New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority
Some visitors and transit passengers can travel to New Zealand without a visa if they get an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before they travel.
Length of stay
Valid for many visits
During 2 years
Cost
From
NZD $23
Processing time
Allow
72 hours
With an NZeTA you can
- Travel to New Zealand without first applying for a visa — if you are travelling on a passport from a visa waiver country, a cruise ship passenger or a permanent resident of Australia.
Visa Waiver countries and territories
Arriving by cruise ship - Pass through Auckland International Airport as a transit passenger on the way to or from Australia.
- Pass through Auckland International Airport as a transit passenger on the way to another country — if you are from a visa waiver or transit visa waiver country.
- Get someone to help you with your NZeTA request — you will need to tell them about your criminal conviction history and whether you are seeking medical treatment in New Zealand.
Transit visa waiver countries
Transit passengers
Things to note
- If you are from a visa waiver country you must hold an NZeTA before you travel.
- If you are in New Zealand and wish to extend your stay, you must apply for a visa, not an NZeTA.
- Most NZeTA requests are processed within 72 hours. Many requests are processed more quickly but some may take longer.
- An NZeTA request costs NZD $17 on our free app, or NZD $23 if completed online.
- You pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time as your NZeTA. This costs NZD $35.
- Once you have requested an NZeTA you can check its status.
Paying the IVL
Travellers who do not need an NZeTA
Check your NZeTA status
Download our app on to your iOS or Android device
NZeTA app — Apple Store
NZeTA android app — Google Play
Note
Most NZeTA requests are processed within 72 hours. Many requests are processed more quickly but some may take longer. To avoid delays, we encourage you to request an NZeTA well in advance of your travel.
Information about NZeTA
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Overview
Evidence to provide
Process and costs
Conditions
Evidence to provide
The criteria and evidence below will provide you with the information you need to meet the requirements of an NZeTA.
View All Evidence
Identity
You must provide proof of your identity
We use your passport details to check your identity.
Tips
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Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave New Zealand.
Health
You must be in good health
You must be of good health. When you request your NZeTA you will be asked whether you are coming to New Zealand for medical consultation or treatment.
Tips
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If you want to come for medical consultation or treatment, you’ll need to apply for a ‘Medical Treatment Visitor Visa’ before travelling to New Zealand.
Character
You must be of good character
When you request your NZeTA, you will be asked some questions about your character.
You will not meet our good character requirements if any of the following apply:
- you have a criminal conviction
- you have been deported, removed or excluded from another country
- we have reason to believe you may be a risk to New Zealand's security, public order or public interest.
Good character
Tips
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If we have reason to believe you are not of good character, you will not receive a NZeTA.
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People who may be considered a risk to New Zealand’s security, public order or public interest, include those who are registered sex offenders or associated with a gang.
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If we have reason to believe you’re not of good character, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand at check-in, or refuse you entry permission when you get here.
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If you aren’t sure you’ll meet our requirements for good character, you should apply for a visa before coming to New Zealand.
Arriving by cruise ship
You can be any nationality if entering New Zealand as a cruise ship passenger
We use your passport to check your citizenship when you request your NZeTA.
Arriving by plane
You must be a citizen of a visa waiver country if entering New Zealand by plane
We use your passport to check your citizenship when you request your NZeTA.
In transit through Auckland International Airport
You must be a citizen of a visa waiver country or transit visa waiver country if passing through Auckland International Airport as a transit passenger on your way to another country
If you are from any other country, you can get an NZeTA if you are passing through Auckland International Airport as a transit passenger on your way to or from Australia.
Transit passengers must remain in the transit area at Auckland International Airport.
We use your passport to check your citizenship when you request your NZeTA.
Visa waiver countries and territories
Transit visa waiver country
Funds
You must have enough money to live on while you’re in New Zealand
You must have at least NZ $1,000 for each month of your stay, or if you’ve already paid for your accommodation, NZ $400 for each month of your stay.
You may be asked for evidence you’ll have access to your funds when you check-in or arrive in New Zealand.
Tips
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If you are pregnant, there are additional requirements.
Paying for maternity care
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You can’t meet the funds requirement for visa waiver travel by arranging a sponsor. If you want to arrange sponsorship, you have to apply for a visa before you travel to New Zealand.
Onward travel
You must have a ticket out of New Zealand
When you check-in, you’ll be asked to present your travel ticket out of New Zealand to a country you have the right to enter.
