New Zealand eTA Application Overview

Updated on Mar 11, 2023 | Online New Zealand Visa

If New Zealand is one of your dream destinations then you must know further about NZeTA or an e-Visa to plan a trip to this country. Unlike a traditional visa, New Zealand eTA or Electronic Travel Authorisation to visit New Zealand would allow you to use this authorization as an entry pass to New Zealand for tourism or other related purposes.

New Zealand eTA or electronic travel authorisation would allow you to visit the country with the help of an electronic permit for a given period. 

If you belong to one of the visa waiver countries of New Zealand, then you would be eligible to travel with an eTA for New Zealand. 

Since 2019, NZeTA or New Zealand eTA has been made a necessary entry document needed by foreign citizens on arrival to New Zealand.

New Zealand Visa (NZeTA)

New Zealand eTA Application Form now allows visitors from all nationalities to obtain New Zealand eTA (NZETA) by email without visiting New Zealand Embassy. New Zealand Visa application process is automated, simple, and completely online. New Zealand Immigration now officially recommends Online New Zealand Visa or New Zealand ETA online rather than sending paper documents. You can obtain New Zealand eTA by filling out a form on this website and making the payment using a Debit or Credit Card. You will also require a valid email id as New Zealand eTA information will be sent to your email id. You do not need visit an embassy or consulate or to send your passport for Visa stamping.

Who is Eligible for a New Zealand eTA?

A simple process of an eTA application is one way to go forward to fulfil your travel plans to New Zealand in a hassle-free way.

You can apply for NZeTA if: 

  • You belong to one of the 60 visa waiver countries of New Zealand. 
  • Want to visit New Zealand for tourism, business, or transit related purposes. 
  • Plan to stay within New Zealand not more than 3 months (or not more than 6 months in case of UK citizens). 

How to start Online New Zealand Visa Application Process? 

You can fill your e-visa application form in 3 easy steps. Travelling with NZeTA would save a great amount of your time from making any physical appearance at any embassy office. 

Follow the 3 steps below to quickly get your e-visa to visit New Zealand: 

  • Visit the NZeTA application page and apply as an applicant for e-visa to New Zealand. 
  • Pay the fees for e-visa application. After processing your application, you will only need to follow the third step. 
  • The third step of getting your e-visa is to download the emailed pdf e-visa document from the email address provided at the time of filling the application. 

You can show the copy of your e-visa in the printed format to the authorities at the time of arrival in New Zealand. 

READ MORE:
Get Online New Zealand visa for US citizens, with new-zealand-visa.org. To find out the requirements of the New Zealand eTA for Americans (USA Citizens) and the eTA NZ visa application learn more at Online New Zealand Visa for US Citizens.

Documents needed to fill Online New Zealand Visa Application Form 

Applying for NZeTA is an easy application process. All you need is a few minutes to fill the eTA application form. 

The eTA application form is a quick application process but you must know the accurate list of documents which are needed to fill the NZeTA application. 

As a foreign citizen travelling to New Zealand, you must need the following documents to fill NZeTA application form

  • A valid passport with expiry extending up to 3 months from the date departure from New Zealand.
  • A valid email address where all your information regarding eTA application processing and other details will be conveyed by e-visa issuing authority. 
  • You must keep checking your email so that in case any correction is needed in your application form you could be contacted through officials. 
  •  Applicants will need to pay through a debit or credit card. At the payments sections an applicant for NZeTA is charged the basic application fee as well as the IVL payment. 

NZeTA expires with the expiry of the passport hence it is recommended to check all documents before leaving for New Zealand. 

If you have a dual citizenship then the same passport that was used while applying for NZeTA application form must be used to show as document proof upon arriving in New Zealand. 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Fill NZeTA Application Form

NZeTA application form is an entirely online process without needing to physically visit any embassy or office to get your e-visa for New Zealand. 

Read along to find about the information asked in the NZeTA Application form and all that you must know before submitting your e-visa application: 

Personal Details: All applicants for NZeTA application need to fill in their personal details like date of birth, name and nationality. 

