New Zealand eTA for residents of Hong Kong

Updated on Oct 15, 2023 | Online New Zealand Visa

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is designed to provide Hong Kong nationals with a convenient and streamlined process for visiting New Zealand. It serves as a digital visa exemption, allowing bearers of Hong Kong passports to enter New Zealand without the need for a traditional visa.

One of the significant advantages of the New Zealand eTA for Hong Kong Nationals is that it eliminates the need for a lengthy visa application process. Instead, travelers from Hong Kong can complete a quick and straightforward online registration, which usually takes just a few minutes to finish. This efficient and user-friendly system saves both time and effort, making it easier for Hong Kong Nationals to plan their trip to New Zealand.

To be eligible for the New Zealand eTA, Hong Kong travelers must meet certain straightforward criteria, ensuring a seamless application process. Once these requirements are met and the application is submitted, the New Zealand eTA for Hong Kong Nationals is typically processed promptly.

For travelers from Hong Kong intending to explore the beauty and wonders of New Zealand, the New Zealand eTA for Hong Kong Nationals presents a convenient and accessible gateway to their journey. It's a system designed to make the travel experience smoother and more enjoyable, allowing visitors to focus on their adventures and experiences in this beautiful country.

For more details regarding the specialized New Zealand eTA for Hong Kong Nationals, please read on below.

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. If you are arriving to New Zealand by the Cruise Ship route, you should check the New Zealand ETA eligibility conditions for Cruise Ship arrival to New Zealand.

Hong Kong passport bearers traveling to New Zealand must obtain a visa

Visa-free access to New Zealand is granted to bearers of Hong Kong passports, eliminating the need for a visa. This addition to New Zealand's visa easing list streamlines the travel process for Hong Kong Nationals, who are not obligated to visit the embassy or consulate of New Zealand for visa applications. Instead, they can conveniently register online for the New Zealand eTA, tailored specifically for Hong Kongers.

The New Zealand eTA for Hong Kong Nationals is versatile and can be used for tourism, business, and transit purposes. With this visa easing, Hong Kong travelers can stay in New Zealand for up to 3 months per visit.

To utilize the New Zealand eTA for Hong Kong Nationals visa easing, Hong Kongers must have either a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or British National (Overseas) passport.

However, specific circumstances may still require Hong Kong Nationals to obtain a visa from the embassy or consulate of New Zealand. These situations include:

If you are considering to move to New Zealand, it means you are planning to move to the country for a significant period. One of the primary reasons for your move might be seeking Workplace possibilities in New Zealand. Whether it's for career growth, better work-life balance, or new challenges, you aim to find a job in the country.

Moreover, your intention is to stay in New Zealand for an extended period, lasting over three months. This duration indicates your commitment to exploring the country, experiencing its culture, and potentially making it your new home for an extended stay.

Passport possession that does not fall under the eligible categories mentioned above.

In such instances, it is essential to apply for a New Zealand visa through the appropriate channels.

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Citizen of any nationality can apply for an NZeTA if arriving New Zealand by a cruise ship. However, if traveller is arriving by air, then the traveller must be from a Visa Waiver or Visa Free country, then only will NZeTA (New Zealand eTA) be valid for the passenger arriving into the country. Learn more at New Zealand Visa Waiver Countries.

Getting a New Zealand ETA for Hong Kong Nationals

Before legally entering New Zealand, citizens of Hong Kong must acquire a valid travel authorization called the New Zealand eTA. Thankfully, obtaining the New Zealand eTA for Hong Kong Nationals is a simple and convenient process that can be completed online in less than 30 minutes.

To apply for the New Zealand eTA, bearers of Hong Kong passports need to provide necessary information and supporting documents, including personal details, travel plans, and a valid passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or a British National (Overseas).

Once the application is submitted and the required fee is paid, the eTA is usually processed promptly. However, in some instances, it may take up to 72 hours to receive the approved eTA. With the New Zealand eTA, Hong Kong Nationals can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free entry into the beautiful country of New Zealand for various purposes such as tourism, business, or transit.

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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.

Understanding of the New Zealand eTA for Hong Kong Nationals For holders of Hong Kong passports

The New Zealand eTA for Hong Kong Nationals, the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is exclusively designed for Hong Kong Nationals, serving as a convenient onlinevisa easing that allows multiple entries.

Bearers of Hong Kong passports can enjoy a maximum stay of three months per visit to New Zealand with the New Zealand eTA for Hong Kong Nationals.

This visa easing is valid for up to two years from the date of issuance, enabling Hong Kong travelers to make multiple trips to New Zealand without the need for a traditional visa.

To access the New Zealand eTA for Hong Kong Nationals, Hong Kong Nationals must complete a brief online form, providing the necessary details through the New Zealand visa easing system.

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Visitors and airport passengers travelling to New Zealand can enter with an Online New Zealand Visa or New Zealand eTA before they travel. Citizens of around 60 countries known as Visa-Waiver countries do not require a visa to enter New Zealand. New Zealand eTA was introduced in 2019. Learn more at What is New Zealand eTA?

