New Zealand eTA for UAE Citizens
New Zealand is a beautiful country situated on the southwestern side of the Pacific Ocean. It is a cluster of several big and small islands — beautiful, lush green, with two main landmasses: the North Island and the South Island. New Zealand is among the most visited tourist destinations on the planet, and its naturally rich scenic beauty attracts tourists from all over the world, including travellers from the United Arab Emirates.
What is an NZeTA?
An NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is a mandatory travel authorisation for citizens of visa-waiver countries, including the UAE. It is advisable to apply for a New Zealand NZeTA from UAE online — this way, you do not need to apply for a visa at an embassy. After approval, your NZeTA is digitally linked to your passport — no physical visa sticker is required.
Documents required for New Zealand NZeTA from UAE
You must have the following documents before applying for a New Zealand NZeTA from UAE and during travel:
- Passport: A valid passport is the primary requirement. Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from the date you depart from New Zealand, with at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
- Valid Email Address: Mandatory as the approved NZeTA is sent digitally. Keep a printed copy while travelling.
- Scanned Photograph: A recent passport-size photograph in colour is required.
- Digital Payment Method: You can pay by debit card, credit card, or PayPal.
- Bank statement: May be required to prove sufficient funds for the duration of your trip.
- Return ticket: A return or onward ticket may be requested at the airport. If you do not have one, the equivalent amount should be in your bank account.
NZeTA conditions for UAE citizens visiting New Zealand
To use the NZeTA for New Zealand, you must be visiting for one of the following permitted purposes:
- Tourism (including holidays and visiting friends or family).
- Business travel (including conferences, training, and business meetings).
- Job interviews — note that the NZeTA does not permit paid or unpaid employment in New Zealand.
- Participation in unpaid amateur sporting events.
The NZeTA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval. It is a multiple-entry authorisation, meaning you can visit New Zealand several times within the 2-year validity period. Each individual stay must not exceed 90 days.
NZeTA processing time for UAE citizens
The processing time for a New Zealand NZeTA for UAE citizens is typically 48–72 hours. Apply at least 5–6 business days before your departure. See our visa fees page for current pricing on the three available processing options:
- Normal NZeTA Processing: 48–72 hours.
- Emergency NZeTA Processing: 24–48 hours.
- Rush NZeTA Processing: 12–24 hours.
NZeTA validity and IVL for UAE citizens
The New Zealand NZeTA for UAE citizens is valid for 2 years from approval and allows multiple entries, with each stay not exceeding 90 days. Alongside the NZeTA, you must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). It is used for the development of New Zealand's infrastructure and for protecting the environment. The IVL is submitted once and covers the full 2-year NZeTA validity period. Carry a printed copy of your NZeTA when travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, UAE citizens are required to obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travelling to New Zealand. The NZeTA has been mandatory since 1 October 2019 and must be applied for online before departure. It allows stays of up to 90 days per visit for tourism, business, or family purposes.
UAE citizens can apply for a New Zealand NZeTA entirely online through our website. Fill out the application form with accurate personal and passport details, upload a recent passport-size photograph, and pay the required fee by debit card, credit card, or PayPal. The approved NZeTA is sent by email within 48–72 hours. Apply at least 5–6 business days before departure to avoid delays.
With a valid NZeTA, UAE citizens can stay in New Zealand for up to 90 days per visit for tourism, business, or family purposes. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue and allows multiple entries, with each stay not exceeding 90 days.
To apply for a New Zealand NZeTA from the UAE, you will need a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay), a valid email address to receive the approved NZeTA, a recent passport-size photograph, and a debit or credit card for payment. A bank statement or return ticket may also be requested to confirm your travel plans and financial means.
NZeTA applications for UAE citizens are typically processed within 48–72 hours. It is advisable to apply at least 5–6 business days before departure to allow time for any additional document verification. Emergency and rush processing options are available at additional cost.
Yes, UAE citizens transiting through New Zealand — including through Auckland Airport — are required to have a valid NZeTA. The NZeTA must be obtained online before departure and covers both direct visits and transit connections through New Zealand.
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is a mandatory charge paid alongside the NZeTA application. It is used by the New Zealand government for the development of tourism infrastructure and for protection of New Zealand's natural environment. It is paid once and covers the full 2-year NZeTA validity period.