New Zealand Tourist Visa (NZeTA) — Apply Online

The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is New Zealand's online tourist visa for nationals of visa-waiver countries. When you apply for a New Zealand tourist NZeTA online, you pay a single fee that covers both the NZeTA service charge and the mandatory International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) — the government charge that funds conservation and tourism infrastructure across New Zealand. Your NZeTA is valid for 2 years with multiple entries, and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit (6 months for UK passport holders).

You must hold a valid passport from one of New Zealand's approved visa-waiver countries to be eligible for the NZeTA tourist visa. For the full list of eligible countries, see our NZeTA Information page.

What Can You Do with a New Zealand Tourist NZeTA?

The NZeTA covers a wide range of tourism and short-term activities in New Zealand, including:

• Holiday travel, sightseeing, and general tourism throughout New Zealand
• Visiting national parks, beaches, attractions, and natural landmarks
• Adventure activities — bungee jumping, skydiving, hiking, skiing, kayaking, jet boating, and more
• Experiencing Maori culture, cultural performances, and heritage sites
• Visiting family members or friends living in New Zealand
• Attending festivals, concerts, and sporting events as a spectator
• Short courses or study programmes of up to 3 months
• Business meetings, conferences, and professional visits (unpaid)
• Transit through New Zealand airports to or from another destination

The NZeTA does not permit paid work, long-term study, or medical treatment. For a complete breakdown of what is and is not permitted, see our Permitted Activities page.

Eligibility Requirements for NZeTA Tourist Visa

• You must hold a valid passport from a New Zealand visa-waiver country.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your expected departure date from New Zealand.
• You must have a valid email address to receive your NZeTA approval.
• You must be able to make an online payment by credit card, debit card, or PayPal.
• The primary purpose of your visit must be tourism, recreation, visiting family or friends, or short-term business.
• Your single visit must not exceed 90 days (or 6 months for UK nationals).
• You must not have a criminal conviction resulting in a sentence of 12 months or more.
• You must not have a history of deportation from New Zealand or another country.
• Applications may be declined if New Zealand Immigration has reason to believe you have past offences or pose a risk to public safety.

Who Does NOT Need an NZeTA Tourist Visa?

• New Zealand citizens — no travel authorisation required.
• Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport — exempt from NZeTA and IVL.
• Holders of a valid New Zealand visa including permanent residents — the visa already authorises entry.

Note: Australian permanent residents who are not Australian citizens are required to apply for an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand.

Documents Required for New Zealand NZeTA Tourist Visa

You will need the following ready before starting your online NZeTA application:

• A valid passport from an NZeTA-eligible visa-waiver country, with at least 3 months validity beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand.
• Your passport number, issue date, and expiry date — you do not need to send, courier, or scan your physical passport at any stage.
• Your full name, date of birth, and nationality exactly as they appear in your passport.
• A recent digital passport-style photograph (JPG format, under 10MB).
• A valid email address for receiving your NZeTA approval.
• A credit card, debit card, or PayPal account to pay the application fee and IVL levy.

How to Apply for a New Zealand Tourist NZeTA

Applying for your New Zealand tourist NZeTA is a fully online process — no embassy visit, no interview, no paper forms. Here is how it works:

1. Complete the online application form — enter your passport details, personal information, and answer the standard New Zealand immigration eligibility questions. Most applicants complete this in under 10 minutes.
2. Upload your photograph — submit a recent passport-style photo meeting New Zealand's requirements.
3. Pay the fee — pay the NZeTA service fee and the NZD $35 IVL in a single secure transaction. For full pricing, see our NZeTA Cost page.
4. Submit your application — your application is sent to New Zealand Immigration for review.
5. Receive your approval by email — most applications are approved within 1 business day. Processing can take up to 72 hours in some cases. Your approved NZeTA is stored electronically and linked to your passport — no printing required.

Apply at least 72 hours before your departure. Start your NZeTA tourist visa application here.

NZeTA Tourist Visa — Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my NZeTA tourist stay in New Zealand?

No. The NZeTA cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days (or 6 months for UK nationals), you must apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa before your permitted stay expires. Overstaying your NZeTA is a serious immigration offence and may result in deportation and future entry bans.

Can I re-enter New Zealand multiple times on the same NZeTA?

Yes. The NZeTA is valid for multiple entries during its 2-year validity period. You can leave and re-enter New Zealand as many times as you like within those 2 years, provided each individual stay does not exceed the permitted duration.

Is the NZeTA the same as a tourist visa?

The NZeTA functions as New Zealand's tourist entry authorisation for visa-waiver nationals — it replaces the need for a traditional tourist visa for eligible countries. It is not technically a visa stamp but serves the same purpose for short-term tourism visits.

How long does NZeTA approval take for tourists?

Most NZeTA applications for tourists are approved within 12 to 24 hours. The maximum processing time is 72 hours. Express processing (12–24 hours) is available for an additional fee if you are travelling at short notice. Always apply at least 72 hours before your departure to allow sufficient time.