eTA New Zealand for UK Citizens

New Zealand Visa Waiver Requirements from United Kingdom

eTA NZ from UK

British citizens need an NZeTA to visit New Zealand for tourism or business purposes.

Since 2019, the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority has been mandatory for citizens of visa-waiver nations, such as the UK.

British passport holders also require the permit to transit through Auckland International Airport en route to a third-country destination.

The New Zealand visa waiver system is designed to be easy to use. The NZeTA application for UK nationals is available online and is simple to complete.

NZeTA UK

Do United Kingdom citizens need a New Zealand eTA?

UK passport holders don’t need to apply for a visa before travelling to New Zealand. However, they must obtain a New Zealand eTA before departure.

The New Zealand eTA for the United Kingdom can be used for travel for 2 years from the date of issue or until the passport’s expiry date, whichever comes first. Multiple trips to New Zealand can be made during this validity period.

Each stay in New Zealand with an NZeTA must not exceed 6 months.

Steps to apply for the NZeTA from the United Kingdom

British citizens can obtain the NZeTA online in 3 steps:

  • Complete the NZeTA application form from the UK
  • Pay the eTA and IVL tourist fee
  • Receive the approved NZeTA to travel to New Zealand

The entire process is online. Applicants do not need to visit the New Zealand High Commission in London at any point.

New Zealand eTA required documents for British citizens

To apply for the NZeTA from Britain, travellers need the following documents:

  • British passport valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure from New Zealand. The passport must show that the holder has the right to reside permanently in the UK
  • A completed online NZeTA application form for UK citizens
  • Method of payment (debit or credit card) to cover the eTA and IVL fees (if applicable)

Information to complete the NZeTA application for UK citizens

Some basic information must be provided on the online eTA application form. This includes:

  • Personal information – Full name, birthdate, address
  • Contact details – including an email address
  • Passport data– Passport number, nationality, issue and expiry date
  • Travel itinerary – Hotel bookings, dates

Applicants are also asked questions regarding the purpose of their visit and any criminal history to ensure they meet all the NZeTA requirements.

Parents and guardians can fill out the NZeTA application on behalf of a child. They will need to provide their own details as well as the child’s

NZeTA for UK Citizens

Applying for a transit NZeTA from the UK

British passport holders can transit New Zealand without applying for a visa. To do so, British citizens must have a valid NZeTA transit visa waiver.

Travellers can use the NZeTA for transit at Auckland International Airport (AKL). They must stay in the following areas between flights:

  • The plane
  • The airport’s designated transit area

Passengers must spend no more than 24 hours in transit at AKL. Transit passengers do not pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.

Do British cruise passengers need an NZeTA?

British cruise passengers need an NZeTA, just like travellers arriving in New Zealand by air.

Cruise passengers with an NZeTA are granted permission to remain in New Zealand for a maximum of 28 days, or until the cruise ship leaves, if this happens sooner.

How long does it take to get the New Zealand eTA from the UK?

Travellers should apply for the New Zealand eTA from the UK at least 3 working days before the date of departure.

Most applications are processed and approved even sooner — many within 1 business day. However, processing may occasionally take longer in case of missing information or high demand.

Travel to New Zealand from the UK with the NZeTA

Applicants receive the approved NZ eTA by email and should print at least one copy. The NZeTA is also electronically linked to their passport.

Holders of an NZeTA from the UK must use the same passport to travel to New Zealand as the one used when completing the online application form.

UK citizens with an approved NZeTA can stay in New Zealand for up to 6 months for the following purposes:

  • Tourism
  • Leisure
  • Business
  • Remote work

You’re allowed to work remotely while in New Zealand, but only for a business or client based outside the country. Working for any New Zealand companies is not permitted.

What do I need to present upon arrival in New Zealand from the UK?

On arrival in New Zealand, travellers from the UK need to present the following documentation:

  • UK passport registered to the eTA
  • Copy of the NZeTA
  • Completed arrival card (this is given to passengers on the plane)
  • Return or onward ticket

New Zealand Customs Service and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) check that arrivals customs and biosecurity requirements.

Who needs a visa to travel from the UK to New Zealand?

British citizens only require a visa for New Zealand instead of an NZeTA if they:

Several supporting documents are required to apply for a New Zealand visa. The application is more complex, travellers who need a visa should begin the process at least a couple of months before the trip.

UK embassy registration in New Zealand

British nationals travelling to New Zealand are advised to register with the embassy before departure.

Registered tourists receive travel advisory updates to help them plan a safe trip to New Zealand.

In addition, British nations who opt-in for the service can be assisted quickly in exceptional circumstances such as a natural disaster.

Family members back in the UK will also be able to get in contact more easily in an emergency.

It’s easy to enroll when applying for an NZeTA through this website. British passport holders can select the UK Embassy Registration option on the payment page.