About The New Zealand eTA
The New Zealand eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) is a travel authorization for visitors who wish to visit New Zealand for short-term stays of up to 90 days from the date of arrival — with the exception of British nationals, who can stay for up to 6 months. It was introduced to simplify entry for citizens of eligible visa waiver countries travelling to New Zealand for tourism, business visits or transit.
The NZeTA is granted through a fully online application system: there are no embassy appointments, paper forms or passport stamps. Applicants complete a simple online form with their personal details, travel information and passport data. Once approved, the authorization is electronically linked to the passport used in the application and verified automatically by airlines and border officials.
For travellers visiting for tourism, the application payment also includes the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) — a contribution that funds the protection of New Zealand's natural environment and its tourism infrastructure. Australian permanent residents are not required to pay the IVL.
Authorized Stay And Validity
The New Zealand eTA grants visitors a stay of up to 90 days per visit, counted from the date of arrival at one of New Zealand's designated ports of entry. The authorization itself is valid for 2 years from the moment of approval — or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first — and can be used for multiple entries during that period.
Travellers can apply for the New Zealand eTA at any time before their expected departure date. Most applications are approved within about 10 minutes; some can take longer if additional checks are required, up to 72 hours. Applying at least 3 working days before departure leaves comfortable time for processing.
Passport Guidelines
Before starting your NZeTA application, check that your travel document meets these requirements:
- Your passport must be issued by one of the eligible visa waiver countries listed below
- It must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond your expected departure date from New Zealand
- The eTA is linked to one specific passport — if you renew your passport, you need a new eTA
- Dual nationals should apply with the passport they intend to travel on
How To Apply For The NZeTA Online
The application is completed entirely online and usually takes about 10 minutes to fill in. Here is how the process works from start to finish:
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Complete The Online Form
Enter your personal details, passport data and travel information, and answer short health and character questions. Check every field against your passport to avoid delays.
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Pay The Fee & IVL
Pay the application fee together with the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy using a valid credit or debit card, then submit your application.
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Receive Your eTA By Email
Your approved travel authorization arrives by email as a PDF — typically within 10 minutes, and within 72 hours at most. It is linked to your passport automatically.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Since 1 October 2019, residents of the 60 visa waiver nations must hold a valid NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand. Select a country for detailed, nationality-specific eTA requirements.
All European Union Citizens Including
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
Other Countries Under The Visa Waiver List
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Israel
- Japan
- Korea
- Kuwait
- Liechtenstein
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Norway
- Oman
- Qatar
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
Transit Visa Waiver Countries
Citizens of these countries need an NZeTA when transiting through Auckland International Airport on the way to another destination:
Common Questions
What is the difference between an NZeTA and a New Zealand visa?
The NZeTA is a travel authorization for citizens of visa waiver countries making short visits; it is not a visa. Travellers who are not from a visa waiver country, or who plan to stay longer than the permitted period, must apply for an appropriate New Zealand visitor visa instead.
What should I do if my country is not on the visa waiver list?
If your nationality is not eligible for the NZeTA, you will need to apply for a New Zealand visitor visa through the standard immigration process before travelling. The eTA cannot be used as a substitute for a visa.
Can I extend my stay in New Zealand with an NZeTA?
No. The NZeTA allows stays of up to 90 days per visit (6 months for UK citizens) and cannot be extended from within New Zealand. Travellers who wish to stay longer should apply for a visitor visa that matches their intended length of stay.
Can I work or study in New Zealand with an NZeTA?
The NZeTA covers tourism, visiting family and friends, short business activities such as meetings and conferences, and transit. It does not permit employment in New Zealand. Longer study or any work requires the appropriate visa.
What happens when my NZeTA expires?
Once your eTA reaches the end of its 2-year validity — or when the passport it is linked to expires — simply submit a new online application before your next trip. The renewal process is identical to the original application.