Your departure date must be within 3 months of your arrival, or if you’re from the United Kingdom, within 6 months.
If after you leave New Zealand you’ll be travelling to a country that also has an onward travel requirement, we may ask to see that ticket too.
Tips
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Your tickets must be paid for before your travel.
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If you’ll be leaving on aprivate craft or cruise ship,we'll accepta letter from the craft owner or a cruise itineraryas proof of your travel arrangements.
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If your only reason for coming to New Zealand is torenew a visa foranother country,we recommend that you apply for a visa before travelling.
Time in New Zealand
You can only visit New Zealand for up to 6 months in any 12-month period.
We’ll check our records to see how much time you’ve spent in New Zealand.
Tips
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If you don’t meet this requirement, you can’t travel visa waiver, but you can apply for a visitor visa to return to New Zealand.
Partner and dependent children
Your family must meet the same visa waiver requirements
To travel visa waiver, your family must:
- be in good health
- be of good character
- be bona fide applicants
- be citizens of a visa waiver country
- have enough money to live on while in New Zealand
- have a ticketout of New Zealand to a country they have the right to enter.
Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ
Evidence that you are a genuine visitor
Tips
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If family members don’t meet the requirements to travel visa waiver they should apply for a visa before visiting New Zealand.
Process and costs
The information below will help you understand the process, timeframes and costs involved in requesting an NZeTA, so you can plan ahead and submit a complete request.
Notes
We cannot display any process or costs information until you have provided your country details. Enter your country details in the panel above to view information relevant to your situation.
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Conditions
When you arrive in New Zealand with your NZeTA, these are the conditions that you must meet once we give you a visa.
You must meet the conditions of the visa we give you when you arrive in New Zealand at the border.
Visa Waiver Visitor Visa
Visitor Visa
FAQs
How long does it take for NZeTA to be approved? ›
In most cases, the NZeTA only takes 24-72 hours to process. Once your eVisa has been approved, it will be sent to you directly. You may wish to print it and pack it as soon as you receive it so that you don't forget it! The payment for the visa is known as an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, or IVL.
What is a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority NZeTA? ›With an NZeTA you can
Travel to New Zealand without first applying for a visa — if you are travelling on a passport from a visa waiver country, a cruise ship passenger or a permanent resident of Australia. Visa Waiver countries and territories.
From 1 October 2019, if you are from a visa waiver country you must hold a NZeTA before you travel, this includes permanent residents of Australia travelling on another country's passport. Australian citizens (Australian Passport Holders) do not need a NZeTA.
Do Americans need NZeTA? ›New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA):
U.S. citizens traveling to or transiting through New Zealand under the visa waiver program are required to have an NZeTA. This is also true for cruise ship passengers. It can take up to 72 hours to process an NZeTA so apply well in advance of your trip.
An NZeTA request costs NZD $17 on our free app, or NZD $23 if completed online. You pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time as your NZeTA. This costs NZD $35. Once you have requested an NZeTA you can check its status.
Can I travel to New Zealand without NZeTA? ›You must hold an NZeTA if you are boarding a flight or cruise that leaves for New Zealand, and you: are visiting on a passport from a visa waiver country — that is, a country whose passport holders do not need to get a visa before they travel to New Zealand.
How long can you stay on a NZeTA? ›An NZeTA is valid for 2 years. Check the Immigration NZ website for costs and processing times. Most people will also have to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) .
How long can you stay in NZ on an eTA? ›The NZeTA allows you to stay for a maximum of 3 months per stay and up to 6 months per year. Once issued, the NZeTA is valid for 2 years and you can enter and leave the country multiple times.
How long does my NZeTA last? ›You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35 when you apply. Once issued, the NZeTA is valid for up to two years.
How much bank balance is required for New Zealand visa? ›You must have enough money to support your trip while in New Zealand; you must have at least NZ $ 1000 per month; if an NZ resident/citizen is sponsoring your trip, you still need to show a money minimum of NZ $ 400 per month in your account.
Is NZeTA multiple entry? ›
Both the NZeTA and IVL are valid for multiple entries over two years.
How long does it take to get a NZ visa? ›We aim to process visitor visa applications in 20 weekdays, excluding public holidays. On average, we process visitor visa applications in 20 weekdays. 90% of applications are processed within 54 weekdays. This category has only recently reopened, and times may change as we receive and process more applications.
