The New Zealand eTA application form is quick and straightforward. The online form takes just minutes to fill out and there is no need to go to an embassy or consulate.
Applicants need to have a valid passport and meet the other basic NZ eTA requirements.
This guide to the NZeTA application explains the steps required to obtain the electronic travel authority to New Zealand.
How to apply for a New Zealand eTA
To apply for the NZeTA travellers must be:
- From a country eligible for the NZeTA
- Visiting New Zealand for tourism, business, remote work, or transit
- Visiting for up to 3 months (6 months for UK citizens)
NZeTA Application Steps
Provided all the above are true, travellers can obtain the NZeTA in 3 simple steps:
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Complete and submit the application online
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Review the request and confirm the payment
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Receive the approved NZeTA Permit in your email
Documents required to apply for the NZeTA
Applicants should have the following items to hand before getting started with the NZeTA form:
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the end of the stay
- Recent photo that meets New Zealand visa photo requirements
- Credit or debit card to pay the eTA and IVL fees
The same passport must be used to apply for the NZeTA and travel to New Zealand. An NZeTA becomes invalid as soon as the passport expires.
Completing the online NZeTAPermit.com application form
The NZeTA form is entirely online. Travellers submit all the required information electronically and do not need to visit an embassy or visa application centre at any point.
Each section of the NZeTA application form is detailed below.
Personal details required
The first section of the form is completed with basic personal information such as the applicant’s name, date of birth, and nationality.
Passport information for the eTA New Zealand
The next section of the New Zealand eTA application requires passport details.
The country of issue, passport number, date of issue and date of expiry are required.
Care must be taken when copying these details, any mistakes or missing digits could cause processing delays.
The reason for visiting New Zealand is also indicated at this stage.
Contact details required
Travellers must have an email address to apply for an NZeTA. A notification is sent to the applicant by email when the authorisation is approved.
A mobile telephone number is also required.
Eligibility questions regarding health and security
There are a series of questions to check the visitor’s eligibility to travel with an eTA.
Applicants who have been convicted of a criminal offence or deported from any country should declare it here.
Foreigners going to New Zealand for medical treatment should make this known.
NZeTA consent and declaration
Information provided is used to assess the NZeTA application. It also goes towards improving Immigration New Zealand services.
Travellers give their consent to this use of their information in order to proceed.
Applicants must also declare that the information provided is true, accurate and complete.
Payment of the NZeTA fees and IVL tourist levy
Applicants are then directed to the payment page.
The NZeTA fee and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (when applicable) are paid securely online using a debit or credit card.
When should I apply for the eTA for New Zealand?
NZeTA processing is fast. Most people receive their approved permit in 1 to 3 days.
Travellers who need the eTA urgently can use the priority service for 1-hour processing. This option is selected on the payment page.
As the New Zealand eTA is valid for 2 years, visitors are advised to apply as soon as they know their travel plans.
How often do I need to apply for the eTA to New Zealand?
Passport holders do not need to apply for the NZeTA each time they travel. The permit is valid for 2 years, or until the passport expires.
The eTA can be used to go to New Zealand multiple times during its validity period.
Once it expires, a new NZeTA can be obtained following the same online process.
Application for passengers in transit
Citizens of transit visa waiver countries can use an NZeTA to travel through New Zealand on their way to another destination.
Transit passengers complete the same online application form, indicating when prompted that they are only passing through the airport.
Foreigners with a transit NZeTA may pass through Auckland International Airport (AKL) for a maximum of 24 hours.
Application for cruise ship passengers
Cruise passengers of all nationalities may travel to New Zealand with an NZeTA instead of applying for a visa.
Cruise passengers can complete the NZeTA form following the steps above. Cruise passengers with an NZeTA can enter New Zealand and stay for up to 28 days or until the ship departs.
Who doesn’t need to apply for an NZeTA
Australian citizens are exempt from applying for the eTA.
Australian permanent residents of all third-country nationalities need to apply for an eTA NZ but are not charged the associated tourist levy.
The following groups are also exempt from the New Zealand eTA requirement:
- Guests of the New Zealand Government
- Foreign citizens under The Antarctic Treaty
- Crew and passengers of a non-cruise vessel
- Crew on a foreign ship carrying cargo
- Members of a visiting force and associated crew members
Foreigners who believe they may be exempt should check the entry requirements with a New Zealand Embassy or Consulate.
Can an eTA application be rejected?
A New Zealand eTA application may be denied if you:
- Do not meet all the requirements
- You make a mistake on your application form
- Your photograph is not accepted
By applying through NZeTAPermit.com, you can increase your chances of a successful application.
Our expert team reviews NZeTA applications—errors can be corrected before the form is submitted for processing.
If you apply here and your eTA is denied, you’ll be eligible for a full refund. Check our About us page to find out more about how we can help with your application.
What if I’m not eligible to apply for the NZeTA?
Foreign nationals who cannot enter New Zealand with an eTA can apply for a visitor visa for New Zealand.
The type of visa that a citizen should apply for depends on:
- Nationality
- Reason(s) for visiting New Zealand
- Intended length of stay
- Immigration history (if applicable)
Travellers should contact the embassy or consulate for information about applying for a visitor visa.