Do Mexicans need an NZeTA?
Yes. Mexico is on New Zealand's visa-waiver list, which means Mexican citizens can travel to New Zealand without a visa for tourism, family visits and short business trips. But since 1 October 2019, everyone travelling under the visa waiver needs an NZeTA first.
The NZeTA is an electronic authority linked to your passport. You apply online, the New Zealand immigration authorities check your details, and the approval is recorded against your passport number. Your airline checks it before you board, and border officers see it when you arrive.
It stays valid for up to two years, or until your passport expires. During that time you can visit as often as you like, staying up to 90 days each time.
Choosing your route carefully
There are no nonstop flights from Mexico to New Zealand. The route you choose can affect what other documents you need, so plan this part early.
Via the United States
Routes through Los Angeles, San Francisco or Houston are convenient, but Mexican citizens generally need a valid US visa to transit, even without leaving the airport. An NZeTA doesn't replace it.
Via South America
Some travellers fly to Santiago de Chile and connect to Auckland across the Pacific. Check the transit rules for Chile and any other country on your itinerary.
Other options connect through Asia or via Australia. Whatever you choose, your NZeTA must be approved before you check in for the first flight. Total travel time is often 20 hours or more, and New Zealand is roughly 18 to 19 hours ahead of Mexico City.
Reversed seasons: New Zealand's summer runs from December to February, the same time as winter in Mexico. The ski season in the South Island is from around June to October.
Two surnames and accents
Most Mexican passports show two surnames: the apellido paterno and the apellido materno. To keep your NZeTA consistent with your passport:
- Put both surnames in the family name field, in the same order as the passport
- Include every given name, such as both parts of "María José" or "Juan Carlos"
- Drop accents and the tilde. "Peña" appears as "PENA" in the machine-readable zone, and that is the version to use
- Check compound surnames such as "de la Cruz" carefully, including spaces
NZeTA requirements for Mexican travellers
| Passport | A Mexican passport valid for at least 3 months after you leave New Zealand. The INE card is not accepted. |
|---|---|
| Photo | A recent colour photo with your face clearly visible against a plain background. |
| Payment | A Visa, Mastercard or American Express card. Some Mexican banks require you to authorise international online payments first. |
| A working email address for updates and your approval. |
Each traveller needs their own NZeTA, including children and babies. If you are travelling as a family, you can add up to 10 people to one application.
Apply in about 10 minutes
Contact details
Enter your email address and phone number, and select "Visit" or "Transit".
Passport details
Copy names, dates and passport number exactly as printed.
Declaration questions
Short questions about health, convictions and immigration history.
Photo and payment
Upload your photo, choose your speed and pay. The fee includes the IVL tourism levy for visitors.
Apply for an NZeTA from Mexico
Normal processing takes 48–72 hours, emergency 24–48 hours and rush 12–24 hours. You can compare the options on our NZeTA fees page.
Work and the Working Holiday scheme
An NZeTA is for visitors only. You can sightsee, visit friends and relatives, attend business meetings and conferences, and take a short course of up to 3 months. You cannot do any work.
If you are aged 18 to 30 and want to travel and work in New Zealand, you may be eligible for the Mexico Working Holiday Visa. It is a separate visa with its own application and conditions, and you shouldn't travel on an NZeTA expecting to switch over once you arrive. For business trips, see our business visitor guide.
When you land
The NZeTA allows you to travel, but a border officer makes the final decision. Have these ready:
- The Mexican passport linked to your NZeTA
- A return or onward ticket
- Proof of funds, such as a bank card or recent statement
- Your accommodation details
- Your completed New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Biosecurity: declare dried and fresh chillies, seeds, corn products, mole paste, cheese, meat and fresh fruit. New Zealand's rules are strict, and undeclared food can lead to an instant fine.
Once you have your route sorted, start your New Zealand eTA application so it is approved well before you fly.
FAQs from Mexican travellers
No. Mexico is a visa-waiver country, so Mexican passport holders can visit New Zealand for up to 90 days without a visa. You must have an approved NZeTA before boarding.
No. The INE card is an identity document for use in Mexico. For New Zealand you need a valid Mexican passport.
Mexican citizens transiting through the United States generally need a valid US visa, even if they don't leave the airport. Check the US rules before booking, or choose a route that avoids US airports.
Enter both surnames in the family name field, exactly as they appear in your passport's machine-readable zone.
No. Mexican citizens aged 18 to 30 may be eligible for the Mexico Working Holiday Visa, which is a separate application with its own conditions.
Declare all food when you arrive. Seeds, fresh chillies, meat products and some spice mixes may be refused, and undeclared food can lead to a fine.