NZeTA visa guide (by nationality)
Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Most visitors need either an NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority, NZD 23 online + NZD 100 IVL levy) or a full visa. Australians are exempt. Americans, Canadians, UK, and most EU nationals need the NZeTA. Nationals of some countries require a full visitor visa. The NZeTA is valid for 3 years, multi-entry, and allows stays up to 90 days per visit.
Who needs what to enter New Zealand
New Zealand operates a three-tier entry system. Understanding which tier you fall into before booking flights is essential — the system is simple but the IVL levy catches many visitors off guard.
Tier 1 — No visa, no NZeTA: Australian citizens and most Australian permanent residents. Entry is essentially open; no electronic pre-authorisation required.
Tier 2 — NZeTA required: Citizens of around 60 countries including the US, UK, Canada, and most of the EU. An NZeTA is an electronic travel authorisation — not a stamp, not a visa booklet. It is linked to your passport electronically.
Tier 3 — Visitor visa required: Citizens of countries not on the visa waiver list must apply for a full visitor visa before travel. Processing times vary; apply at least 4-6 weeks ahead.
This guide focuses on Tier 2 — the NZeTA — which applies to the majority of European, North American, and East Asian visitors.
What is the NZeTA
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a mandatory pre-travel authorisation introduced in 2019. It is not a visa in the traditional sense — there are no embassy appointments, no document submission, no waiting weeks for a decision. Most applications are approved within 72 hours, many within minutes.
The NZeTA is valid for 3 years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each visit can be up to 90 days. It is multi-entry, meaning you can use it for multiple trips to New Zealand within the 3-year validity period without reapplying.
You must apply before travel. The NZeTA cannot be obtained on arrival.
Costs: NZeTA + the IVL levy
This is where visitors are frequently surprised. The NZeTA application fee is separate from the International Visitor Levy (IVL), and you pay both when applying.
| Fee | Online application | Mobile app |
|---|---|---|
| NZeTA fee | NZD 23 (USD 14 / EUR 13) | NZD 17 (USD 10 / EUR 9) |
| International Visitor Levy (IVL) | NZD 100 (USD 60 / EUR 55) | NZD 100 (USD 60 / EUR 55) |
| Total | NZD 123 (USD 74 / EUR 68) | NZD 117 (USD 70 / EUR 64) |
The IVL goes directly to New Zealand’s conservation and tourism infrastructure — Department of Conservation (DOC) tracks, biosecurity, visitor facilities. It is non-refundable even if your trip is cancelled.
Practical tip: Use the official NZeTA mobile app (iOS or Android) to save NZD 6 on the application fee. The app is run by Immigration New Zealand and is legitimate.
Note: The NZeTA fee increased from NZD 9 to NZD 23 (online) in late 2024. The NZD 23 figure is current as of April 2026, but fees are subject to review — verify on the Immigration New Zealand website before applying.
How to apply
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Official channel only: Apply via the Immigration New Zealand website (immigration.govt.nz) or the official NZeTA mobile app. Do not use third-party services charging higher fees — they simply pass your application through the official system with a markup.
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What you need: Valid passport (must not expire within 3 months of your planned departure from NZ), email address, credit or debit card.
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Timeline: Apply at least 72 hours before departure. Most applications are approved automatically within minutes to a few hours. Occasionally, applications require manual review (up to 72 hours).
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The approval: You receive an email confirmation. The NZeTA is linked electronically to your passport number — you do not receive a physical document. The airline checks it at check-in, and border control checks it on arrival. You do not need to print anything.
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Arrival: At New Zealand airports, most international arrivals use automated e-gates (SmartGate). You scan your passport; the NZeTA is verified automatically.
Per-nationality table
| Nationality | Entry requirement | Max stay per visit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | NZeTA + IVL | 90 days | Working Holiday Visa available (18-35 yo) |
| Germany | NZeTA + IVL | 90 days | Working Holiday Visa available (18-30 yo) |
| Italy | NZeTA + IVL | 90 days | Working Holiday Visa available (18-35 yo) |
| Spain | NZeTA + IVL | 90 days | Working Holiday Visa available (18-30 yo) |
| Portugal | NZeTA + IVL | 90 days | Working Holiday Visa available (18-30 yo) |
| United Kingdom | NZeTA + IVL | 90 days | Working Holiday Visa available (18-30 yo) |
| United States | NZeTA + IVL | 90 days | No Working Holiday bilateral agreement |
| Canada | NZeTA + IVL | 90 days | Working Holiday Visa available (18-35 yo) |
| Australia | Exempt | Up to 3 months (extendable) | Special Trans-Tasman arrangements |
| Japan | NZeTA + IVL | 90 days | Working Holiday Visa available (18-30 yo) |
| South Korea | NZeTA + IVL | 90 days | Working Holiday Visa available (18-30 yo) |
Working Holiday Visa ages verified at time of application — apply before your birthday if close to the age limit.
