New Zealand eTA Requirements

Travellers who meet New Zealand’s visa-waiver requirements can enter the country visa-free with an electronic travel authority.

To apply for NZeTA visa waiver to travel to New Zealand, foreign citizens need to:

This page explains each of these requirements in greater detail.

Documents required to obtain the NZeTA

Foreign citizens are required to fill out the online NZeTA application form.

The following items are needed:

NZeTA passport requirements

Applicants need a passport issued by one of the visa-waiver countries listed below.

The passport should be valid for at least 3 months after leaving New Zealand.

The same passport must be used to apply for the NZeTA and to travel to New Zealand. This is particularly relevant to applicants with dual nationality.

The NZeTA is electronically linked to the holder’s passport. It is also sent to the applicant by email in PDF format, which can be printed.

The information on the approved NZeTA includes:

Visitors must hold a valid travel authorisation or visa for the entire duration they are in New Zealand. This includes the passport which the travel permit is attached to.

Individuals who stay in New Zealand after their document has expired will be classed as unlawful and could be deported.

NZeTA photograph specifications

Applicants need to upload a digital photograph that meets the NZeTA photo criteria.

The photo must be:

The subject should be looking directly at the camera with a neutral facial expression, eyes open and mouth closed.

Debit or credit card to pay the NZeTA fees

The NZeTA fees are paid securely online using a debit or credit card. It is the final stage before submitting the application.

There is also an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) fee that supports sustainable tourism.

Information required to travel with an NZeTA

To be eligible for the eTA, travellers must provide the following information:

Applicants are also asked questions about their character. New Zealand’s good character requirements demand that the visitor:

Foreigners should also be in a good state of health.

Conditions when travelling with an NZeTA

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is designed for foreigners visiting the country on holiday, or attending business meetings and other events.

Citizens of visa-waiver countries must only be visiting New Zealand for:

NZeTA holders may enter the country by air or by cruise ship. A visa waiver is required in both cases.

To enter New Zealand for other reasons, such as to work for a local company or study, or to stay for longer than 90 days, a visa is required.

NZeTA requirements for children

Children need a NZeTA to travel to New Zealand from a visa waiver country.

Like adults, minors must meet the NZeTA conditions to travel to New Zealand without a visa.

Parents and guardians can complete the application on their child’s behalf, but each member of the family or group must have their own travel authorisation.

Requirements to transit through New Zealand with an eTA

Foreign citizens may transit through Auckland International Airport (AKL) on their way to a third country. Passengers from visa waiver countries can transit with an NZeTA.

When transiting through Auckland airport, passengers must remain:

Requirements when arriving in New Zealand by cruise ship

Cruise ship passengers can travel to New Zealand without a visa provided they apply for an NZeTA. The visa waiver will be verified when checking in for the cruise.

Anyone flying into New Zealand to join a cruise must have the relevant permission to arrive by air. Citizens of visa waiver countries can do so with an NZeTA, other nationalities need a visa.

New Zealand eTA eligible countries

Tourist visa waiver countries

Citizens of the following countries can apply for the NZeTA for tourism and transit.

- All European Union citizens:

- Other countries:

Transit visa waiver countries

Passport holders from any of the following countries with a layover in Auckland International Airport en route to a third-country destination must apply for a transit NZeTA (only transit not tourism).

These are the transit visa waiver countries for New Zealand:

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Special NZeTA rules for applying from certain countries

Passport holders from the following nations must comply with the country-specific requirements to apply for an eTA:

Australian permanent residents holding third-country passports need an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand but are not charged the tourism levy.

Citizens of Australia are not required to apply for an eTA visa waiver.

Requirements to enter New Zealand

Foreign citizens need 2 documents to enter New Zealand:

NZeTA holders may also be asked to show a flight ticket out of New Zealand at the end of their stay or evidence of how they will support themselves financially.

Holding a valid visa or visa waiver does not guarantee entry, the final decision on whether to allow an individual to enter New Zealand lies with immigration officials.

Items that must be declared on arrival in New Zealand?

Several items must be declared on arrival in New Zealand to prevent harmful pests and diseases from entering the country.

Risk goods that must be declared on the Passenger Arrival Card include:

A full list of items to be declared can be found on the Passenger Arrival Card

Quarantine or disposal

Some risk items may be permitted if a quarantine officer at the border certifies that they do not pose a risk. Treatment of the items may be required.

Risk items that are not deemed safe may be confiscated or destroyed.

New Zealand cash declaration requirements

There is no limit on the amount of cash you can take into New Zealand. However, passengers carrying over NZ$10,000, or foreign currency of the same value, must declare it on arrival.

Travellers exempt from the NZeTA requisite

The following groups of people are exempt from applying for an eTA or visa to enter New Zealand:

Requirements to obtain a regular New Zealand visa

Foreign citizens who do not qualify for an NZeTA need a New Zealand visitor visa. Several supporting documents are required obtain the visa, including evidence to prove:

The visa process is longer and more complex than the online NZeTA system. Visitors who require a visa should apply well ahead of their intended date of departure.