Children may need an NZeTA (New Zealand Travel Authority), depending on their nationality and the amount of time they will spend in the country.
Some nationalities are not eligible for the eTA, whereas for others it is a requirement. General NZeTA entry requirements apply to minors.
The NZeTA for dependent children
Children with passports issued by any of the NZeTA eligible countries must have an approved travel authority to enter New Zealand.
Parents and legal guardians (legal tutors) can complete an NZeTA application form on behalf of their dependent children.
In most cases, children with an approved NZeTA can stay in New Zealand for up to 90 days.
Minors with a UK passport are permitted to stay for up to 6 months.
Australian children can enter New Zealand without a visa or New Zealand Travel Authority.
What are dependent children for New Zealand visa and eTA applications?
New Zealand defines dependent children as young people who meet the following criteria:
- Are not married
- Rely on their parents for financial support
- Have no children of their own
As regards visa applications, the upper age limit for being considered a dependent child depends on the type of visa (24 and under for resident visas; 19 and under for visitor visas).
When applying for the NZeTA visa waiver, there is no option to be included in the parent or guardian’s application, unlike with visas for New Zealand. All dependent children must have their own NZeTA, regardless of age.
Do very young children and babies need an eTA for New Zealand?
Yes, all travellers from eligible countries must have their own NZeTA, regardless of their age.
Currently, there are no family NZeTAs that allow families travelling together to apply as a group.
However, applying for an eTA New Zealand on behalf of a baby, toddler, child or teenager is very simple.
The process of applying for a New Zealand eTA for babies or young children is the same as for adults. Parents and legal guardians will need to complete the application form on the child’s behalf.
Which nationalities need a New Zealand eTA for children?
Children from 60 countries need a New Zealand eTA.
Find the complete list of the eTA-eligible countries on the requirements page. Please note that foreign minors with a permanent residence status for Australia are required to carry a valid NZeTA, whether the country that issued their passport appears in the eligibility list.
How can I apply for the eTA New Zealand for a child?
Applying for an eTA New Zealand for a child is straightforward. An older teenager can complete the New Zealand eTA application themselves, with parental guidance.
In the case of younger children, parents or legal guardians should complete the form on behalf of their dependents.
It only takes a few minutes to complete the eTA NZ application form for children.
Applicants must provide the child’s basic information, including the following:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Passport details
There are also some health and security-related questions that must be completed on the form.
It's essential to answer all the questions fully and accurately.
Any errors or missing information can lead to complications in the application process and can even cause rejections in some cases.
Applicants should carefully revise all the information provided before submitting the form.
To submit the form, it is necessary to make a payment using a credit or debit card. The vast majority of applications will be very quickly approved. The New Zealand eTA for children is then delivered by email.
What documents do you need to apply for an NZeTA for a child?
When applying for an NZeTA for a dependent child, the following items are required:
- The child’s passport (must be valid for at least 3 months)
- Recent photograph of the minor
- Email address to which the NZeTA will be delivered
- Credit or debit card to pay the eTA processing fee
Parents or guardians completing the New Zealand eTA application on behalf of their dependent children can use their own email address and payment methods.
Step by step New Zealand eTA for the children application process
Applying for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority on behalf of a minor is a straightforward procedure. It can be completed in minutes from your smartphone, tablet or personal computer.
It involves 4 simple steps you may complete online:
- Fill out the NZeTA application form with your child’s personal, contact, and travel information
- Carefully reread all the information, checking for errors or typos before continuing to the next step
- Pay the NZeTA application fees as well as the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) fee (if applicable) with a valid credit or debit card
- Receive your child's approved NZeTA at the email address you provided in step 1
Please note that the IVL is not charged with every NZeTA application. Should your child be required to pay the IVL, it will be automatically added to your application fee when you reach step 3.
In instances where the IVL is not required —such as minor Australian permanent residents applying for an NZeTA, or minors requesting cruise ship NZeTAs— then it will not be added to your eTA fee.
New Zealand visas for kids not eligible for the eTA
If a child is not eligible for the New Zealand Visa Waiver program, there are other types of visas available, including tourist visas. Applications can be made at embassies and consulates in person.
More countries may be added to the list of eTA eligible countries in the future. People planning on going to New Zealand can check the updated list of New Zealand eTA eligible countries.
Do children need a visitor visa for New Zealand?
Depending on the nationality of their passport, children might need a New Zealand visa. If they are not eligible for the NZeTA visa waiver, which can be obtained online, they will likely need a child visitor visa for NZ.
Obtaining a New Zealand visa for children is generally a lengthier process than the simple online NZeTA application. Visas must be applied for in person at a New Zealand embassy.
The requirements for children visiting New Zealand are similar to those of adults of the same nationality. Check if you are eligible for the NZeTA to save time authorising your trip.
