New Zealand
Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

What is a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)?

The NZeTA is a digital travel authorisation for eligible travellers who want to visit or transit through New Zealand without applying for a visa first. It is electronically linked to the passport used for the application, so you need to travel with the same passport.

The New Zealand ETA is not a visa. It is a travel authorisation that eligible travellers must obtain before travelling to New Zealand.

Most travellers also need to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) when requesting an NZeTA, unless an exemption applies.

What does an NZeTA allow?

An approved NZ ETA can allow eligible travellers to:

• Travel to New Zealand for tourism or holidays

• Visit family or friends

• Attend meetings, conferences, or other permitted business activities

• Take part in eligible short-term study

• Transit through Auckland International Airport where applicable

Most visitors can stay for up to three months per visit, while UK citizens can normally stay for up to six months. Entry and the length of stay are determined at the New Zealand border.

A valid NZeTA can generally be used for multiple journeys during its two-year validity period. It does not allow general employment or long-term study.

Who can apply for an NZeTA?

You may be eligible for an NZeTA if you:

• Hold a passport from a New Zealand visa waiver country

• Plan to visit New Zealand for tourism, family visits, or permitted business activities

• Are travelling through New Zealand as an eligible transit passenger

• Meet the applicable health and suitability requirements

• Apply before travelling to New Zealand

• Certain travellers from China or Pacific Islands Forum countries travelling from Australia with an eligible Australian visa may also qualify under specific arrangements.

Eligibility depends on your passport, travel plans, and individual circumstances. Make sure the information in your NZeTA application is complete and accurate before submitting it.

Who should not apply for an NZeTA?

An NZeTA may not be suitable if you:

• Hold a passport that is not eligible for visa waiver travel

• Intend to work in New Zealand

• Plan to study for more than three months

• Need to stay beyond the permitted visitor period

• Require a visa based on your nationality or purpose of travel

• Are travelling as airline or cruise ship crew and require a different travel authorisation

If you fall into one of these situations, you may need to apply for an appropriate visa instead.

Permitted Activities and Restrictions

Permitted Activities

With a valid NZeTA, eligible visitors may:

• Travel for tourism or leisure

• Visit family or friends

• Attend meetings, conferences, or permitted business activities

• Take part in permitted unpaid business activities

• Study for up to three months, where applicable

Your activities must comply with the conditions that apply to your visit.

Restrictions

You must not:

• Undertake paid employment in New Zealand

• Stay beyond the period granted to you

• Undertake long-term study that requires a different type of visa

• Use repeated visits as a way of effectively living in New Zealand

• Take part in activities that are not permitted under your visitor conditions

Failing to follow the applicable conditions may affect your ability to travel to New Zealand in the future.

Validity and Length of Stay

An NZeTA is generally valid for up to two (2) years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you may travel to New Zealand multiple times, provided each visit meets entry conditions.

Each visit usually allows a stay of up to three months (up to six months for UK citizens), subject to approval by border officials upon arrival.

Key Travel Conditions

NZeTA holders should:

• Travel using the passport linked to their NZeTA

• Keep their passport valid for the required period

• Follow the conditions of their stay

• Avoid paid employment unless separately authorised

• Limit study to the period permitted for visitors

• Have evidence of onward travel when required

• Leave New Zealand before their authorised stay ends

Keeping your travel details and passport information accurate helps avoid unnecessary issues when travelling.

How the Application Process Works

The New Zealand NZeTA application is completed online before travel.

Enter your passport and personal details carefully. Once your request is approved, the NZeTA is electronically linked to the passport you used when applying.

If you need to Apply NZ ETA, make sure you use the same passport for your journey.

Common Reasons for Delays or Refusals

An NZeTA request may take longer or may not be approved if:

• Information is incomplete or inaccurate

• Passport details do not match

• The traveller does not meet the applicable requirements

• The intended purpose of travel does not meet the conditions

• Additional checks are required based on the information provided

Taking time to review your New Zealand ETA Application before submission can help avoid common mistakes.

Before You Travel

Before travelling to New Zealand:

• Confirm that your NZeTA has been approved

• Check that you are travelling with the passport linked to your NZeTA

• Make sure your passport meets the required validity period

• Confirm that the IVL has been paid if applicable

• Check your onward travel arrangements

• Review the conditions that apply to your visit

If you are travelling under the visa waiver system, you must have the required NZeTA before travelling.

Important Reminder

An NZeTA allows eligible travellers to travel to New Zealand, but it does not guarantee entry. You must still meet the applicable requirements upon arrival, and border officials make the final entry decision.

Why Use Our NZeTA Application Support?

Applying for an NZeTA is straightforward, but getting your details right is important. A small error in your passport or personal information can create unnecessary issues with your application.

Our service helps you prepare your New Zealand NZeTA application with confidence. We review the information you provide, explain the NZ ETA Application requirements, and guide you through the NZeTA online application process from start to submission.