NZeTA Information — New Zealand eTA Requirements & Eligibility

About the NZeTA

The New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) is an Electronic Travel Authority for travellers who wish to visit New Zealand for short stays of up to 90 days from the date of arrival — with the exception of British nationals, who can stay for up to 6 months. The NZeTA is granted through a fully online application system and was introduced to simplify travel authorisation for nationals of eligible visa-waiver countries who wish to travel to New Zealand for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

The NZeTA is obtained by completing a straightforward online application form. Applicants must provide their personal details, travel information, and passport data. For those travelling for tourism purposes, the payment will include the mandatory International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35. Australian permanent residents are not required to pay the IVL. For full fee details, see our NZeTA Cost page.

NZeTA Key Facts

• Stay duration: Up to 90 days per visit (6 months for UK passport holders)
• Validity: 2 years from the date of approval
• Entries: Multiple entries permitted within the 2-year validity period
• Processing time: Typically within 1 business day; up to 72 hours in some cases
• Application: 100% online — no embassy visit required
• IVL fee: NZD $35 per person (included in the application payment)
• Linked to passport: Stored electronically — no printing required

Who is Exempt from the NZeTA?

The following travellers do not need an NZeTA to enter New Zealand:

• New Zealand citizens — no travel authorisation required.
• Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport — exempt from both NZeTA and IVL.
• Holders of a valid New Zealand visa (including permanent residents) — the visa already serves as travel authorisation.
• Nationals of countries not on the visa-waiver list — these travellers must apply for a standard New Zealand visitor visa rather than an NZeTA.

If you are unsure whether you need an NZeTA or a visa, check your passport nationality against the eligible country lists below. For first-time visitors, see our First Time Visitor Guide.

Estimated Stay, Validity & Arrival Information

The New Zealand eTA grants visitors a stay of up to 90 days per visit. UK passport holders are permitted to stay up to 6 months per visit.

Travellers can apply for the New Zealand eTA at any time before their planned departure date. Most applications are processed within 1 business day, however some applications may take up to 3 business days. The NZeTA has a validity of 2 years from the moment of approval and can be used for multiple entries to New Zealand within that period. There is no limit on the number of visits during the 2-year validity — each visit must simply not exceed the permitted stay duration.

Passport Requirements for the NZeTA

Applicants must hold a valid passport with a minimum validity of 3 months beyond the expected date of departure from New Zealand. The passport used in the NZeTA application must be the same passport used when travelling — the NZeTA is electronically linked to the specific passport number entered during the application. If your passport is renewed after your NZeTA is approved, you must submit a new NZeTA application using your new passport details.

New Zealand eTA holders are granted entry at any of the designated ports of entry in New Zealand, subject to standard border checks. An approved NZeTA authorises travel to New Zealand but does not guarantee entry — border officials retain the right to refuse entry if requirements are not met. For a full checklist of what to prepare, see our First-Time Visitor Guide.