The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) was introduced by the government of New Zealand in 2019.
Most foreign visitors must pay a levy to enter New Zealand. The money is invested in sustainable tourism and conservation projects.
The IVL allows international travellers to contribute directly to protecting nature and the infrastructure they use and enjoy while visiting New Zealand.
How much is the New Zealand IVL?
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy is NZ $35. The fee is the same for all foreign tourists.
The levy is mandatory, visa and NZeTA applications will only be processed on payment of the fee.
Who has to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)?
The majority of foreigners visiting New Zealand short-term are required to pay the IVL. This includes most people entering the country with an NZeTA or visitor visa.
In general, those travelling on student visas, working visas, and short-term work visas must also pay the New Zealand tourist tax.
Travellers who are exempt from paying the IVL
Some overseas visitors are exempt from paying the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy:
- Australian passport holders
- Passport holders from Pacific Island nations
- Passengers transiting through Auckland International Airport
- New Zealand resident visa holders
- Australian resident visa holders
- Business Visitor Visa or APEC business travel cardholders
- Ship and airline crew
- People travelling to Antarctica under the Antarctic Treaty
- Certain seasonal employment workers
- Holders of visas for dependents of work and student visa holders
- Foreigners whose visa or NZeTA requirements have been waived by Immigration New Zealand
There are some other exceptions. New Zealand’s immigration system determines whether a traveller needs to pay the levy when they apply for an NZeTA or visa.
Do cruise passengers pay the New Zealand IVL?
Foreigners arriving in New Zealand on a cruise ship can apply for an NZeTA instead of a visa.
Like travellers arriving by air, cruise passengers are required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
If I’m not from a visa waiver country, do I have to pay the IVL?
Regardless of whether an individual is travelling to New Zealand on an NZeTA or a visitor visa for New Zealand, they must pay the IVL.
All foreign tourists are required to pay the IVL unless one of the listed exemptions applies.
How is the New Zealand IVL used?
The New Zealand government introduced the tourism levy in response to increasing visitor numbers.
The IVL is used to help maintain facilities and the natural environment that tourists enjoy during their time in the country.
There are 3 areas where the IVL will be spent:
- Systems
- Conservation
- Infrastructure
Examples of projects funded by the IVL
Projects that have already been funded by the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) so far include:
- Milford opportunities – plan to improve and protect Milford Sound Piopiotahi
- Arthur’s Pass Experience Design – to ensure it provides the best visitor experience
- Te Manahuna Aoraki – conservation project in the upper Mackenzie Basin and Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park
- Kākāpō recovery project – recovery planning and long-term habitat expansion for this species of parrot native to New Zealand.
The IVL Advisory Group meets 3 times a year to discuss areas for investment.
When do travellers pay the IVL?
Foreign visitors who are eligible for the New Zealand eTA will pay for the IVL when they request the travel authority.
The tax will automatically be added to the visa waiver fee during the NZeTA application process, when applicable.
Visitors that do not meet the NZeTA conditions must pay for the IVLwhen applying for their visa.
Applying for an NZeTA and paying the IVL
For convenience, the NZeTA processing fee and IVL are paid together. On completion of the NZeTA application form, the total cost is calculated and can then be paid online using a debit or credit card.
The IVL is charged when applying for an NZeTA for tourism or business purposes, but not for transit.
NZeTA processing is fast, most applications are reviewed and approved in 1 to 3 days. Foreigners can stay in New Zealand for up to 3 months (6 months for UK citizens) with an approved NZeTA.
Do I have to pay the IVL each time I travel to New Zealand?
An NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years, or until the passport expires, and can be used to travel to New Zealand multiple times.
NZeTA holders do not need to pay the IVL each time they go to New Zealand, only when applying for a new travel authority.
As most visitor visas are single-entry. Therefore, a new visa must be obtained before each trip and the IVL is paid with each application.