It is important to fill all the personal details accurately to avoid any mismatch at the time of arrival in New Zealand. 

Passport Information: Applicants must use the same passport at the time of filling NZeTA application and at the time of arrival in New Zealand. 

Passport number, date of expiry of passport and date of issue of passport is required to be mentioned by the applicant in the NZeTA application form. At this stage applicants are also asked their reason for visiting New Zealand. 

Care must be taken to ensure that all details are accurate in this section of the application. 

Contact Details: Applicants are asked for their contact details like a valid email address and a telephone number which is used to send confirmation notifications or contact in case of any issue with application processing. 

Health and Security Questions: It is mandatory for all foreign applicants to disclose any past criminal activities or any offence committed in the past resulting in being deported from any country. 

Visitors travelling to New Zealand for medical treatments are also required to disclose it at this point. 

Consent and Declaration: All applicants are asked to declare the accuracy of all information provided in their eTA application form. Any discrepancy found will result in restriction on entering New Zealand with an e-visa. 

Information provided in NZeTA application form is used solely for the purpose of processing e-visa requests or other related purposes by the New Zealand government like immigration services. 

Applicants are also asked for their consent for independent use of the information provided in NZeTA application form. 

Payment of NZeTA Application: All applicants are asked to pay for their application through online mode. Only payments through a valid debit or credit card is accepted for NZeTA application. 

Along with basic application fee for NZeTA form, applicants are also asked to pay IVL or International Visitor and Conservation Tourist Levy, which goes towards building sustainable tourism in New Zealand. 

READ MORE:
Are you looking for Online New Zealand visa from United Kingdom? Find out the requirements of the New Zealand eTA for United Kingdom citizens and the eTA NZ visa application from United Kingdom. Learn more at Online New Zealand Visa for United Kingdom Citizens.

More About International Visitor Conservation Tourism Levy/IVL

The IVL fee or International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy is a basic fee that is charged for online eTA for New Zealand. 

IVL is aimed to be directed towards the environment and infrastructure in New Zealand. All applicants for NZeTA are required to pay an IVL fee while applying for NZeTA. 

IVL acts as a contribution from international travellers towards protecting the natural environment and boosting sustainable tourism in New Zealand. 

You can know more about IVL as a tax for international travellers wanting to enter New Zealand. 

How long does it take for NZeTA to Process? 

NZeTA is an all-online application process with the e-visa request approved within 1 to 2 business days. 

For urgent requirements of eTA, applicants can select the option of priority service for one hour processing of their e-visa for New Zealand. 

Priority service option for e-visa is provided on the payments page of NZeTA application. 

NZeTA is a multiple entry permit for New Zealand and can be used within a 2 years’ time period or until the date of expiry of passport; whichever is earlier. 

How long will NZeTA remain Valid? 

NZeTA is a multiple entry permit and can be used to enter New Zealand with an e-visa upto 2 years’ time period or until the date of expiry of visitor's passport. 

Given the easy online application process for NZeTA it is easy to apply for an e-visa through online mode in case the previous e-visa has expired. 

NZeTA for Transit Passengers

Transit NZeTA is the same NZeTA that can also be used for the purpose of transit through New Zealand to a third destination in another country. 

Passengers transiting through New Zealand must remain within the international transit area of Auckland International Airport (AKL) during the transit period. 

A passenger with a transit NZeTA is allowed to stay in transit area upto maximum of 24 hours. 

All transit passengers transiting to a third country through New Zealand must declare in their NZeTA application form that they are only passing through the airport. 

NZeTA for Cruise Passengers 

If you want to travel to New Zealand via cruise ship then you can use the same NZeTA to enter the country instead of using a traditional visa. 

Cruise passengers with NZeTA can stay in the country upto 28 days or until the departure of the cruise ship. 

READ MORE:
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Zealand eTA Visa. Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to the New Zealand. Learn more at New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) Frequently Asked Questions.

