Everything French citizens need to know before applying for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority online.
Since 1 October 2019, French citizens must hold an approved New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) before travelling to New Zealand. As one of the 60 visa waiver countries, France enjoys visa-free travel for short stays of up to 90 days — the eTA is a quick online travel authorization, not a visa, and most applications are approved within about 10 minutes.
From the fiords of Milford Sound and the peaks of the Southern Alps to the vineyards of Marlborough and the café culture of Wellington, New Zealand rewards French travellers with a remarkable range of experiences. Whether the trip is a holiday, a short business visit or a stop on a longer journey, the New Zealand eTA for French citizens covers it.
Yes. French passport holders do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days, but every traveller from France — including children and infants — must obtain an approved NZeTA before departure. Once approved, the eTA is linked electronically to your passport, which removes the need for embassy appointments and passport stamps: airlines verify it at check-in and New Zealand border officials confirm it on arrival.
The requirement applies to every way of entering the country. Cruise passengers need a valid NZeTA just like travellers arriving by air, and French citizens transiting through Auckland International Airport to a destination outside New Zealand also need one, even if they never leave the transit area. Crew members of airlines and cruise lines need a separate crew eTA arranged with their employer.
Families travelling together must provide the passport details of every member and submit an individual NZeTA application for each traveller, including minors.
The NZeTA requirements for France are simple. Before starting the online application, make sure you have:
Accuracy matters: every detail must match your passport exactly. Incorrect or incomplete information is the most common cause of delays and can lead to rejection.
French citizens can complete the online NZeTA application from a smartphone, computer or tablet in about 10 minutes — from home or the office, with no embassy visit:
Provide your personal details (full name, date of birth, address), passport details (number, nationality, expiry date), travel plans (arrival and departure dates, accommodation) and short health and character declarations.
Pay the application fee together with the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) — New Zealand's contribution toward protecting its natural environment and tourism infrastructure — using a credit or debit card.
Your approved NZeTA arrives as a PDF at the email address you provided and is linked electronically to your French passport. Carry a printout with your passport when you travel.
Most NZeTA applications from France are approved within about 10 minutes; in some cases additional checks can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 working days before departure to leave comfortable time for processing.
Once granted, the eTA is valid for 2 years — or until your passport expires, whichever comes first — and can be used for multiple trips to New Zealand with stays of up to 90 days each. If you renew your French passport, you will need a new eTA linked to the new passport, and dual nationals must always travel on the passport used in the application.
No visa is needed for short stays. France is one of the 60 visa waiver countries, so French citizens can visit New Zealand for up to 90 days without a visa. However, since 1 October 2019 every French traveller must hold an approved NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before departure.
The online application form takes about 10 minutes to complete, and most NZeTA applications from France are approved within about 10 minutes. In some cases additional checks can extend processing up to 72 hours, so apply at least 3 working days before your flight.
The NZeTA is valid for 2 years from approval, or until your French passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
Yes. Every traveller, including children and infants, needs their own approved eTA. Families must submit a separate application with the passport details of each family member.
The NZeTA is linked to the passport used in the application. If you renew or replace your French passport, the old eTA is no longer usable and you need to submit a new application with the new passport details.