Once you have submitted your application, it is natural to want confirmation that everything is on track. The good news is that you can check your New Zealand eTA status online at any time, from any device, and it takes less than a minute. This guide walks through exactly how to do it, what each status means, and what to do if something does not look right.
What You Need Before You Check
To look up your application, you need two pieces of information from your confirmation email: your reference number and the email address you applied with. The reference number is unique to your application and acts as its key, so keep that confirmation email somewhere safe - you will use it for every future check, right up until you travel.
How to Check, Step by Step
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Open the Visa Status Page
Go to our visa status page on your phone, tablet or computer.
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Enter Your Details
Type in your reference number and the exact email address used in the application, then submit.
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Read Your Result
Your application summary appears, showing the status of every traveller in the application individually.
What Each Status Means
Pending / Processing: your application is still being assessed. In most cases this clears within minutes; occasionally a manual review takes up to 72 hours. No action is needed from you.
Approved: your eTA has been issued and is linked electronically to your passport. A copy is also emailed to you as a PDF. You are cleared to travel, though it is wise to carry a printed or saved copy alongside your passport.
Rejected / Declined: the application was not approved. The status page or your email will explain the reason and any next steps, which may include applying for a different type of visa.
Checking a Family or Group Application
If you applied for several travellers together, the status page shows each person's result separately. This matters because it is normal for one traveller in a group to be approved instantly while another is briefly held for review. Seeing them listed individually lets you confirm that everyone in your party is cleared before you head to the airport.
When Should You Check?
There are two sensible moments to check: shortly after applying, to confirm it was received and see whether it has already been approved, and again before you leave for the airport, so there are no surprises at check-in. If you applied several days ahead - as recommended - a quick check the night before travel is all you need.
If Something Looks Wrong
If you cannot find your application, the usual cause is a small mismatch. Check that the reference number and email address exactly match what you submitted - even an extra space or a different email address will prevent a match. If you have genuinely lost your reference number, do not panic: contact our support team and we will help you locate your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I check my status?
As often as you like - there is no limit. Checking does not affect or slow down your application.
My status still says pending after a day. Is that a problem?
Not necessarily. A small share of applications take up to 72 hours for manual review. If it is approaching your travel date, contact support.
Do I need my status page open to travel?
No. Your approved eTA is linked to your passport and emailed to you. Carrying a copy is recommended but the link to your passport is what airlines and border officers verify.
Stay in Control of Your Trip
Checking your status takes seconds and gives you peace of mind. Keep your reference number handy, check once after applying and once before you fly, and you will never be caught out at the gate. Not applied yet? Start your NZeTA application and you will have a reference number of your own within minutes.
Before You Fly: A Final Checklist
Checking your status is most valuable in the final day or two before departure, when it becomes part of a short pre-flight routine. Confirm that your eTA shows as approved for every traveller in your party, not just the lead applicant, since group applications are assessed individually. Make sure the passport you are packing is the exact one used in the application - the eTA is linked to it, and travelling on a different or renewed passport will cause problems at check-in.
Save a copy of the approval PDF to your phone and, ideally, print one too. While the authorisation is verified electronically, having proof on hand removes any doubt if you are asked. With those three checks done - approved status, matching passport, saved copy - you can head to the airport with complete confidence.
More Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check the status from another country?
Yes. The status page works from anywhere with an internet connection, so you can check while travelling or connecting through another airport.
What if one traveller in my group is still pending?
Wait for that person's status to change to approved before travelling together. If the departure date is close and it has not cleared, contact support.
Does checking my status count against me in any way?
No. You can check as often as you like with no effect on your application - it is purely for your reassurance.
Will I get an email when my eTA is approved?
Yes. As soon as your application is approved, the authorisation is sent to the email address you provided as a PDF attachment. If it does not arrive within a few minutes of an approved status, check your spam or junk folder before contacting support - automated messages are occasionally filtered. You can always retrieve the outcome from the status page regardless of the email.