NZeTA Exemptions and Eligibility 

If you belong to one of the following categories, then you can visit New Zealand without NZeTA or a traditional visa: 

  • Australian citizens are exempt from eTA for New Zealand
  • Australian Permanent residents belonging to a third country need not pay the IVL fee while paying for their NZeTA application form. However, such groups of people must apply for either an eTA or a traditional visa for New Zealand to enter the country. 
  • Guests of New Zealand Government
  • Foreign citizens under the Antarctic Treaty
  • Passengers and crew belonging to a non cruise vessel. 
  • Crew of a foreign ship carrying cargo 
  • All members of a visiting force and respective crew. 

To check your eligibility for exemption from NZeTA you must clarify the same with immigration department of New Zealand or consult an embassy to know about visa or NZeTA exempt conditions.   

How to get an Official Visa for New Zealand?

New Zealand's traditional visa application process is much more time consuming than an e-visa application for New Zealand. 

However, if you are not eligible to apply for an e-visa or NZeTA then you can apply for a visitor visa to visit New Zealand. 

Anyone from any nationality can apply for a visitor visa for New Zealand

The type of visa that best suits your requirement depends upon the following factors: 

Nationality of the applicant

Reason of the applicant for visiting New Zealand

Stay period within New Zealand

Immigration history of the applicant 

To apply for the visitor visa, travellers should contact the embassy or the associated office well in advance of their trip to New Zealand to avoid last minute delays in processing of e-visa. 

READ MORE:
From October 2019 New Zealand Visa requirements have changed. People who do not require a New Zealand Visa i.e. formerly Visa Free nationals, are required to obtain New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA) in order to enter New Zealand. Learn more at Online New Zealand Visa Eligible Countries.

Where to visit after the New Zealand Visa Application Process?

A Rhythm of Nature: Visit These 5 Natural Wonders of New Zealand
Champagne Pools

A prominent geothermal pool in the Waiotapu geothermal area in the North Island of the country, you could never guess how beautiful these sulphuric pools could appear until you visit this place. 

Known as the thermal wonderland, this pool in Waiotapu is New Zealand's most colourful geothermal attraction. 

Waitomo Glowworm Caves 

Just a short drive from the city of Rotorua, Glowworm caves are the world's most unique geological formation found only in New Zealand. 

The Ruakuri caves, as the place is officially called, is glittered with millions of glowworms in the magical blue hues, making the place look like a spectacle from space. 

A trip to New Zealand is all about experiencing the spectacular natural scenery of the country and Waitomo caves is one of the top places which will truly be worth your time. 

The Blue Pools, Wanaka

Situated in the Makarora river, Haast Pass, the pristine waters of the Blue Pools stand out among the many other wonders of New Zealand. 

A walk through the wooden bridge trail along the beach forest and the crystal-clear river is enough to refresh your mind and soul. 

The striking deep blue colour of the Makarora river in contrast with the forest green is one wonderful glimpse of New Zealand's natural landscapes. 

Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki 

Located in the Putai area, these heavily eroded limestone rocks are South Island's most spectacular scenery. 

The Punakaiki village is also the base for exploring the Paparoa National Park where you will be accompanied by long coastlines, pristine waters, limestone rocks and many more rare geological formations. 

Mount Tarawera, North Island 

If you plan to visit the city of Rotorua then this place with its unique volcanic formations is a must see sight. 

Destroyed by the basaltic eruptions in the 1800's, the Pink and White terraces located by the pristine Lake Rotomahana were once acclaimed as the '8th wonder of the world'

Even today, visitors flock in to see the mystical views offered by these mountains, thermal springs and pools with silica-rich waters, all of which makes Mount Tarawera one of the most unique places to explore in New Zealand. 

You will be left amazed to explore locations like Mount Tarawera near the 'Sulphur City' Rotorua, a city that is named so given the most dense volcanic activity in New Zealand that is found around its surrounding areas.


Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your Online New Zealand Visa. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an Online New Zealand Visa or New Zealand eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, European citizens, Canadian citizens, United Kingdom citizens, French citizens, Spanish citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.

Please apply for an Online New Zealand Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight.