurance (not mandatory, but highly recommended)
Special Case: Cruise Passengers & Transit Travelers
If you are arriving in New Zealand on a cruise ship, you can also apply for an NZeTA, even if you are not from an NZeTA eligible country. You just need to apply before the ship leaves for New Zealand.
If you are only transiting through Auckland Airport and your stop is less than 24 hours, you might still need an NZeTA. Check the official website to see if your country qualifies for transit visa waiver.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to New Zealand is now easier than ever for people from NZeTA eligible countries. The NZeTA makes it simple and quick to enter this amazing country, whether you’re coming for a short holiday, a business trip, or just passing through.
Just remember:
- Apply early
- Submit NZeTA Online
- Check your NZeTA Visa Status
- Follow immigration rules
Doing this ensures a smooth travel experience without any surprises at the airport.
So, if you’re planning a trip to New Zealand in 2025, and your country is on the list of NZeTA eligible countries, don’t wait! Apply today and get ready to explore this beautiful destination.