NZeTA Application Form Guide — Step-by-Step

The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is a 100% online process — there is no paper-based equivalent form and no embassy visit required. The NZeTA application form asks for your personal details, passport information, travel plans, health and character information, and a passport-style photograph. Most applicants complete the form in under 10 minutes. Once submitted and paid, a decision is made by New Zealand Immigration — typically within 1 business day, with a maximum of 72 hours. Please fill in all sections of the NZeTA application form truthfully and accurately, whether you are arriving by air or by cruise ship.

The NZeTA allows stays of up to 90 days per visit (6 months for UK passport holders) and is valid for 2 years from the date of approval with multiple entries. For full details on fees and processing times, see our NZeTA Cost page.

Before You Start — What You Need Ready

Have the following documents and information ready before opening the NZeTA application form:

• Your valid passport — you will need the passport number, issue date, expiry date, and the country of issue.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your expected departure date from New Zealand.
• A recent digital photograph in JPG format — passport-style, clear face, plain background, under 10MB.
• A valid email address — your NZeTA approval will be sent here.
• A credit card, debit card, or PayPal account to pay the NZeTA fee and IVL levy.

Step-by-Step NZeTA Application Form Guide

Step 1 — Select Your Processing Speed

Choose from Regular (48–72 hours), Emergency (24–48 hours), or Express (12–24 hours) processing. All three options provide the same approved NZeTA — only the processing speed differs. Select based on how much time you have before your departure. If you are applying more than a week before travel, Regular processing is sufficient.

Step 2 — Personal Information

Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport:

• Full legal name — first name, middle name (if applicable), and surname. Do not use nicknames or abbreviated names.
• Date of birth — enter in the exact format shown in your passport.
• Gender — as stated in your passport.
• Nationality / country of citizenship — select your passport-issuing country.
• Contact email address — this is where your NZeTA approval will be delivered. Double-check for typos.

Step 3 — Passport Details

This section requires careful attention. According to New Zealand immigration data, over 10% of NZeTA applicants enter incorrect passport details, which can cause entry issues at the border.

• Passport number — enter exactly as it appears, including any letters. Do not add spaces or hyphens unless they appear in the passport.
• Passport issue date and expiry date — check both carefully. Entering the wrong expiry date is one of the most common mistakes.
• Country of issue — the country that issued your passport, which may differ from your country of birth.

The NZeTA is electronically linked to the exact passport number entered. If you travel with a different passport — for example after renewal — you must apply for a new NZeTA. Always double-check your passport number, expiry date, and full name before submitting.

Step 4 — Travel Information

• Mode of arrival — indicate whether you are arriving by air or by cruise ship. Cruise ship passengers of any nationality are eligible for the NZeTA.
• Expected arrival date — provide an estimated date if you have not yet booked flights. You are not required to have a confirmed booking to apply.
• Purpose of visit — select the primary purpose: tourism, business, transit, visiting family or friends, or short-term study.

Step 5 — Health and Character Questions

The NZeTA application includes a short set of standard New Zealand immigration eligibility questions. Answer all questions honestly and accurately:

• Whether you have any criminal convictions (including sentences of 12 months or more)
• Whether you have been deported or removed from New Zealand or any other country
• Whether you have any serious health conditions that may be relevant to your visit
• Whether you have previously been refused a visa or entry to New Zealand

Providing false answers to these questions is a serious offence and may result in deportation, future entry bans, and legal consequences.

Step 6 — Photograph Upload

Upload a recent passport-style photograph that meets New Zealand's requirements:

• Format: JPG or JPEG only
• File size: under 10MB
• Dimensions: 540 x 720 pixels (recommended)
• Background: plain, light-coloured — not white with patterns
• Your full face must be clearly visible, looking directly at the camera
• No hats, sunglasses, or heavy shadows across the face

Step 7 — Payment

Pay the NZeTA service fee and the mandatory NZD $35 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) in a single secure transaction. Accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and PayPal. The fee can be paid in over 130 currencies. Once payment is confirmed, you will receive an immediate email receipt. Your NZeTA approval email will follow within the processing time selected.

For a full breakdown of fees, see our NZeTA Cost page.

After Submission — What Happens Next

After submitting your NZeTA application form and completing payment, the following will happen:

1. You will receive an immediate payment confirmation email with your application reference number.
2. Your application is reviewed by New Zealand Immigration officers. Most decisions are made within 1 business day.
3. You will receive a second email confirming your NZeTA approval. Your NZeTA is stored electronically and linked to your passport — no printing is required.
4. At check-in, your airline will verify your NZeTA status automatically. Simply present the passport you used in your application.
5. On arrival in New Zealand, your NZeTA is verified at the border electronically. An approved NZeTA authorises you to travel to New Zealand — entry is subject to standard border checks on arrival.

Common NZeTA Form Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong passport number — the most common error. Copy directly from your passport, character by character.
• Wrong expiry date — double-check month and year. Entering an expired date will cause problems at check-in.
• Name mismatch — your name on the NZeTA must match your passport exactly, including middle names. Even a minor spelling difference can cause issues.
• Wrong email address — if your approval is sent to a typo email, you will not receive it. Check your email address twice before submitting.
• Applying too late — always apply at least 72 hours before departure. Express processing is available for urgent cases but cannot be guaranteed.
• Travelling on a different passport — if you renew your passport after your NZeTA is approved, the old NZeTA is no longer valid. Apply for a new one with your new passport number.

NZeTA Form Guide — Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save my NZeTA application and return to it later?

Yes. If you are interrupted during the application process, you can save your progress and return to complete it. Use your application reference number or email address to retrieve a saved application.

What if I make a mistake in my NZeTA application?

If you notice an error before submitting, correct it directly in the form. If you have already submitted and paid, contact our customer service team as soon as possible via the online chat or support email. Do not travel with an NZeTA that contains incorrect details — this can result in boarding denial or entry refusal.

Do I need to reapply for an NZeTA every time I visit New Zealand?

No. Your NZeTA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval and allows multiple entries. You only need to apply again when your NZeTA expires or if you travel on a new passport. For full validity details, see our NZeTA Information page.

Can I apply for an NZeTA on behalf of someone else?

Yes. You can submit NZeTA applications for family members or travel companions in the same session. Each traveller requires their own individual application using their own passport details. Your contact details are used for correspondence on all applications submitted together.