Conditions for New Zealand eTA for Citizens of Hong Kong

Prior to proceeding with the Application for eTA in New Zealand, Hong Kong Nationals must ensure they gather the required documents and fulfill specific criteria. These criteria encompass:

  • Authentic Passport: All travelers must possess a Hong Kong passport that remains valid for a minimum of three months beyond their intended stay in New Zealand.
  • Applicants' Headshot: A passport-style photograph of the applicant is obligatory for the eTA application process.
  • A legitimate email address: During the registration process, applicants must provide a valid email address, which will be utilized for communication and to receive eTA application notifications.
  • Method of Payment: To pay the application processing charge for eTA, a valid debit or credit card is necessary.

Moreover, New Zealand Immigration may request travelers entering the country with an eTA to demonstrate proof of sufficient funds. This may be shown by possessing 400 NZD if lodgings have already been reserved or 1,000 NZD for the duration of the stay. Border officials might also inquire about evidence of onward travel plans to the next destination or a return journey to the home country.

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Travellers seeking to enter New Zealand visa-free with an electronic travel authority (NZeTA) must fulfil certain requirements. These NZeTA requirements include having the necessary documents, meeting the entry criteria for NZeTA, and being citizens of visa-waiver countries. This page provides a comprehensive explanation of each of these requirements to facilitate the New Zealand eTA application process. Learn more at New Zealand eTA Application Requirements.

How to Get a New Zealand eTA from Hong Kong: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of acquiring a New Zealand eTA from Hong Kong is a simple online application with the following step-by-step instructions:

  • Gather the necessary data: Gather important information, such as your name and date of birth, your passport's number, issue and expiration dates, and your contact information, including your home address and email. Be ready to respond to questions on your criminal past and travel plans to New Zealand.
  • Online application access: Using an internet-enabled device, access the Online New Zealand Visa Application designed for Hong Kong Nationals.
  • The application form in its entirety: Provide accurate and comprehensive information in the application form. Pay attention to avoid errors or missing fields, which could cause delays or denials. Everyone in your travel group, including children or family members, must fill out their separate application form, even if they are under your passport.
  • Fees must be paid: Pay the application fee, which covers the eTA fee and the NZ International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Accepted payment methods usually include credit cards or debit cards.
  • Examine and send: Before submission, carefully review all entered details to ensure consistency with your passport information.
  • Processing of applications: New Zealand Immigration will process the eTA application promptly, although it may take up to 72 hours in some cases.
  • Alerting and approving: Once approved, you will receive notification via the provided email address, and the approved eTA will be electronically linked to your passport.

Ensuring accuracy in the application and providing correct information is crucial to avoid complications or delays. By adhering to these steps, Hong Kong Nationals can successfully obtain their New Zealand eTA, simplifying their entry into the country.

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ETA New Zealand Visa, or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization, is a mandatory travel documents for citizens of visa-waiver countries. If you are a citizen of a New Zealand eTA eligible country, or if you are a permanent resident of the Australia, you will need New Zealand eTA for layover or transit, or for tourism and sightseeing, or for business purposes. Learn more at Online New Zealand Visa Application Process.

Processing Time for an eTA from Hong Kong to New Zealand

The processing time for the New Zealand eTA is usually rapid for bearers of Hong Kong passports, with most applications completed within a few hours. However, it's crucial to be aware that in certain instances, it may take up to 72 hours (equivalent to three working business days) to receive a decision on the eTA application.

To guarantee a seamless travel experience and prevent any last-minute issues, it is recommended for Hong Kong Nationals to submit their application for eTA in New Zealand well ahead of their intended departure date. Allowing sufficient processing time accommodates potential delays or additional inquiries that may arise during the application review process.

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New Zealand eTA is an Express Option for Time-Crunched Travelers. The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority now has an Urgent option (NZeTA). The Urgent NZeTA allows applicants to acquire approved travel paperwork urgently for emergency travel. Learn more at Urgent New Zealand Visa.

Steps for New Zealand eTA Applications from Hong Kong

STEP 1: The online application is finished

Fill in the New Zealand eTA online application form with accurate and comprehensive personal information, passport details, and travel plans. Respond to any necessary questions regarding criminal history and travel intentions.

STEP 2: Verify the payment

Proceed to the payment section and submit the required fees for the  New Zealand eTA. 

STEP 3: Getting the Approved Visa

Once the application is submitted and payment is confirmed, await the processing of the New Zealand eTA. Processing typically takes 1 to 2 days, during which authorities will review the application. Upon approval, the eTA will be sent to your email.

Clearing Time: The New Zealand eTA typically takes one to two days to process, giving enough time for assessment and approval.

Alternative Services: Embassy registration services may be available based on traveler-specific requirements.

By adhering to these steps and completing the required payment, Hong Kong Nationals can successfully apply for the New Zealand eTA and expect approval within a reasonable processing time.

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New Zealand eTA is an e-visa which can be used for the purpose of travel, business, or transit related purposes. Instead of a traditional visa, visitors from visa waiver countries of New Zealand can apply for a NZeTA to visit the country. Learn more at Complete Tourist Guide to Traveling with New Zealand eTA.


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.