NZeTA frequently asked questions

The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is a digital travel authorisation for citizens of visa-waiver and transit visa-waiver countries, and for cruise passengers of any nationality. It has been required since 1 October 2019 and is linked electronically to your passport.

Citizens of visa-waiver countries visiting by air, citizens of visa-waiver and transit visa-waiver countries transiting through Auckland, all cruise passengers who are not exempt, and Australian permanent residents. See the full eligibility guide.

Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and anyone holding a valid New Zealand visa. Citizens of countries not on either eligibility list need a visa instead, unless they arrive by cruise ship.

No. It is a pre-travel authorisation for people who don't need a visa. It is quicker to get than a visa but only covers short visits, transit and short study.

Visa-waiver citizens can visit New Zealand and transit through Auckland with an NZeTA. Transit visa-waiver citizens can only transit through Auckland with an NZeTA; to visit by air they need a visitor visa.

No. Eligibility depends on the passport you travel on, not where you live. Australian permanent residents are the main exception, as they need an NZeTA whatever their nationality.

You may still be able to. The application asks about convictions and you must answer honestly. Some convictions can lead to a refusal, in which case you can apply for a visa and explain your circumstances.

Complete our online application form, add each traveller's passport details and photo, answer the health and character questions and pay by card. Most people finish in about 10 minutes.

Allow at least 72 hours before you travel. Applying a week or more ahead gives time to fix any problems. You can apply as soon as your plans are firm.

Yes. Our form lets you add up to 10 travellers in one application. Each person still receives their own NZeTA.

Yes. A family member, colleague or travel agent can complete the application for you, as long as they use your real passport details and the answers are true for you.

No. You can apply before or after booking. What matters is that your NZeTA is approved before you check in.

We are a private online application service. We help you complete your application, check it for errors and submit it. Decisions are made by the New Zealand immigration authorities.

A recent, clear colour photo of your face, looking at the camera with a neutral expression, against a plain light background. No sunglasses, hats, filters or other people in the shot.

Yes. Use good, even light, stand in front of a plain wall and ask someone else to take it at eye level. Avoid selfies taken at arm's length, which can distort your face.

Lay the baby on a plain white sheet and take the photo from above. Make sure no hands or toys are in the picture. Their eyes don't have to be fully open.

At least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand.

No. You need a passport for travel to New Zealand, even if your ID card is accepted for travel elsewhere.

Enter your names exactly as they appear in the machine-readable zone of your passport, the two lines of characters at the bottom of the photo page. Include all surnames in the family name field.

Allow up to 72 hours. With us you can choose Normal (48–72 hours), Emergency (24–48 hours) or Rush (12–24 hours) processing.

Use our application status page. You will also receive email updates.

By email. The NZeTA is linked electronically to your passport, so you don't need to print it, though many travellers keep a copy on their phone.

Most delays come from unclear photos, passport details that don't match, or extra checks by the immigration authorities. We will contact you if we need anything from you.

No. You need an approved NZeTA before you check in. Airlines and cruise lines will not board you without one.

Up to 2 years from approval, or until your passport expires if that is sooner. It allows multiple visits.

It depends on the processing speed you choose and whether the IVL applies to you. Current prices are on our NZeTA fees page.

The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy is charged to most international visitors to support tourism infrastructure and conservation. It is included in your application fee where it applies.

Transit passengers and Australian permanent residents don't pay it. Australian citizens don't need an NZeTA at all.

By debit or credit card through our secure payment page.

No. Once your application has been submitted to the New Zealand immigration authorities, the fee is not refundable, whatever the decision. Cancellations before submission are covered by our refund policy.

Each traveller needs their own NZeTA and the fee is charged per traveller. See the fees page for details.

Up to 90 days per visit for most nationalities. British citizens can stay up to 6 months per visit.

No. You can do business visitor activities, such as meetings and conferences, but not work. See the business visitor guide.

Yes, for up to 3 months. Longer courses need a student visa.

The passport you used for your NZeTA, a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds and details of where you are staying. The border officer makes the final decision on entry.

A separate arrival declaration covering customs, biosecurity and immigration questions. It is not part of your NZeTA and is completed shortly before you travel.

Yes, if you are from a visa-waiver or transit visa-waiver country, stay in the transit area and leave within 24 hours. See the transit guide.

Yes. Cruise passengers of any nationality can apply, unless they are exempt. Apply before you embark. See the cruise guide.

Contact us at visa@nzeta-visa.org as soon as possible with your application reference. If it has not been submitted yet, we can usually correct it.

An NZeTA with incorrect passport details may not be accepted by your airline. You will usually need to apply again with the correct details.

Yes. An NZeTA can't be transferred to a new passport.

You can apply for a visitor visa directly with the New Zealand immigration authorities, which lets you explain your circumstances. Don't travel without an approved NZeTA or visa.

An NZeTA can't be extended. To stay longer, apply for a visitor visa from inside New Zealand before your permitted stay ends.

Check your spam or junk folder, then check your status online. If you still can't find it, contact us and we will resend it.