Visa Requirements
Tourist Visa
What is the eTA New Zealand?
The eTA for New Zealand (New Zealand Electronic Authority) is an electronic visa waiver launched in August 2019. Eligible travellers can now easily obtain their NZeTA to travel to the country.
As of October 1st, 2019 it will be obligatory for citizens of all 60 visa waiver countries, and all cruise travellers to have a valid eTA to visit New Zealand. All airline and cruise line crew will also need to hold a Crew eTA before travelling to New Zealand.
Citizens from are able to obtain an ETA / ONLINE LINK for New Zealand by completing a simple online application form.
There is no need to physically go to an embassy or consulate and the New Zealand online application form only takes a matter of minutes to complete. Although most applications are processed in as little as 1 business day, some applications may take up to 72 business hours to be processed.
Once approved, the eTA New Zealand (NZeTA) is sent to the applicant electronically.
Once approved, the New Zealand eTA is valid for 2 years and can be used for multiple visits. Applicants are required to pay a small processing fee and tourist tax, the to obtain the NZ eTA ETA / ONLINE LINK
The IVL has been introduced as a way for travellers to contribute directly to the tourism infrastructure and help protect the natural environment they enjoy during their stay in New Zealand.
The application form requires that applicants answer a series of questions by entering personal information such as their full name, address, date of birth, passport details, and travel plans. There are also sections on the New Zealand eTA form related to health and security.
Who needs an eTA for New Zealand?
At the moment there are a number of nationalities who can travel to New Zealand without obtaining a visa for up to 90 days. Citizens from the UK can enter for up to 6 months and Australians hold residency status on arrival.
From October 1st, 2019 onwards, passport holders from all 60 visa waiver countries are required to apply for an eTA before travelling to the country, even if just transiting through New Zealand on the way to a final destination. The eTA New Zealand is valid for a total of 2 years.
All citizens of the following 60 countries need an eTA for New Zealand:
– All European Union citizens:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
– Other Countries:
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Israel
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Liechtenstein
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Norway
- Oman
- Qatar
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Republic of South Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
NZeTA Specifications:
All airline crew and cruise line crew, no matter their nationality, need to apply for a Crew NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand, which is valid for up to 5 years.
Australian citizens are exempt from applying for the eTA NZ. Australian permanent residents of other nationalities —regardless of whether they carry a passport from an eligible country or not— need to apply for an eTA but are not required to pay the associated tourist levy.
Other exemptions from the New Zealand eTA Visa Waiver include:
- Crew and passengers of a non-cruise vessel
- Crew on a foreign ship carrying cargo
- Guests of the New Zealand Government
- Foreign citizens travelling under The Antarctic Treaty
- Members of a visiting force and associated crew members.
Travelling with a New Zealand eTA Visa Waiver
Visiting New Zealand is epic and its popularity as a tourist destination continues to grow. The scenery is truly breathtaking and was famously used to shoot the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy as the landscapes are so diverse. Trips to New Zealand can be relaxed or full of adventure. It is a world-class location for surfing and skiing.
Travelling with an eTA visa waiver New Zealand is simple. The process saves the hassle of going to an embassy or consulate to obtain a visa. All applicants need to meet the basic NZ eTA requirements and complete the online application.
Visitors to New Zealand are required to present a copy of their eTA NZ to the border authorities to gain entry. eTAs will improve border security as visitors will be screened before they arrive and anyone who poses a security risk will be identified.
Stays longer than 90 days
- A valid, signed US passport. The passport must have at least 6 months remaining after the completion of your stay in New Zealand and contain at least one blank visa page.
- Fully completed and signed New Zealand Visa Application
- Passport photograph
- Proof of visa status in USA (ie., I-94 card with valid US visa or copy of green card)
- Copy of airline itinerary showing onward/return transportation
- Proof of sufficient funds for support in New Zealand (i.e.: Copy of most recent bank statement or letter of reference from bank showing at least NZ$1000 for each month of the stay or copy of travelers checks.)
- A Completed New Zealand Passport Pickup 3rd Party Authorization Form
Business Visa
- A valid, signed US passport. The passport must have at least 6 months remaining after the completion of your stay in New Zealand and contain at least one blank visa page.
- Fully completed and signed New Zealand Visa Application
- Passport photograph
- Proof of visa status in USA (i.e.: I-94 card with valid US visa or copy of green card)
- Copy of airline itinerary showing onward/return transportation
- A business letter of introduction and financial responsibility is required to be typed on your company letterhead and addressed to: Embassy of New Zealand, Visa Section, Washington, DC. This letter must be signed by a company officer other than the traveler, and should:
- state the nature of business to be performed;
- include the name and address of the company to be visited;
- guarantee sufficient financial support during visit; and
- guarantee return transportation to the US for the applicant.
- A Completed New Zealand Passport Pickup 3rd Party Authorization Form
Fees
In addition to the standard Iratex fees, the following consular fees apply: The fee varies by nationality, To Calculate your fee please go to the New Zealand website at Fees Finder
Other Fees Charged | |
| Other Charges | Applicants must pay the visa application fee you find on FEES FINDER plus a VAC service fee of USD $40.00 per application. |
Visa Information
Your application will be hand carried to the Embassy, and is usually processed in 5 to 10 business days. The New Zealand visa is usually issued for one entry, for stay of up to 6 months maximum.