Since October 2019, the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is mandatory for all eligible foreign visitors travelling to New Zealand for tourism. If you are from one of the 60+ visa-waiver countries, you need an NZeTA tourist visa — not a traditional paper visa. The NZeTA is applied for entirely online, and most approvals are received within 24–72 hours.
What is the NZeTA Tourist Visa?
The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is a digital travel authorisation linked electronically to your passport. It replaces the traditional tourist visa for citizens of eligible countries and allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism, visiting family and friends, or short business trips. UK citizens may stay for up to 6 months. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years with multiple entries.
Whether you need an NZeTA or a standard visitor visa depends on:
- Your nationality and country of passport
- Your intended length of stay
- Your purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, cruise)
New Zealand Tourist Visa Requirements
To apply for a New Zealand tourist visa (NZeTA), you must meet the following requirements:
- A valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your intended stay.
- Passport must be issued by a visa-waiver country (for air travel).
- A valid email address to receive your NZeTA approval.
- A credit or debit card to pay the NZeTA application fee and IVL levy.
- Good character — NZeTA will not be granted to those with a criminal conviction or who have been deported from another country.
- Not travelling for medical treatment or to seek employment in New Zealand.
How to Apply for a New Zealand Tourist Visa Online
Applying for your NZeTA tourist visa online takes just a few minutes:
- Step 1 – Complete the application form: Enter your personal details, passport information, contact details, and travel purpose.
- Step 2 – Review your application: Check all details match your passport exactly before submitting.
- Step 3 – Pay the fee: Pay the NZeTA application fee and IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) securely by credit or debit card.
- Step 4 – Receive approval: Your NZeTA approval is sent to your email address and linked electronically to your passport.
NZeTA Tourist Visa Processing Time
Most New Zealand tourist visa (NZeTA) applications are processed within 24–72 hours. Some applications may take up to 7 working days in exceptional circumstances. We recommend applying at least 72 hours before your departure date. Rush and Emergency processing options are available for faster approval — see our visa fees page.
NZeTA Tourist Visa – Eligible Travellers
The following travellers are eligible to apply for the NZeTA tourist visa:
- Citizens of 60+ visa-waiver countries travelling by air.
- Cruise ship passengers of any nationality.
- Australian permanent residents (exempt from IVL but must apply for NZeTA).
- United Nations laissez-passer holders.
Australian citizens do not need an NZeTA. Citizens from non-eligible countries must apply for a standard New Zealand Visitor Visa through Immigration New Zealand.
New Zealand Visitor Visa (for Non-NZeTA Countries)
If you are from a country not covered by the NZeTA programme, you will need to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa. This visa allows entry for tourism, amateur sports, adventure activities, and short-term study (up to 3 months) for a maximum stay of 9 months. Children and partners can be included in the same application.
Group Visitor Visa
Travelling to New Zealand with a group? A New Zealand Group Visitor Visa allows tour groups to travel together. The entire group must travel together throughout New Zealand. The group leader is responsible for completing all required documentation. This visa is valid for 1 month.
Working Holiday Visa
New Zealand also offers a Working Holiday Visa for travellers aged 18–30 (up to 35 in some cases) from eligible countries. This visa is valid for 1 year, and for citizens of the UK and Canada, up to 23 months. It allows both tourism and employment.
Frequently Asked Questions – New Zealand Tourist Visa
You need a valid passport (minimum 3 months validity), a completed NZeTA online application form, a valid email address, and a credit or debit card for payment. No physical documents or embassy visit is required.
Most visitors can stay for up to 90 days per visit on an NZeTA. UK citizens may stay for up to 6 months. The NZeTA itself is valid for 2 years with multiple entries.
No. The NZeTA tourist visa does not permit employment in New Zealand. If you wish to work while visiting, you must apply for a Working Holiday Visa or a relevant work visa.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for the NZeTA, but it is strongly recommended. New Zealand's healthcare costs for visitors can be significant, and travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings.
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is a mandatory charge collected as part of the NZeTA application for tourists. It funds conservation and tourism infrastructure. Australian permanent residents are exempt. See current fees on our
Visa Fees page.
The NZeTA does not allow extensions beyond the permitted stay. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a separate New Zealand Visitor Visa through Immigration New Zealand before your current authorisation expires.
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