Can You Enter New Zealand on NZeTA?

The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is an online application. It grants approval for short stays in New Zealand. These stays can be for tourism, business, or transit. Some people can use NZeTA to travel to New Zealand without requiring a visa. This depends on your passport, travel method, and the purpose of your visit. Passport holders from certain countries can apply for an NZeTA before boarding their flight. The application can be completed through New Zealand’s official immigration website. I have made a post about it about a year ago. Read more here.

What does “Visiting” New Zealand Mean?

In the context of NZeTA, “visiting” means entering and staying in New Zealand as a visitor. If you’re passing through a New Zealand airport (excluding Auckland International Airport) on your way to another country, you are still considered a visitor.

If you already have a valid New Zealand visa, you do not need an NZeTA.

Who needs NZeTA?

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, you will likely need an NZeTA or a visa unless you’re a New Zealand citizen or have a valid New Zealand visa. This applies to visitors from visa waiver countries, cruise ship passengers (no matter your nationality), and certain transit passengers. Even if you’re just passing through New Zealand to another destination, you might need one. Australian citizens are off the hook, but Australian permanent residents still need an NZeTA. If you are part of an airline or cruise ship crew from visa waiver countries, you will need an NZeTa too. Make sure to have your NZeTA sorted before traveling!

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, check out our video: Can You Move to New Zealand on an NZeTA?

How much does the NZeTA cost?

The cost has increased since my last post. It now costs NZD $17 to request NZeTA on the free INZ app, or NZD $23 if applying online. Additionally, you may need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). The IVL costs NZD $100. You pay the IVL at the same time as you request your NZeTA. So, the total cost is NZD $117 via the app, or NZD $123 via the online portal

How long can you stay in New Zealand on NZeTA?

The NZeTA is valid for 2 years, but you can stay only 3 months (or 6 months for UK passport holders) at a time. Upon arrival, you’ll be granted a visitor visa that reflects your allowed stay. When you return within the two-year validity period, you’ll get another visitor visa, but keep in mind you can only stay in New Zealand for a maximum of 6 months within any 12-month period. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a visa, not an NZeTA.

Check out another helpful video: Can You REALLY Enter New Zealand on NZeTA? Don’t Make This Mistake

Common Misconceptions About NZeTA

Who can enter New Zealand without an NZeTA?

You can enter New Zealand without an NZeTA if you are from a visa-waiver country and entering by plane. If your country is not on the list, you’ll need a visa. Here’s a list of eligible countries:

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia (citizens only), Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (HKSAR or British National–Overseas passport holders only), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia (citizens only), Liechtenstein, Lithuania (citizens only), Luxembourg, Macau (SAR passport holders only), Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal (if you have the right to live permanently there), Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (permanent residents only), United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (permanent residents only), United States, Uruguay, Vatican City

Can you work on NZeTA?

No, an NZeTA does not grant permission to work in New Zealand. It is strictly for tourism or business visits. If you wish to work, you’ll need to apply for a work visa. More details on type of work visa in this link.

Can you enter New Zealand on a cruise ship with NZeTA?

Yes, you can arrive in New Zealand on a cruise ship with an NZeTA, regardless of your nationality. Upon arriving at the first port in New Zealand, you will be considered as holding a visitor visa. This visa expires 28 days after the ship’s first port of entry or when the ship leaves, whichever comes first. However, there are specific conditions where you must apply for a visa:

• If your cruise ends in New Zealand and you plan to stay beyond 28 days, you must apply for a visa. You should do this before or as soon as you know you’ll be staying longer than your deemed visitor visa allows.

• Similarly, if you leave your cruise or cargo ship early and you will be in New Zealand for more than 28 days or after your ship leaves New Zealand, whichever happens first., you need to apply for a visa.

If you are flying out from New Zealand you must show evidence of your onward travel arrangements such as a flight ticket out of New Zealand. All cruise travelers must also complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD).

Is the NZeTA the Same as a Visa?

The NZeTA acts like a visa but is technically a travel authority. Upon arrival, you’ll be deemed to hold a visitor visa, and the conditions of that visa depend on your passport and method of arrival.