What the NZeTA does NOT allow
The NZeTA is a visitor entry authorisation only. You cannot:
- Work in New Zealand on an NZeTA (unless you have an incidental work exception — limited freelance/remote work for foreign employers is generally tolerated, but this is a grey area)
- Study for more than 3 months
- Apply for other visas from within New Zealand on a visit
If you intend to work, pick fruit, work in hospitality, or do anything income-generating with New Zealand clients, you need a Working Holiday Visa or a work visa — see the Working Holiday Visa guide.
Biosecurity declaration
New Zealand takes biosecurity extraordinarily seriously. On arrival, all visitors must declare:
- Any food (including sealed, processed items)
- Plant products (fresh or dried)
- Animal products
- Outdoor/camping/sports equipment (boots, bikes, fishing gear — all must be clean)
- Any visit to a farm or animal handling in the 30 days prior
The NZeTA application includes a biosecurity declaration section. Answer honestly. Fines for non-declaration start at NZD 400; prosecutions happen. This is not theatre — New Zealand’s economy and environment depend on keeping out pests and diseases. See also the packing list guide for what to clean before you leave.
Transit through New Zealand
If you are transiting through Auckland or Christchurch airports without leaving the international transit area, NZeTA requirements depend on your nationality and transit duration. Most NZeTA-required nationals transiting under 24 hours still need an NZeTA. Check with Immigration New Zealand or your airline for your specific situation.
Children and family travel
Children travelling on their own passports require their own NZeTA. Children travelling on a parent’s passport (permitted in some countries for under-16s) fall under the parent’s NZeTA. If in doubt, give each child their own passport and apply separately — it avoids complications at the border.
For full family travel guidance, see New Zealand with kids.
Frequently asked questions about the NZeTA
How early should I apply for my NZeTA?
Apply at least 72 hours before your flight departs. Most approvals are immediate, but occasionally applications enter a manual review queue that takes up to 72 hours. There is no benefit to applying months in advance — the 3-year clock starts from approval, not from your trip.
What if my NZeTA application is declined?
Decline reasons include prior deportation, criminal convictions, or mismatches with passport data. If declined, you will receive information on next steps. You can apply for a visitor visa through the standard immigration process, which involves a more thorough review.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days on an NZeTA?
No. To stay longer, you must depart and re-enter on a new visit (within the 3-year NZeTA validity). Alternatively, apply for a visitor visa extension before your 90 days expire. Overstaying is a serious offence that can result in deportation and a multi-year re-entry ban.
Do I need to print my NZeTA approval?
No. The approval is electronic and linked to your passport. Airlines verify it at check-in; border control confirms it on arrival. Keep your confirmation email on your phone in case of questions.
Is the IVL levy refundable if I cancel my trip?
No. The IVL is non-refundable regardless of circumstances. It is worth factoring into travel insurance considerations.
I have dual nationality. Which passport should I use?
If you hold Australian citizenship, use your Australian passport — you will not need an NZeTA. If you hold citizenship from two NZeTA-required countries, use whichever passport you intend to enter with, and apply for the NZeTA on that passport. Do not switch passports between application and travel.
What is the International Visitor Levy and where does it go?
The IVL (NZD 100) was introduced in 2019 to fund tourism infrastructure and conservation. It covers DOC track maintenance, biosecurity operations, and visitor experience improvements. New Zealand receives over 3 million international visitors per year; the IVL generates approximately NZD 300 million annually for these purposes.
Related guides and itineraries
- Working Holiday Visa New Zealand — for those aged 18-35 wanting to work
- First time in New Zealand — complete orientation guide
- How many days do you need in New Zealand
- New Zealand on a budget
- Packing list for New Zealand — what to declare at biosecurity
- Auckland guide — where most flights arrive
- Is New Zealand safe
- 14-day New Zealand itinerary