New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) — New Zealand

Your NZeTA is valid for a set period, covers multiple short visits, and comes with strict passport and transit rules.

You have to meet entry conditions each time you travel, even with a valid NZeTA.

How long it lasts

An NZeTA is valid for 2 years from when it’s granted. During that time, you can enter New Zealand more than once.

Each stay has its limits:

You must leave New Zealand before your allowed stay ends. The NZeTA doesn’t turn into a Visitor Visa, Working Holiday Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), or Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa.

If you need more time or a different purpose, apply for the right visa through INZ. INZ decides on visa types and duration.

Processing can take up to 72 hours, so apply before you travel.

Entry and transit conditions

An approved NZeTA lets you travel to New Zealand for visitor or transit purposes, but border officers still assess you on arrival.

You must meet entry requirements each time.

You may use an NZeTA if you are:

• A citizen of a visa waiver country or territory
• A cruise ship passenger
• An Australian permanent resident
• A citizen of China or a Pacific Islands Forum country traveling from Australia with an eligible Australian visa

For transit, you can pass through Auckland International Airport for up to 24 hours. If you don’t meet NZeTA transit eligibility, you need a Transit Visa through INZ.

An NZeTA doesn’t allow you to work. If you plan to work, even short-term, you must apply for a work visa like the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or Working Holiday Visa.

Passport requirements

Your NZeTA links electronically to the passport you use for your application. Travel with that same passport.

Your passport must:

• Be valid when you enter New Zealand
• Remain valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure

If you renew or replace your passport, get a new NZeTA before traveling.

Your passport details need to match your application exactly. Mistakes can delay boarding or entry. INZ checks your passport details against your NZeTA approval before travel.

You submit your NZeTA request online through INZ. You’ll provide your details, pay the required fee in NZD (NZ$), and wait for INZ to process, which can take up to 3 days.

Start your online request

Apply using the official NZeTA website or the INZ mobile app for iOS or Android. Don’t use third-party platforms.

Fill out the online form with accurate personal and travel details. Review every entry before payment.

Check you have:

• Your passport details
• Your contact information
• Your travel information
• A valid payment method for the fee (NZ$)

The NZeTA is separate from visa applications for the Visitor Visa, Working Holiday Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), Transit Visa, or Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa.

If you need one of those visas, apply through the correct INZ process, which may require forms like Form INZ 1017 or Form INZ 1015 instead.

Submit, pay and check status

Submit your request through the official online system and pay the fee in NZD (NZ$).

After submission, check your NZeTA status online using the same platform.

You don’t send paper forms for an NZeTA. INZ processes it electronically.

What to expect after submission

INZ reviews your request after you apply. This can take up to 3 days.

During this period, monitor your application status online. Don’t make travel plans that depend on immediate approval.

INZ updates your status through the system you used to apply. If you need a different visa type, like a Visitor Visa or Transit Visa, INZ will assess that separately.

Most travelers can complete an NZeTA on their own if their situation is simple and documents are in order. Assess your health and character carefully because approval isn’t automatic.

When most travellers can self-prepare

You can usually handle your own NZeTA request if your travel purpose is straightforward and short-term.

You can self-prepare when:

• You meet health requirements without concerns.
• You meet character requirements and have nothing relevant to declare.
• You’re not applying for a different visa type like a Visitor Visa or Transit Visa.
• You don’t need to submit forms like Form INZ 1017 or Form INZ 1015.

If your situation fits standard visitor or transit travel and you answer all questions truthfully, you likely don’t need professional help.

INZ reviews every request individually. Filing an NZeTA doesn’t guarantee approval.

Situations that benefit from expert advice

You should seek advice if your circumstances go beyond basic visitor travel.

Consider professional help if:

• You have past character issues that may affect eligibility.
• You have health conditions that could raise concerns.

You may also need guidance if you’re unsure whether you require an NZeTA or a full Visitor Visa.

If you plan to apply for a Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa, Working Holiday Visa, or Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), consult an expert.

Different visa categories have different standards.

An NZeTA is not a substitute for a work or longer-term visa.

Use this table to clarify:

INZ makes all visa and NZeTA decisions.

If you are unsure whether you meet health or character requirements, get advice before you apply.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) can refuse your entry even if you hold an approved NZeTA.

Most refusals happen because of passport mismatches, incorrect travel purpose, missing funds, or technical errors in the application.

Common entry denial triggers

Border officers compare your NZeTA details with your passport and travel documents.

Any mismatch can lead to refusal.

Frequent problems include:

• Using different passport details on your NZeTA than the passport you present at travel
• Applying with a passport that is close to expiration
• Uploading a photo that does not meet INZ specifications
• Stating a travel purpose that does not match your actual plans
• Failing to show proof of sufficient funds if requested

If you plan to work under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or a Working Holiday Visa, you must not enter on an NZeTA as a visitor.

If you intend to study as a guardian, you may need a Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa, not an NZeTA.

If you are only passing through New Zealand, you may require a Transit Visa instead.

INZ makes the final decision at the border.

Correcting application errors

You must ensure your NZeTA matches your passport exactly.

Check your name spelling, passport number, and expiry date before submission.

If you made an error, review your confirmation carefully.

Minor typing mistakes can still cause boarding denial.

Focus on these correction steps:

1. Compare your NZeTA approval with your passport biodata page.

2. Confirm your stated purpose matches your actual plans (visitor, transit, or other visa type).

3. Ensure your passport remains valid for your travel period.

4. Verify your uploaded photo meets INZ requirements.

If your plans involve work, study supervision, or longer stays, review the correct visa category such as the Visitor Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), or Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa before traveling.

For official forms and requirements, consult Immigration New Zealand (INZ), including relevant documents such as Form INZ 1017 or Form INZ 1015, where applicable to your situation.

You must pay both the NZeTA fee and the International Visitor Levy (IVL) before you travel.

processing times are usually short, but they vary by category and location.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) makes the final decision on timing and cost display.

NZeTA fee and IVL

You pay two separate charges when you apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority.

The IVL is not a visa fee.

It funds tourism infrastructure and conservation projects in New Zealand.

INZ collects both amounts during the NZeTA process.

If you instead apply for a Visitor Visa, Working Holiday Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), Transit Visa, or a Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa, different fee structures apply.

For paper-based visitor applications, you may encounter forms such as Form INZ 1017 or Form INZ 1015.

Those forms relate to visa categories, not the NZeTA, and have separate fees set by INZ.

Processing time expectations

INZ processes most NZeTA applications quickly.

For applications submitted under standard processing, the timeframe ranges from 0 to 3 business days.

As of March 2026, the published range for “Standard” processing is up to 3 days, although outcomes can vary.

Processing times depend on:

• Your application category
• The location handling your request
• The information you provide

INZ may take longer if it needs to verify your details.

You should apply before booking non‑refundable travel.

If you apply for a Visitor Visa, AEWV, or Working Holiday Visa, expect different timelines.

INZ publishes separate processing information for each visa category.

Country-specific cost display

INZ does not display full cost or processing details until you provide your nationality and travel information.

You must select your country before the system confirms what you owe.

This matters because:

• Eligibility rules differ by passport.
• Some travelers must apply for a Visitor Visa instead of an NZeTA.
• Transit passengers may require a Transit Visa rather than an NZeTA.

When you enter your country details, the system confirms whether you need:

1. An NZeTA

2. A visa (such as a Visitor Visa or Working Holiday Visa)

3. Additional documentation

Only after that step will the correct fees appear.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) determines the final amount and eligibility based on the information you provide.