10 Things You Need to Know About the NZeTA [2023]

Before We Begin: NZeTA Rundown + Scam Warning

We are aware that a lot of travellers to New Zealand have questions about the NZeTA, as scams are quite common. If you have been sold an NZeTA and are having any doubts, please watch the video below. The video also includes a rundown of everything you need to know about the NZeTA. Otherwise, keep reading for additional useful tips.

1. Not All Countries Need an NZeTA

Only citizens from “Visitor Visa Waiver Countries” for New Zealand need to purchase an NZeTA before arriving in New Zealand to visit. This is with the exception of Australian residents.

The visa waiver countries, therefore the countries that need an NZeTA, include:

Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Vatican City

North America: Canada, and the United States of America;

South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay,

Middle East: Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

Asia: Brunei, Korea (South), Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan

Africa: South Africa, Seychelles and Mauritius.

For an up-to-date list, refer to the official visa waiver countries page on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Not sure what a visa waiver country is or if you need a Visitor Visa? Check out our guide, Visitor Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit New Zealand?

2. You Do Not Need an NZeTA if You Are Coming to New Zealand on an Alternative Visa

What we mean by this is that you only need to purchase the NZeTA if you are travelling to New Zealand as a visitor from the “visa waiver country” (see above). If you are coming to New Zealand on another visa, like a paid Visitor Visa, a Working Holiday Visa, a Student Visa or another work visa, for instance, you will not need to purchase an NZeTA. This is with the idea in mind that you have already paid fees to purchase your visa.

3. Some Countries are Required to Have an NZeTA Even if Just Transiting Through New Zealand

That’s right, citizens from “transit visa waiver countries” must also purchase the NZeTA, even if they are just transiting through New Zealand.

These countries include: the Bahamas, Bermuda, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Federated States of Micronesia, Indonesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samia, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanua and Venezuela.

For an up-to-date list of the transit visa waiver countries, see this page on the Immigration New Zealand website.

4. You Need to Get an NZeTA Before You Depart for New Zealand

In some cases, you may not be able to board a flight or a cruise to New Zealand without an NZeTA, so it’s essential to obtain an NZeTA before you depart for New Zealand. While it might be possible to request an NZeTA at your departure airport, it can take up to 72 hours for NZeTAs to be approved. Needless to say, it’s best to purchase one as soon as you can, knowing that NZeTAs are valid for up to two years.

5. You Don’t Need an NZeTA Each Time You Visit New Zealand

An NZeTA is valid for multiple visits from the date of approval for up to two years. This means you don’t need to purchase another NZeTA if you are returning to New Zealand within two years of getting an NZeTA. After two years, you will need to purchase a new one.

6. The NZeTA Applies to Both Flight and Cruise Ship Passengers

If you’re from a visa waiver country or a transit waiver country (see above), then it doesn’t matter which transport you use to travel to New Zealand, whether it’s by flight or cruise ship, you will still need an NZeTA.

7. There are Two Ways to Get an NZeTA

Both require an internet connection! The two ways of buying an NZeTA are through the Immigration New Zealand App and through an online form on the Immigration New Zealand website. Get the Google Play App here and the App Store App here.

8. It’s Cheaper to Apply Through the App than the Website

Purchasing the NZeTA costs around NZ$17 through the Immigration New Zealand app, while completing the online form through the Immigration New Zealand website costs around NZ$23.

9. It’s Faster to Apply Through the App than the Website

After downloading the Immigration New Zealand app, you just need to scan your passport with the app for Immigration New Zealand to get the details needed to issue you an NZeTA. Then you can even scan your credit or debit card to pay. However, on the Immigration New Zealand website form, you will need to enter your passport and credit card details manually.

10. You Will Also Need to Pay the IVL

The IVL is the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, which costs around NZ$35, no matter if you are using the Immigration New Zealand website or the app. The IVL is paid when you purchase your NZeTA.

Learn more about what the IVL is in New Zealand eTA & Visitor Levy (NZeTA & IVL): FULL Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About the NZeTA

If you didn’t get your question answered about the NZeTA, you might find the answer here.

Can I Travel to New Zealand with NZeTA?

You can travel to New Zealand with an NZeTA if you are from a visa-waiver country. See the list of visa-waiver countries in point #1 above.

How Long Can I Stay in NZ with an NZeTA?

You can stay in New Zealand for three months (or six months if you’re from the UK). However, the NZeTA is valid for multiple visits to New Zealand for up to two years.

Do NZ Citizens Need an NZeTA?

No, NZ citizens do not need an NZeTA for New Zealand.

How Much Does NZeTA Cost?

The NZeTA costs NZ$9 through the mobile app and NZ$12 through the Immigration New Zealand website. Note that there is an additional fee of NZ$35 for the IVL (International Visitor and Conservation Levy) when paying for the NZeTA.

Can I Work with an NZeTA Visa?

No, you cannot work with an NZeTA Visa in New Zealand. You need a valid work visa to work in New Zealand.