New Zealand eTA Information
Reference document covering the scope, eligibility, validity, and application of the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). This guidance is provided for general information; applicants should confirm current requirements with Immigration New Zealand.
Overview of the eTA
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is an official digital authorization for visa-waiver travelers and all cruise ship passengers traveling to New Zealand for tourism, business, or transit. Introduced in 2019 to strengthen border security, the NZeTA is issued by Immigration New Zealand and is digitally linked directly to your passport, meaning no physical documents or stamps are required.
This authorization permits multiple entries over its validity period, though it does not grant the right to paid employment or long-term study. Upon approval, travelers receive an email confirmation that should be retained for reference. Please note that while an approved NZeTA serves as your official travel clearance, final admission is determined by an Immigration New Zealand officer at the point of entry.
Validity & Permitted Use
| Validity Period | 2 years from issue, or until passport expiry — whichever occurs first |
| Number of Entries | Multiple during validity period |
| Maximum Stay per Entry | 3 months (6 months for UK passport holders); no more than 6 months in any 12-month period |
| Modes of Travel | Air and cruise ship |
| Issuing Authority | Immigration New Zealand |
Permitted Activities
- Tourism and visits to family or friends
- Business meetings, conferences, and short-term work-related activities not constituting employment in New Zealand
- Transit through Auckland International Airport (up to 24 hours)
- Short courses of study not exceeding three months
Activities Not Permitted
The NZeTA does not authorise paid work or long-term study. Travellers intending to work, study a full course, or stay long-term must apply for the appropriate visa before travel.
Eligible Nationalities
The NZeTA is available to passport holders from New Zealand's visa-waiver countries. All cruise ship passengers require an NZeTA regardless of nationality. Confirm the current list on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Exemptions: New Zealand citizens do not need an NZeTA. Australian citizens and permanent residents must hold an NZeTA, but Australian citizens are not charged the IVL.
Documents & Requirements
To complete an eTA application, the applicant must hold the following at the time of submission:
- A valid passport from one of the eligible nationalities listed in Section 3. The passport must remain valid throughout the intended stay in New Zealand.
- A current email address capable of receiving electronic correspondence.
- A valid payment method for the NZeTA fee and the IVL.
Applicants of any age, including infants, require their own NZeTA. Children must be included in a request made by a parent, legal guardian, or authorised representative. A recent passport-style photo (no filters or edits) is required.
Application Process
The standard process consists of three stages:
- Form completion: The applicant provides biographic details, passport information, contact details, and answers a short series of declarations.
- Lodgement: Our experts thoroughly review and prepare your application. Service eVisa handles all eligibility checks and document verifications, ensuring your NZeTA submission is completely flawless.
- Decision: Immigration New Zealand typically issues an outcome within minutes, though some requests can take up to 72 hours. The final decision is sent directly by email.
Tracking an Application
Applicants may check the status of a submitted application at any time using the reference number provided in the acknowledgement email. Status enquiries may also be directed to the Service eVisa support team.
Fees & Service Charges
| NZeTA Government Fee | NZD $17 (app) / NZD $23 (website) per applicant |
| Service eVisa Standard Fee | From USD $42 per applicant |
| Premium Review Service | From USD $79 per applicant |
| Payment Methods Accepted | Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover |
| Currency | Pricing shown in USD; NZD, GBP, and EUR equivalents shown at checkout |
The NZeTA fee and the NZD $100 IVL are both government charges and are clearly itemised on the payment page. Service eVisa fees are additional and cover eligibility review, document checks, and support. The IVL is valid for the life of the NZeTA (up to 2 years), so it is paid once even if you make multiple trips.
Refusal & Appeals
Immigration New Zealand may refuse an NZeTA request if the applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria, has previously breached New Zealand immigration rules, or has a relevant criminal record.
There is no formal right of appeal against an NZeTA refusal. If an NZeTA cannot be granted, the applicant may:
- Lodge a new NZeTA application that directly addresses the reason for the initial outcome.
- Apply for the appropriate visitor visa through Immigration New Zealand.
- Note: the IVL is non-refundable even where an application is declined.
Where an application submitted through Service eVisa is refused, the service fee, which covers the review and processing carried out on your behalf, is non-refundable. The government fee is also non-refundable.