Who needs an NZeTA from Argentina?
Every Argentine citizen who travels to New Zealand on an Argentine passport needs an NZeTA, whether you fly in or arrive on a cruise ship. This has been the rule since 1 October 2019. The NZeTA replaced the old system in which visa-waiver travellers simply showed their passport at the airport.
The NZeTA is not a visa. It is a digital travel authority that confirms you are eligible to travel under New Zealand's visa-waiver rules. Your airline checks it before you board, and the New Zealand immigration authorities record it against your passport number.
Travelling as a family? Each person, including babies and teenagers, needs their own NZeTA. You can add up to 10 travellers to a single application and pay once.
DNI or passport? What Argentine travellers often get wrong
Many Argentines travel around Mercosur countries with just their DNI. That does not work for New Zealand. You need a valid Argentine passport for your NZeTA application and for your trip. It must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand.
Dual citizenship is common in Argentina, especially Italian and Spanish nationality through grandparents. If you have two passports, decide which one you will travel on before you apply. The NZeTA is tied to one passport number, and the airline will check that number at check-in. If you change passports later, you'll need a new NZeTA.
Argentine names can also cause small mistakes. If your passport shows two surnames (for example, a paternal and maternal surname), enter both in the family name field. Copy accents as they appear in the machine-readable zone, which uses plain letters only.
Trips an NZeTA covers
Holidays
Road trips, hiking the Great Walks, wine regions such as Marlborough and Central Otago, and city breaks.
Family visits
Visiting relatives or friends who live in New Zealand, for up to 90 days on each visit.
Short courses
English language or other study lasting up to 3 months in total.
The NZeTA does not allow paid work of any kind, and it is not for medical treatment. For anything beyond these limits, you need a visa from the New Zealand immigration authorities.
The working holiday option
New Zealand has a Working Holiday scheme for Argentine citizens. Young Argentines who meet the age and other criteria may be eligible to live and work in New Zealand for a set period. This is a separate visa with its own application, quota and requirements. It is not part of the NZeTA process.
If you just want to look around before deciding, you can visit first on an NZeTA. Remember that you can't start work until you hold the correct visa.
Step-by-step: your NZeTA application from Argentina
Fill in your details
Enter your email, travel plans and the passport details of each traveller.
Answer eligibility questions
Short questions about health, convictions and past immigration problems.
Add a photo
Upload a clear photo of your face for each traveller. A phone photo against a light wall is fine.
Pay and submit
Pay by card. We review the form for errors, then submit it for a decision.
The form is in English, but the questions are short and straightforward. If anything is unclear, email our support team before you submit.
Apply for an NZeTA with your Argentine passport
Flights from Argentina and when to apply
There are no non-stop flights between Argentina and New Zealand. Most travellers fly from Ezeiza (Buenos Aires) to Santiago de Chile and then across the Pacific to Auckland. Others go via Australia, the United States or the Middle East. Whichever way you go, the first airline you check in with will want to see that your NZeTA is approved.
Allow up to 72 hours for a decision, and apply well before your departure date. Our processing options are:
| Normal | 48–72 hours |
|---|---|
| Emergency | 24–48 hours |
| Rush | 12–24 hours |
Current prices, which include the IVL tourism levy, are on our fees page. If your journey uses a stop in Australia, also check that country's own entry rules for Argentine citizens, because they are separate from New Zealand's.
Both countries are in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons match. Summer in Buenos Aires is also summer in Auckland, which makes December to February the busiest time to travel.
What happens on arrival
When you land, a border officer checks your passport and may ask about your plans. Carry:
- The passport you used for your NZeTA
- A return ticket or a ticket to another country
- Proof of funds, such as cards or recent bank statements
- Accommodation details, such as a hotel booking or your host's address
- Your completed New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Biosecurity: leave the charcuterie and fresh fruit at home. Meat products, dulce de leche and other dairy, yerba mate and seeds must be declared. Some items are allowed after inspection, but undeclared food can lead to a fine.
The final decision to let you in is made at the border. If you have any doubts about your eligibility, read our general NZeTA FAQ or compare the rules with nearby Chile and Uruguay. Ready to go? Complete your NZeTA application online.
Preguntas frecuentes: Argentine travellers
No. Argentina is a visa-waiver country, so Argentine citizens can visit New Zealand for up to 90 days without a visa. You do need an approved NZeTA before you board.
No. The DNI works for travel within South America, but New Zealand only accepts a valid passport. Your NZeTA must be issued for that same passport.
Both Argentina and most EU countries are visa-waiver countries, so either can work. Choose one, apply for the NZeTA with it, and travel on that same passport for the whole journey.
Type your family name exactly as it appears on the passport's machine-readable lines. If your passport shows both surnames, include both in the family name field.
Yes, as long as your card can be used for international online payments. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted. Check with your bank if foreign card payments are blocked.
No. A working holiday is a separate visa with its own application. The NZeTA is only for visits, short study and business trips without paid work.
Up to 2 years, or until your passport expires if that is sooner. You can make several visits of up to 90 days each during that time.