NZeTA Guide
If you want to visit New Zealand without a visa, you’ll need to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, also known as an NZeTA. A successful NZeTA application requires that you accurately complete an online form and provide some supporting documents.
The process of applying can be complex, so if you need help, our experienced legal team at Total Law is on hand to provide you with personalised assistance. If you have any queries about applying for an NZeTA or any of the other services that we offer, feel free to call us on +44 (0)333 305 9375 or contact us online.
NZeTA: An Overview
An NZeTA allows you to travel to New Zealand without a visa, provided that you are a citizen of a visa waiver country and can fulfil all other eligibility requirements. With an NZeTA, you can visit New Zealand for up to 3 months, or 6 months if you are a UK citizen. An NZeTA is valid for 2 years if you are a traveller, and 5 years if you are a commercial flight or cruise ship crew member. Within this period, you can visit New Zealand multiple times.
To request an NZeTA, it costs NZD $17 on the New Zealand Immigration app, or NZD $20 if you complete your application online. In addition to the initial application fee, you must also pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which costs NZD $35. Processing times vary for NZeTA applications, but New Zealand Immigration states that you should allow 72 hours for your application request to be processed.
It is important to note that you can be deported from New Zealand if you stay in the country after your visa expires. Deportation means that you risk not being able to come back to New Zealand in the future.
Eligibility Requirements
You must comply with all eligibility requirements in order to be granted an NZeTA. Here is an overview of the requirements:
Identity Verification: You must have a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after you leave New Zealand. Your passport will be used to check and verify your identity.
Health Requirements: You must be in good health in order to be eligible for an NZeTA. If you are seeking medical consultation or treatment in New Zealand, you must apply for a ‘Medical Treatment Visitor Visa’.
Character Requirements: You must meet the good character requirements in order to obtain an NZeTA. If you have any criminal convictions or any previous deportations from another country, you may be eligible.
Nationality and Mode of Entry: If you are visiting New Zealand as a cruise ship passenger, you can be of any nationality. However, you must be a citizen of a visa waiver country in order to enter by plane. A full list of visa waiver countries can be found on the official Immigration New Zealand website.
Financial Requirements: You’ll need at least NZD $1000 for each month of your stay in New Zealand, or NZD $400 if your accommodation is paid for.
Travel Ticket Requirements: You must have evidence of your onward travel arrangements, including an outbound travel ticket. Moreover, you must depart New Zealand within 3 months of your arrival, unless you are a UK citizen, in which case it is 6 months.
Visit Duration: Your visit cannot exceed 6 months in any 12-month period.
Family Requirements: If you wish to bring family members with you to New Zealand, they must also fulfil all of the eligibility requirements.
Documents Required for an NZeTA
To apply for an NZeTA, you will need the following documents:
A valid passport that you will use to travel to New Zealand.
A debit card or credit card (Visa or MasterCard).
An email address.
A photo of your face and shoulders.
It’s important to note that NZeTA photos are not passport photos. As long as the photo meets the NZeTA requirements for size, format and framing, you can use a recent photo of yourself or take one of your device’s camera.
Who is the NZeTA for?
Most people who are visiting New Zealand require an NZeTA, even those who are simply passing through New Zealand airports (excluding Auckland International Airport) or arriving by cruise ship.
If you are a citizen of a visa waiver country, you’ll need an NZeTA. If you are not from a visa waiver country, you’ll need to apply for a relevant visa in order to enter New Zealand.
You may be able to use an NZeTA to pass through Auckland International Airport as a “transit passenger” if you are on your way back to another country. This will allow you to stay in the transit area of the airport for 24 hours, but it restricts you from visiting New Zealand. Auckland International Airport is the only airport in New Zealand where this is possible.
If you are an Australian citizen, you do not need an NZeTA, as you’ll receive an Australian Resident visa upon your arrival in New Zealand. If, however, you are an Australian permanent resident, you will require an NZeTA.
Crew members of cruise ships or commercial airlines require a Crew ETA provided by their employer.
Applying for a NZeTA as a Citizen of a Visa Waiver Country
The NZeTA process offers a convenient pre-travel authorisation for citizens of visa waiver countries, ensuring they can enter New Zealand for short visits without the need for a conventional visa. This system is particularly beneficial for tourists, business travellers, and short-term visitors, as it streamlines their entry into the country.
Method of Application
There are two ways in which citizens of visa waiver countries can apply for an NZeTA – through the NZeTA mobile app, or through the official Immigration New Zealand website. While the app can make the application process more convenient by allowing you to apply from your mobile device, it’s entirely optional. You can choose whichever method suits you best.
Differences in Application for Citizens of Visa Waiver Countries
The NZeTA application process is much quicker than applying for a standard visa as it can be completed entirely online or on the app and doesn’t require you to visit an embassy or make any in-person appointments. Additionally, the NZeTA application does not require that you provide a passport-sized photo. Another key difference between the NZeTA application and that of a more traditional visa application is the extremely fast processing times. Whilst Immigration New Zealand advises that you allow up to 72 hours for your application to be approved, most are processed in less than 72 hours.
How Total Law Can Help
At Total Law, our expertise in immigration law uniquely equips us to guide individuals through the process of applying for an NZeTA.
We provide tailored consultations to address each individual’s specific needs and concerns. Our services encompass a wide range of assistance, from clarifying eligibility criteria and assisting with document preparation, to advising on the financial aspects of the application.
For further assistance and to discuss how we can help with your NZeTA application, contact us online or give us a call on +44 (0)333 305 9375.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you do not need the NZeTA app to enter New Zealand, you just need to travel with the passport that is linked to your approved NZeTA. Immigration officials will be able to verify your NZeTA status electronically with your passport once you arrive in New Zealand.
Once approved, your NZeTA will be linked electronically to your passport, so there’s no need to print anything, but it’s wise to keep a copy of your approval email.
Delays in NZeTA approval can be due to a number of factors, including incomplete or incorrect information, a need for additional security checks, a high volume of applications, technical issues, or payment problems. It is a good idea to check your email regularly, including your spam folder, and contact Immigration New Zealand if the delay extends significantly beyond 72 hours.
Yes, children travelling to New Zealand require an NZeTA.
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