Citizens of 60+ visa waiver countries can apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) entirely online — no embassy visit required. Discover the right New Zealand visa or eTA for your trip and skip the hassle with OnlineVisa.
New Zealand12,000+
Visas Processed
60+
ETA Eligible Countries
5+
Years of Experience
24/7
Support
99.9%
Approval Rate
Requirements
Before starting your New Zealand eTA or visa application, make sure you have these four essentials ready.
Recent passport-style photo with a plain light background.
Passport valid for 3 months beyond your New Zealand departure.
Valid email address required for NZeTA confirmation online.
Valid credit or debit card required for online payment.
Overview
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is an electronic travel authorisation issued by Immigration New Zealand to visitors from visa waiver countries who wish to enter New Zealand for tourism, short business trips, or transit. Launched in August 2019, it is a fully digital pre-screening system linked directly to your passport.
Since 1 October 2019, all travellers from the 60+ visa waiver countries — including the US, UK, EU nations, Japan, and South Korea — must hold a valid NZeTA before boarding any flight or cruise to New Zealand. Cruise passengers of all nationalities must also hold an NZeTA or appropriate visa.
The NZeTA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, allows multiple entries, and permits stays of up to 90 days per visit (6 months for British citizens). Approval is typically received within 1 business day, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to gain entry to New Zealand.
Queenstown, New Zealand
The adventure capital of the world
Simple process
Apply for your New Zealand eTA or visa in four straightforward steps — secure, guided, and stress-free.
Answer a few simple questions, select your visa type, upload your documents, and pay securely online. Most people finish in under 10 minutes.
Our team checks every detail — photo dimensions, passport clarity, and health and character declarations — to minimise any risk of rejection.
We submit your application to Immigration New Zealand on your behalf and keep you updated throughout the entire application process.
Your approved NZeTA or visa is delivered by email, electronically linked to your passport. We guide you on exactly what to show at the border.
Visa options
There are different travel authorisations and visas available for New Zealand. The one you should apply for depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
The NZeTA is required for all passport holders from visa waiver countries and for all cruise ship passengers regardless of nationality. It replaces the need to apply for a traditional tourist visa. There are three main situations where the NZeTA applies:
Documents
To begin your New Zealand eTA or visa application, have the following documents ready. All information must match your passport exactly.
Passport scan (biographical page)
An electronic or scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport. Your passport must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand.
Passport-style colour photograph
A recent photo of your face taken against a white or light background. A clear, in-focus smartphone photo is acceptable.
Valid email address
Your approved NZeTA or visa will be sent to your email address. Keep it accessible throughout your trip.
Credit or debit card
For secure online payment of the application fee and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
Onward or return ticket (recommended)
Proof of your travel out of New Zealand. Border officers may request this upon arrival.
Health and character declarations
As part of the application you must truthfully answer questions about your health history and any criminal convictions. Providing false information may result in denial of entry.
Important Notice
Immigration New Zealand requires that the information in your NZeTA or visa application matches your travel passport precisely. This includes:
Any discrepancy between your application and your passport may result in delays, denial of boarding, or refusal of entry at the New Zealand border. If you make a mistake, you must submit a new application — the NZeTA cannot be amended after submission.
Guidelines
Before applying for your NZeTA or New Zealand visa, review these important guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful application.
Apply at least 3–7 days before your departure date. While most applications are decided within 1 business day, some may take up to 3 business days.
Every traveller, including infants and children, must submit their own individual NZeTA or visa application. Children cannot be included on a parent's application.
The NZeTA cannot be amended after submission. If you make an error, you must cancel and submit a new application — with a new fee.
The NZeTA does not guarantee entry into New Zealand. Border officers may refuse entry if you do not meet the entry requirements on arrival.
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from New Zealand. If your passport expires, your NZeTA becomes void — you must apply for a new one linked to your new passport.
The NZeTA does not permit you to work, volunteer, or study in New Zealand beyond 3 months. A separate Work or Student Visa is required for these activities.
Transit passengers are limited to Auckland International Airport and must remain in the international transit area for no more than 24 hours.
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is mandatory for almost all NZeTA applicants and must be paid at the time of application.
Entry requirements
Most foreign nationals must obtain either a New Zealand eTA or a Visitor Visa before travelling. Citizens of 60+ visa waiver countries (including the US, UK, and EU member states) need the NZeTA. Nationals of other countries — such as China, India, South Africa, and Nigeria — must apply for a Visitor Visa. Australian citizens and permanent residents are exempt from both.
Pricing
No visa options available for the selected nationality.
At a glance
< 5 min
Average time to apply
1–3 days
Typical processing time
99.9%
Approval rate
60+
ETA eligible nationalities
Eligibility
Nationals of the following countries and territories are eligible to apply for a New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) online without visiting an embassy or consulate. Australian permanent residents may also apply.
Visa Waiver Countries (NZeTA eligible)
Transit Visa Waiver Countries (NZeTA for transit)
Passport & NZeTA
Your approved NZeTA is electronically linked to your passport
Validity
Valid for 2 years from date of approval
The NZeTA is valid for 2 years from the date it is approved, and allows multiple entries into New Zealand during that period. Each visit must not exceed 90 days, or 6 months for British citizens.
Linked to your passport
The NZeTA is electronically tied to the passport you registered during the application. If your passport expires or you get a new one, you must apply for a new NZeTA linked to the updated document.
Cannot be extended
The NZeTA validity cannot be extended beyond its 2-year period. If you are already in New Zealand and wish to stay longer than the permitted time, you must apply to Immigration New Zealand for a Visitor Visa before your authorisation expires.
Does not guarantee entry
Holding a valid NZeTA does not guarantee entry into New Zealand. Border immigration officers retain the right to refuse entry if they are not satisfied that you meet the conditions for entry.
Minimum passport validity required
Your passport must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand. You should also ensure your passport has at least 2 blank pages available for immigration stamps.
Why us
Applying for a New Zealand NZeTA or Visitor Visa on your own can be complex. OnlineVisa simplifies the process, catches errors before submission, and gives you confidence every step of the way.
| Feature | Applying yourself | OnlineVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Simple, guided application forms | ||
| 24/7 support from visa experts | ||
| Error detection to prevent rejections | ||
| Secure document upload | ||
| Multiple payment methods | ||
| Real-time application tracking |
FAQs
Everything you need to know about applying for a New Zealand eTA or visa online.
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