Congratulations! You’ve booked your plane tickets to New Zealand. Now what? You’ll probably start to book your accommodations, reserve experiences like Hobbiton, and explore things to do. One thing you shouldn’t forget is your entry requirements. You may be wondering “Do I need an NZeTA?” or “Do I need a visa?”
Fortunately, I’m here to help!
If you’re visiting this breathtaking country, you will need to get an NZeTA or a visitor visa. I’ve listed out some FAQs below to help you figure out what you need to do, how you need to do it, and when you need to do it by.
Do I need an NZeTA if I’m an Australian traveling on an Australian passport?
Nope!
Do you live in one of the following visa-waiver countries or territories?
Andorra
Argentina
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia (citizens only)
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong (residents with HKSAR or British National–Overseas passports only)
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kuwait
Latvia (citizens only)
Liechtenstein
Lithuania (citizens only)
Luxembourg
Macau (only if you have a Macau Special Administrative Region passport)
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Oman
Poland
Portugal (if you have the right to live permanently in Portugal)
Qatar
Romania
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan (if you are a permanent resident)
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom (UK) (if you are traveling on a UK or British passport that shows you have the right to reside permanently in the UK)
United States of America (USA) (including USA nationals)
Uruguay
Vatican City
If yes, you need an NZeTA but not a visa.
If your passport is from a visa-waiver country and you’re visiting for up to three months, you must request an NZeTA in advance. You will need a valid passport, a ticket for your departure from New Zealand, and enough money to live on while you’re in the country. You can also verify if your passport country is a visa-waiver country or territory here.
What if my country isn’t listed?
If your country isn’t listed above, you can use this helpful tool from New Zealand Immigration’s website to check what your entry requirements are. If it wasn’t listed, you will almost certainly need a visa to travel to New Zealand. You can find out more about how to apply for one here.
What is the application process?
You can request an NZeTA either on the website or through the app. I filled mine out through the app, and the process was straightforward and didn’t take long (typically less than five minutes). There are four steps in total: you’ll need a valid passport to scan, a credit or debit card to pay, an email address, and a photo of your face or a device to take one. If you complete your application through the app, you will take a photo while filling out the form.
What kind of photo do I need?
If you’re filling out the online application, the photo you submit needs to be between 500 KB and 3 MB, between 900 x 1200 pixels and 2250 x 3000 pixels, and a JPG or JPEG file. If you’re using the app, the photo must be less than 10 MB and a JPG or JPEG file. The minimum resolution is 540 x 720 pixels. The photo should also be in portrait mode, of you, have even lighting with minimal shadowing, be in color and in focus, and be an original photo (no Snapchat or Instagram filters). It should also be taken against a plain background about 1.5 meters from your face (the app will help you with a silhouette).
Visit the immigration website for all of the requirements for acceptable photos. There are quite a few guidelines, but if there’s an issue with your photo, you’ll be notified. You can also use a professional photographer or a business (like a public library or pharmacy) that does passport photos.
How much does it cost?
A request costs NZD 17 on the app but NZD 23 if completed online. As part of your responsibility to protect the nation’s natural environment, you will also need to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) to enter the country. The IVL was 35 NZD when I applied back in September, but it went up to 100 NZD as of October 1st, 2024. You can find more information on the IVL here. Additionally, you usually cannot get a refund if your application is denied.
How long does it take to process?
I completed my application two months in advance of my trip, and it was approved in two minutes. A recent notification in the NZeTA app says that most requests are processed within 72 hours of submission but some may take longer. To avoid delays and not jeopardize your trip, you should apply for one at least a couple of months beforehand.
How long is my NZeTA valid for?
Your NZeTA is valid for two years. Your expiry date will be listed below your NZeTA reference number in the email you receive once your NZeTA has been issued.
Can I visit New Zealand more than once on the same NZeTA?
Yes, you can visit Aotearoa multiple times within the two-year period that your NZeTA is valid for.
What happens if my travel dates change?
You can alter your travel dates if needed, but if they change by more than two years (i.e., after your NZeTA expires), you’ll need to pay for a new one.
Do I need to show my NZeTA at the border?
You don’t need to show your NZeTA at immigration upon arrival! The process was so smooth and I had a screenshot of my NZeTA on my phone just in case but it wasn’t asked for. Once they scan your passport or your face, they’ll be able to connect you to your NZeTA right there. It’s very advanced!
Do you have other questions related to NZeTAs? Let me know down below and I can help point you in the right direction!
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