New Zealand•OceaniaNZeTA — Electronic Travel Authority
At a Glance
1–3 days
NZD $117–$123
Varies by filing options
3 months
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Overview
Electronic visitor authorization for tourists and short-term visitors to New Zealand with multiple entries within 2-year validity
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a mandatory pre-travel authorization issued by Immigration New Zealand to citizens of visa-waiver countries and to cruise and cargo ship passengers. Introduced in October 2019, it pre-screens travelers for security and biosecurity risks before boarding and is electronically linked to the passport.
Valid for 2 years with multiple entries, the NZeTA allows up to 3 months per visit (6 months for UK passport holders) and 6 months total in any 12-month period. Fees are NZD $17 via mobile app or NZD $23 online, plus a NZD $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. Most requests decide within 72 hours. Remote work for an overseas employer is allowed; NZ employment is not.
This visa is ideal for short-term tourists, business visitors, and digital nomads from visa-waiver countries who want fast, app-based clearance for repeated New Zealand trips.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 months |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a citizen of a visa-waiver country/territory, a cruise ship passenger, an Australian permanent resident, or a citizen of China/Pacific Islands Forum country traveling from Australia with a qualifying visa.
Must hold a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date from New Zealand.
Must be a genuine visitor intending to leave at the end of the stay.
Must meet health and character requirements.
Must pay the NZeTA fee and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport.
Credit or debit card for payment.
Digital photo of the applicant.
Email address for correspondence.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Fast online or app-based application typically decided within 24-72 hours.
- Valid for 2 years with multiple entries — no need to reapply for each trip.
- No physical visa label or embassy appointment required; digitally linked to passport.
- Significantly cheaper (NZD $17-23 + $100 IVL) than a standard visitor visa.
- Remote work for overseas employers/clients is permitted under post-Jan-2025 visitor rules.
Worth Knowing
- Limited to short visits — 3 months per entry (6 months for UK passport holders), capped at 6 months in any 12-month period.
- Local New Zealand employment is not permitted; only remote work for overseas employers.
- Approval does not guarantee entry; border officers make the final decision on arrival.
- Must be obtained before boarding — airlines verify NZeTA at check-in.
- Only available to citizens of visa-waiver countries, cruise/cargo passengers, or specific Australia-transit cases.
- Not a citizen of a visa-waiver country and not qualifying via the cruise/cargo/Australia-transit routes.
- Passport does not have at least 3 months validity beyond intended NZ departure.
- Previously deported from any country, or fails NZ health/character requirements.
- Intends to take up paid employment with a New Zealand-based employer.
Application Process
Download the NZeTA mobile app or visit the official Immigration New Zealand website.
Complete the online application form with personal and passport details.
Upload a digital photo or use the app to take a photo.
Pay the application fee (NZD $17 via app, NZD $23 online) and the IVL (NZD $100).
Wait for processing (allow up to 72 hours).
Receive confirmation via email; the NZeTA is electronically linked to the passport.
Related visas
More visas in New Zealand
Business visas in other countries
- Short-Term Visit Pass
Singapore
- Events Visit Visa
United Arab Emirates
- Business Visa
Palau
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