New Zealand ETA Visa: How to Apply Online for the NZeTA

To travel to New Zealand, you must obtain a valid New Zealand ETA (NZeTA) authorization. The procedure involves submitting a New Zealand ETA application online, either directly on the official New Zealand immigration website or through an authorized NZeTA service provider. The most important step is to correctly fill out the NZeTA application form, which includes your personal details, passport information, and travel itinerary. This document is required for tourist visits, transit through New Zealand, or cruise trips. Follow our advice to prepare your NZeTA New Zealand application, avoid mistakes, and obtain your travel authorization with ease.

Apply for New Zealand ETA (NZeTA) Online

• 🛂 Required: All travelers from visa-waiver countries (including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan) must obtain an NZeTA before departure.
• 💻 Application: Complete the New Zealand ETA online form on immigration.govt.nz or via an authorized provider offering assistance and data verification.
• 📄 Documents: Valid passport + recent digital passport photo.
• 📅 Validity: 2 years – stays of up to 90 days per visit (up to 180 days for UK citizens) with multiple entries allowed.
• ⏱ Processing time: Usually approved within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the application volume.
• 💰 Fees: Between 117 and 123 NZD depending on the submission channel (mobile app or official website), including the IVL tax (International Visitor Levy) now set at 100 NZD.

What is the New Zealand ETA (NZeTA)?

Traveling to New Zealand has become much easier thanks to the New Zealand ETA (NZeTA) — the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority. This digital travel authorization, mandatory since 2019, allows citizens from visa-waiver countries to obtain entry approval quickly without visiting an embassy.

Entirely electronic, the NZeTA visa simplifies entry requirements for short-term travel, including tourism, transit, and cruise arrivals.

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is now the preferred option for international visitors. The NZeTA application form can be completed online or via the official NZeTA mobile app, with electronic confirmation sent by email within just a few days.

Definition of the NZeTA New Zealand

The New Zealand ETA (NZeTA), or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, is an official electronic travel authorization required for citizens of visa-waiver countries. Unlike a traditional visa, it does not require a visit to the embassy and can be applied for entirely online within minutes.

📌 Major features:

• 🌍 Available for more than 60 nationalities, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Singapore.
• 💻 100% online application via the official immigration.govt.nz website or the NZeTA mobile app.
• 📧 Authorization sent by email, electronically linked to your passport — simply present it when boarding or arriving in New Zealand.
• 🛂 Faster border control thanks to automatic data verification systems.

Who needs to obtain an NZeTA for New Zealand?

The NZeTA is mandatory for most visa-waiver travelers entering or transiting through New Zealand, including tourists, cruise passengers, and short-term visitors.

✅ People concerned:

• ✈️ Tourists coming to discover New Zealand's landscapes and culture.
• 🛳️ Cruise passengers, even without a flight to the country.
• 🛫 Travelers in transit via Auckland Airport.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Visitors visiting family or friends in New Zealand.

⚠️ Not affected by the NZeTA:

• New Zealand and Australian citizens.
• Holders of a valid New Zealand visa.
• Permanent residents of New Zealand.

Validity and number of entries for the New Zealand NZeTA

The NZeTA visa offers excellent flexibility for travelers planning multiple visits to New Zealand.

📅 Duration & validity:

• 🗓️ Valid for 2 years from the date of approval.
• ⏱️ Allows stays of up to 90 days per visit (up to 180 days for UK citizens).
• 🔁 Authorizes multiple entries throughout the validity period.

🏖️ Example: A traveler from USA can visit New Zealand several times within the 2-year validity of their NZeTA, provided each stay does not exceed 90 days.

New Zealand NZeTA form: how to fill it out

Applying for a New Zealand ETA (NZeTA) online is the quickest and most convenient way to prepare for your trip. The entire process is completed through an electronic application form, which must be filled out with precision. Any mistake in your passport number, personal information, or travel details could result in rejection or boarding denial. That’s why it’s essential to know where to apply, which steps to follow, and which documents to prepare in advance.

Where can you apply for an NZeTA online?

The New Zealand ETA application form is available through several official and authorized platforms:

• 💻 Official immigration website – Direct process via immigration.govt.nz, secure online payment, and receipt of the NZeTA authorization by email.
• 📱 Official NZeTA mobile app – Available for iOS and Android, it provides a faster process and a lower application fee than the website.
• 🤝 Approved private providers – Offer assisted applications, data verification, and multilingual support. While slightly more expensive, they significantly reduce the risk of form errors.

👉 Regardless of the channel used, the NZeTA application form must be completed online before departure. No visit to an embassy or consulate is necessary for short-term travel to New Zealand.

Steps for completing the New Zealand NZeTA form step by step

The New Zealand ETA (NZeTA) application form has several steps that must be completed accurately. Each field must exactly match your passport to avoid NZeTA application rejection or processing delays. This guidance applies whether you apply for NZeTA online via the official New Zealand immigration website or the NZeTA mobile app.

1. Create an account online or via the mobile app

• Enter a valid email address and create a password to start your New Zealand ETA application.
• Confirm the account via the link received by email (or directly in the official NZeTA app) to access the NZeTA application form.

2. Personal information

• 👤 Last name, first name, gender, date and place of birth.
• 📇 Nationality and personal situation — ensure consistency across your NZeTA New Zealand application and documents.

3. Passport details

• Passport number, date of issue and expiration date.
• The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure from New Zealand.

4. Contact details

• Full postal address.
• Phone number.
• Active email address (used to send the NZeTA authorization).

5. Travel information

• ✈️ Planned arrival and departure dates.
• 🛳️ Type of trip (airplane or cruise).
• 🏨 Name and address of accommodation (hotel, rental, family).

