A Complete Guide to the New Zealand eTA & Visitor Levy (NZeTA & IVL)

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Who Needs an NZeTA for New Zealand?

The NZeTA does not apply to every traveller coming to New Zealand (but the vast majority). You must pay for an NZeTA if you are one of the following:

• A visitor to New Zealand from a visa waiver country (see list below)
• Are going to be in transit in New Zealand and are from a transit visa waiver country (see list below)
• A permanent resident of Australia.

These conditions apply to both flight and cruise ship passengers.

Who Doesn’t Need an NZeTA?

You do not need to request an NZeTA if you are already holding a valid New Zealand visa (such as the Working Holiday Visa, Visitor Visa or Student Visa) or are a New Zealand or Australian citizen.

If you prefer to read a whole guide just for the NZeTA, head over to the 10 Things You Need to Know About the NZeTA.

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Who Needs to Pay the IVL for New Zealand?

The IVL for New Zealand is a little different from the NZeTA. It is required to be paid by the majority of visitors to New Zealand, including those entering the country with an NZeTA, Visitor Visa and short-term student and work visas, like the Working Holiday Visa.

Who Doesn’t Need to Pay the IVL?

You do not pay an IVL if you:

• Have an Australian or New Zealand passport
• Have a passport from many Pacific Island nations
• Are a transit passenger arriving at and leaving from Auckland International Airport
• Hold a New Zealand Resident Visa
• Hold an Australian Resident Visa
• Hold a Business Visitor Visa or APEC business travel card.

There are some other visa holders who do not need to pay the IVL, so check out the Immigration New Zealand website for more details.

Video: 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. If not, keep on reading…

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Visitor Visa Waiver Countries for New Zealand

Those who hold a passport from one of the following 60+ countries must request an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand.

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, Vatican City

North America

Canada, United States of America

South America

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay

Middle East

Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

Asia

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

Africa

South Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius

List date: 2022. For the full list please refer to the official visa waiver countries page.

Learn more about the visitor visa and whether you need to apply for one in our guide, Visitor Visa: Do You Need a Visa to Visit New Zealand?

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Transit Visa Waiver Countries for New Zealand

Those who hold a passport from one of the following 24 countries must request an NZeTA before transiting through New Zealand.

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, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Venezuela.

List date: 2022. For the full list please refer to the official transit visa waiver countries page.

© Immigration New Zealand

How to Get an NZeTA and Pay Your IVL

If you meet the requirements for having to request an NZeTA, you must request and pay for it before you travel to New Zealand. It is best to request an NZeTA as soon as possible, as it can take up to 72 hours for an NZeTA approval (but it can also take as little as 10 minutes).

How to Apply for an NZeTA?

There are two ways of applying and paying the NZeTA and IVL:

• The Immigration New Zealand Android or Apple App
• The Immigration New Zealand Website Form.

How Much Does the NZeTA Cost?

• NZ$17 through the mobile app
• NZ$23 through the website form
• NZ$35 per person for the IVL – this is charged in the same transaction as your NZeTA.

How Long is the NZeTA Valid For?

The NZeTA and IVL are valid for multiple visits and transits to New Zealand for up to two years.

What Happens if You Don’t Have an NZeTA?

Simply put, you will not be allowed to board the plane or cruise to New Zealand without an NZeTA if you require one.

You may be given the opportunity to request an NZeTA when you check in for your flight or cruise. However, if Immigration New Zealand doesn’t process your NZeTA in time for your flight or cruise, or if your request is declined, you will not be allowed to board.

For more essential pre-departure advice, see New Zealand Travel Advice: How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand.

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How to Pay Your IVL if You Don’t Need an NZeTA (i.e. On Other Visa Types)

If you are travelling to New Zealand on another visa type, such as a Visitor Visa, Working Holiday Visa, Student Visa or any other type of short-term visa, the cost of the IVL will be included in your visa application fee. In other words, you probably won’t have realised that you’ve paid for it. There are no further actions required of you to pay for the IVL if you have already paid for your visa.

How Much Does the IVL Cost?

The IVL for New Zealand costs NZ$35 per person.

How Long is the IVL Valid For?

The IVL is valid for multiple visits and transits to New Zealand for up to two years.