Can i travel to New Zealand from USA right now? ›June 2022 UPDATE: You do not need a pre-departure test to enter New Zealand. Most travelers need to be vaccinated and take 2 rapid antigen tests (RATs) after arriving in New Zealand. If you transit through New Zealand, you do not need to be vaccinated or complete the New Zealand Traveler Declaration.
Is it hard to get a New Zealand visa? ›The application for a New Zealand ETA is really easy. It has only three steps: The first step will ask you to fill in your general information. You also need to choose the processing time from the options mentioned above.
Can US citizens work in New Zealand? ›If you want to work in New Zealand you must apply in advance for a Work Visa. If you want to work in New Zealand you must apply in advance for a Work Visa.
Do I qualify to immigrate to New Zealand? ›If you have skills and experience
If you're 55 or younger and work in a skilled occupation, you can apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa to live in New Zealand permanently. You can include close family members in your application. The application process has 2 stages.
To apply you must have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a valid credit and an email address. It costs $7 CAD to get an eTA and only takes a few minutes to apply. Approved eTAs are valid for up to five years.
What can you not bring into New Zealand? ›- food.
- fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, honey, ingredients used in cooking, and all dairy products.
- alive or dead plants and seeds.
- wooden items.
- alive or dead animals.
- alive or dead animal products.
- traditional/herbal medicines.
- any shoes, sports or outdoor equipment you've used.
If you are planning to transit through New Zealand to another country you must request an NZeTA before you travel if you: hold a passport from a country on the list of transit visa waiver countries, or. are a citizen of a country on the list of visa waiver countries and territories, or.
Do you have to pay for New Zealand quarantine? ›Rates for the stay in managed isolation or quarantine
The fee (including GST) for NZ citizens and residence class visa holders for each family travel group is: $1,610 for the first or only person in the family travel group. $460 for each additional adult in the family travel group.
How long can I stay in New Zealand with a US passport? ›
Generally, the maximum stay holding a Visitor Visa is 9 months. We usually only allow visitors to stay for 9 months in an 18-month period. To work this out, we look at the last day that you intend to be in New Zealand (e.g. 1 July 2020) and count back 18 months from there (e.g. 1 January 2019).
Can a foreigner buy a house in NZ? ›Overseas people usually cannot buy a house or land in New Zealand. If you have a residence class visa but you are not yet 'ordinarily resident', you can buy or build one home to live in as long as you get consent from the Overseas Investment Office before you buy.
What is the cost of living in New Zealand? ›The monthly cost of living in New Zealand
The cost of living in New Zealand, for one person in a major city, is between NZ$3,000-NZ$4,000 per month. A family of four can expect to need NZ$5,000-NZ$6,000 per month to live on.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit New Zealand? No, USA citizens do not require a traditional visa from New Zealand from USA and may instead apply for an ETA. for purposes of tourism.
What travel documents do I need for New Zealand? ›Anyone travelling to New Zealand (including New Zealand and Australian citizens) must have a valid passport/travel document when entering New Zealand. There are also rules regarding how long your passport must be valid for in order to be acceptable.
Who is exempt from eTA? ›U.S. citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport. Lawful permanent residents of the United States who hold valid status in the U.S. are exempt from the eTA requirement.
How much does New Zealand visa cost? ›All you have to do is apply for a New Zealand visa starting from Rs 14,999* and receive it in just 35 working days. For instant New Zealand visa assistance, call us at 022 4164 2214 or fill in your details.
How much proof of money do you need for New Zealand? ›You can provide: bank statements for the past 6 months. copies of relevant bank deposit statements or certificates. statements or certificates showing fixed term deposits at least 6 months old.
Does New Zealand visa require interview? ›The New Zealand student visa interview usually takes place via telephone or video calls with immigration officials based in New Zealand. You might have to travel to your local New Zealand embassy or consulate to do this – so leave plenty of time and plan your travel in advance.
Do you still need to be vaccinated to enter New Zealand? ›You do not need to be vaccinated
You do not need proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand.
How many times can I use my eTA? ›
No. Once approved, your eTA is valid for five years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. You can come to Canada as many times as you wish as long as your eTA remains valid.
Is NZ still processing visas? ›How long it takes to process an application. We are committed to processing 2021 Resident Visa applications as quickly as possible. It is expected the majority of applications will be processed within 18 months, with most being processed much faster.
Is New Zealand open for immigration now? ›1 August 2022
The New Zealand border has now reopened, with student and visitor visa applications now open. The Maritime Border is also now open.