6. Document upload

• 🖼 Recent digital passport photo (neutral background, clear face).
• 📄 Copy of the passport identity page (if requested by the provider).

7. Declaration and payment

• Final verification of all data before submission.
• Secure online payment by international credit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.).
• Receipt of the NZeTA authorization by email, to be kept or presented on your mobile device upon boarding.

👉 Helpful tip: Before confirming, carefully check the information you have entered (name, passport number, date of birth). Even a small mismatch can invalidate your NZeTA or delay your ETA New Zealand application.

Documents required for the New Zealand NZeTA online application

To complete your NZeTA form correctly, make sure you have the following factors ready before you begin the process:

• 📄 Valid passport: valid for at least 3 months after your planned date of departure from New Zealand, with at least one blank page.
• 🖼 Digital passport photo: recent, in color, square format (JPEG or PNG), with a clear view of your face and a neutral background.
• ✈️ Flight information: number and date of your return or onward ticket.
• 🏨 Proof of accommodation: hotel reservation, accommodation confirmation, or letter of invitation from a relative.
• 💳 International credit card: required to pay the NZeTA fee and IVL tax.

The online NZeTA form is easy to fill out but requires attention and accuracy. If in doubt, using a private service provider with assistance can help you avoid errors or refusals. With a valid passport, a compliant photo, and consistent data, you will quickly receive your NZeTA authorization and be able to travel to New Zealand with peace of mind.

NZeTA price for New Zealand

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a paid travel authorization, and its cost varies depending on how you submit your application — through the official NZeTA mobile app, the government website, or a private service provider. The total fee always includes both the NZeTA application cost and the IVL (International Visitor Levy), a mandatory tourist tax applied to all foreign visitors to New Zealand.

Official NZeTA fee and required charges

According to the official New Zealand Immigration website, the current NZeTA cost is as follows:

• 💰 NZeTA via mobile app: 17 NZD
• 💰 NZeTA via website: 23 NZD
• 🌏 IVL (International Visitor Levy): 100 NZD
• 📧 Total: between 117 NZD and 123 NZD depending on the application method.

👉 Payment must be made at the time of submission. Applications will not be processed without prior payment, and all fees are non-refundable, even in the case of rejection or cancellation.

Service fees for private service providers

Many travelers choose to use approved service providers, who charge additional fees in exchange for comprehensive support.

These services offer:

• 🤝 Personalized assistance in English.
• 🔎 Data verification before submission (avoids passport or date errors).
• 📞 Dedicated customer support in case of problems or when the NZeTA is rejected.

Fees vary depending on the provider and are added to the official NZeTA fee and IVL tax.

Accepted payment methods for the NZeTA

Payment is made directly online via:

• 💳 International credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).
• 🌐 Secure payment on the official website or via approved providers.

👉 Check that your card is enabled for international payments before submitting your application.

Time required to obtain the NZeTA for New Zealand

The processing time for the New Zealand ETA (NZeTA) is usually very fast, but it can vary depending on the season, the application channel (official website, mobile app, or private provider), and the accuracy of the information submitted. Understanding the standard timelines and preparing in advance ensures a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Standard processing time for obtaining an NZeTA online

As a general rule, the NZeTA authorization is issued very quickly:

• ⏱ In most cases, it is approved in less than 24 to 72 hours.
• 📧 The document is sent by email and electronically linked to your passport.

👉 To avoid last-minute issues, it is strongly recommended to apply for your New Zealand ETA at least 7 days before departure, especially during peak travel seasons or if you are using a third-party provider.

Possible delays and special situations

Certain circumstances may prolong the processing time:

• 🔎 Errors in the form (passport number, date of birth, etc.).
• 📂 Non-compliant ID photo or unrecognized file.
• 🗓️ Busy periods, especially during holidays and tourist seasons.
• 🛫 Multiple applications or processing via a private provider requiring manual validation.

In these situations, processing may take up to a week or more.

Practical tips for planning your NZeTA application

To put the odds in your favor:

• ✅ Submit your application at least two weeks before your trip.
• 📝 Carefully check all the information you have entered before submitting.
• 📸 Upload a photo that complies with official standards.
• 🤝 If necessary, use an approved private service provider to secure the process and avoid errors.

Conditions for entering New Zealand with an NZeTA

Obtaining an NZeTA is the first step in traveling to New Zealand, but to be granted border authorization, you must also meet certain entry requirements. These rules concern, in particular, authorized points of entry, passport validity, and health and financial requirements applicable to foreign visitors.

Points of entry accepting the NZeTA

The NZeTA is recognized throughout New Zealand and accepted at all major entry points. You can arrive in New Zealand via:

• 🛬 International airports: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.
• 🛳 Seaports welcoming international cruises.
• ✈️ Auckland Transit Terminal, for travelers connecting to another country.

👉 Before you leave, check that your airline or shipping company participates in the NZeTA program and that your stopover is at an authorized entry point.

Passport validity requirements for the NZeTA

The passport used for the NZeTA application must meet several criteria:

• 📅 Be valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure from New Zealand.
• 📄 Contain at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.
• 💳 The information entered on the form must match exactly the information on the passport (name, number, nationality).

Any inconsistencies may result in denied boarding or delays at the border.

Insurance and additional requirements

Although no medical insurance is included with the NZeTA, it is strongly recommended that you purchase international travel insurance before departure. This covers:

• 🏥 Emergency care in the event of an accident or illness.
• 🚑 Medical repatriation to your country of origin.
• 🎒 Lost or damaged luggage and personal effects.

New Zealand authorities may also ask you to present a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.