NZeTA for Cruise Ship Passengers — New Zealand eTA Guide

The New Zealand government requires all cruise ship passengers to hold a valid NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before arriving in New Zealand by sea. Unlike air travellers — where the NZeTA is only available to nationals of visa-waiver countries — the NZeTA for cruise ship passengers is open to any nationality. This makes cruise travel one of the most accessible ways to visit New Zealand. Apply online at least 72 hours before your cruise departs for New Zealand.

Any Nationality Can Apply for NZeTA via Cruise Ship

One of the most important distinctions for cruise passengers is that the NZeTA is available to travellers of any nationality when arriving in New Zealand by sea. There is no restricted country list for cruise arrivals. Whether you hold a passport from the United States, India, China, South Africa, or any other country, you are eligible to apply for a New Zealand eTA if you are travelling by cruise ship.

This is different from air travel, where the NZeTA is only available to nationals of approved visa-waiver countries. If you are arriving by air from a country not on the visa-waiver list, you must apply for a standard New Zealand visa instead. For cruise passengers, the NZeTA is the correct and only pre-travel authorisation required — regardless of nationality.

IVL — International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy for Cruise Passengers

Cruise ship passengers pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) as part of the same NZeTA application transaction. The IVL is a mandatory New Zealand government charge of NZD $35 per person and funds conservation and tourism infrastructure across New Zealand.

The IVL is paid once and remains valid for the full 2-year life of your NZeTA — you do not pay it again on repeat visits within that period. Australian citizens are exempt from both the NZeTA and the IVL. For full fee details, see our NZeTA Cost page.

Australian Permanent Residents Arriving by Cruise Ship

It is important to understand the distinction between Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents when it comes to the NZeTA:

• Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport do not need an NZeTA or a visa to enter New Zealand.
• Australian permanent residents who are not Australian citizens do need to apply for an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand by cruise ship — regardless of their country of citizenship.

If you are unsure whether you need an NZeTA, check your passport nationality. If your passport is not Australian, you will need an NZeTA even if you are a permanent resident of Australia.

Do Cruise Ship Crew Need an NZeTA?

Yes. Cruise ship crew members arriving in New Zealand as part of a vessel's crew are also required to hold a valid NZeTA, regardless of nationality. Crew members should apply for their NZeTA in the same way as passengers — online, at least 72 hours before the vessel arrives in New Zealand. Each crew member must submit their own individual application using their own passport.

How to Apply for NZeTA as a Cruise Passenger

Applying for an NZeTA as a cruise ship passenger follows the same simple online process as for air travellers:

1. Complete the online NZeTA application form with your passport details, personal information, and travel details. When asked about your mode of arrival, indicate that you will be arriving by cruise ship.
2. Upload a recent passport-style photograph.
3. Pay the NZeTA service fee and the NZD $35 IVL charge in a single transaction.
4. Submit your application for review.
5. Receive your approved NZeTA by email — typically within 12 to 72 hours depending on the processing option selected.

Your NZeTA is stored electronically and linked to your passport. You do not need to print it — cruise line staff and New Zealand border officials can verify your NZeTA status digitally when you board and arrive. Apply at least 72 hours before your cruise arrives in New Zealand. Apply for your NZeTA here.

Best Time to Visit New Zealand by Cruise Ship

Most cruise lines visit New Zealand during the October to April summer cruise season, when the weather is warmest and the days are longest. A shorter winter cruise season also runs from April to July, offering a quieter and more affordable alternative for travellers interested in experiencing New Zealand's winter landscapes and ski resorts.

Most New Zealand cruises depart from Auckland, or from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane in Australia. Typical New Zealand cruise itineraries include ports of call at the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga (gateway to Rotorua), Napier, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch (Lyttelton), Dunedin, and Fiordland. The Marlborough Sounds and Stewart Island are also popular stops on longer itineraries. Expedition cruises visit more remote and scenic destinations such as Kaikoura, the Subantarctic Islands, and the rugged south-west coast of the South Island.

All passengers arriving at any New Zealand port by cruise ship must hold a valid NZeTA before departure, regardless of the ports visited. Ensure your NZeTA is approved well before your cruise leaves port.

Cruise Lines Visiting New Zealand — NZeTA Required

If you are travelling to New Zealand on any of the following cruise lines, you are required to hold a valid NZeTA regardless of your nationality:

• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Celebrity Cruises
• Coral Princess Cruises
• Costa Cruises
• Crystal Cruises
• Cunard Line
• Fred Olsen Cruises
• Hapag Lloyd
• Holland America
• Oceania
• Orion Expeditions
• P&O Cruises
• Phoenix Reisen
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Spirit of Adventure
• Saga Cruises
• Zegrahm Expeditions

NZeTA Cruise Ship — Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an NZeTA if my cruise only stops briefly in New Zealand?

Yes. Even if your cruise makes only a short port stop in New Zealand — whether or not you disembark — all passengers and crew on board are required to hold a valid NZeTA. There is no exemption for short or transit port calls.

What if I do not have an NZeTA when my cruise arrives in New Zealand?

Passengers without a valid NZeTA may be denied entry into New Zealand at the port. In some cases, cruise lines may not allow passengers to board if they cannot confirm NZeTA status before departure. Apply well in advance to avoid any disruption to your travel plans.

How long can I stay in New Zealand on a cruise visit?

Your NZeTA permits stays of up to 3 months per visit (or 6 months for UK passport holders). For most cruise passengers who visit New Zealand as part of a longer itinerary, the port stop duration will be well within this limit. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years with multiple entries.

Can I apply for an NZeTA on behalf of other passengers?

Yes. You can submit NZeTA applications for multiple travellers — including family members and fellow passengers — in a single session. Each traveller requires their own individual NZeTA linked to their own passport. Contact details only need to be entered once for group applications.