Visas and entry requirements
Having a valid passport and the right visa is key to a trouble-free entry into New Zealand. Your passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and if required, have a valid New Zealand visa.
The question of whether you need a visa to visit New Zealand is dictated by the type of passport you carry and the purpose of your visit to New Zealand; your status as a U.S. green card holder is irrelevant. Passport holders that are not from a visa waiver country will need to apply for a visa.
Can an American retire to New Zealand? ›New Zealand provides a number of visa programs tailored for retirement migrants and the right visa will entitle you to live in New Zealand permanently as a retiree.
Is it hard to move from USA to NZ? ›The process of moving to New Zealand is not as straightforward as it might seem. It requires months of preparation and negotiating serious rules and regulations to relocate to this island nation, particularly when you are importing your household goods and pets into the country.
Is it hard to get a job in New Zealand as an American? ›Since New Zealand is such an appealing destination, finding work can be challenging. There are various categories of work visas, and not all are available to all applicants or professions. Read on to find out how to get a job in New Zealand.
How long does it take for a NZ visa to be processed? ›How long it takes to process an application. We are committed to processing 2021 Resident Visa applications as quickly as possible. It is expected the majority of applications will be processed within 18 months, with most being processed much faster.
How long does it take to get a border exemption NZ? ›It usually takes around 20 days to process a visa under varying conditions and circumstances. Additionally, 75% of the work visas are processed within 1 month if the visa condition changes. Lastly, it takes 36 days to complete 90% of the total applications processed under the category of work visas.
How long does it take for a New Zealand tourist visa to be approved? ›
Visitor visas
We aim to process visitor visa applications in 20 weekdays, excluding public holidays. On average, we process visitor visa applications in 20 weekdays. 90% of applications are processed within 54 weekdays.
Most applicants get their eTA approval (via an email) within minutes. However, some requests can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents.
Is it hard to get NZ visa? ›The application for a New Zealand ETA is really easy. It has only three steps: The first step will ask you to fill in your general information. You also need to choose the processing time from the options mentioned above.
What is the rejection rate for New Zealand visa? ›New Zealand Visa Decision. New Zealand's student visa success rate sets many standards under which a visa application may be denied. 3.97% New Zealand Student Visa Rejection Rate is noted.
Can US citizens travel to New Zealand? ›June 2022 UPDATE: You do not need a pre-departure test to enter New Zealand. Most travelers need to be vaccinated and take 2 rapid antigen tests (RATs) after arriving in New Zealand. If you transit through New Zealand, you do not need to be vaccinated or complete the New Zealand Traveler Declaration.
How can I immigrate to New Zealand from USA? ›- 1Research New Zealand. Research New Zealand online and consider coming for a visit to explore the country, experience the lifestyle and meet potential employers. ...
- 2Choose a visa. Choose the best visa for you. ...
- 3Find a job. ...
- 4Apply for your visa. ...
- 5Plan your move. ...
- 6Settle in.
You do not need to be vaccinated
You do not need proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand.
Generally, the maximum stay holding a Visitor Visa is 9 months. We usually only allow visitors to stay for 9 months in an 18-month period. To work this out, we look at the last day that you intend to be in New Zealand (e.g. 1 July 2020) and count back 18 months from there (e.g. 1 January 2019).
How much does it cost to get New Zealand visa? ›All you have to do is apply for a New Zealand visa starting from Rs 15,390* and receive it in just 35 working days. For instant New Zealand visa assistance, call us at 022 4164 2214 or fill in your details.
Is there visa interview for New Zealand? ›Once the visa fee is paid, it will allow the applicant to schedule a visa interview with the New Zealand Embassy/Consulate. The visa interview is the last stage of the application process where one of the Consular Officers will ask questions to assess the applications.
How long is a NZeTA valid for? ›
You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35 when you apply. Once issued, the NZeTA is valid for up to two years. The New Zealand immigration authorities recommend that applicants allow up to 72 hours for processing.
Can eTA be denied? ›If your application was refused, you should not travel to Canada. If you try to travel to Canada with a refused eTA, you will be prevented from boarding your flight. We encourage you to reapply for an eTA only once you have addressed the reason(s) leading to the refusal of your application.
How is an eTA different from a visa? ›Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), commonly called entry visas, are to be obtained by foreign nationals who require visas to enter Canada, while Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) allows foreign nationals from visa-exempted countries to enter Canada without a visa.