Visitor visas & NZeTA
New Zealand New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
For citizens of visa-waiver countries and cruise or air passengers, this pre-travel authority lets you board for a short visit to New Zealand without applying for a full visa.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official New Zealand government website before you apply.
- Official name
- New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
- Route type
- Travel authority (visa waiver)
- Cost
- NZD $23 via the INZ website, NZD $17 via the official app
- Charged separately from the IVL.
- Validity
- Up to 2 years for travellers (5 years for crew)
- Processing time
- Issued within 72 hours of request
Who it is for
- Citizens of visa-waiver countries flying to or transiting New Zealand
- Cruise ship passengers and crew of any nationality
- Australian permanent residents (Australian citizens on an Australian passport are exempt)
Requirements
- Hold a passport from a visa-waiver country or be a cruise passenger/crew member
- Request the NZeTA and pay the IVL where it applies before travelling
- Meet standard character and health entry requirements
What you can do
- Visit for a holiday or short business trip within the visitor-visa rules
- Transit through New Zealand
- Board a flight or cruise to New Zealand without applying for a paper visa
How to apply
- Request it through the official free INZ mobile app (cheapest) or the INZ website
- Provide passport details and answer character/health questions
- Wait up to 72 hours for confirmation before you travel
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related New Zealand visas
- SHORT STAYVISITORVisitor VisaFor people who need a visa to holiday, visit family, or do short business or study, this temporary visa covers a short-term stay in New Zealand.View visa details
- SHORT STAYTRANSITTransit VisaFor travellers who pass through New Zealand on the way to another country, and who are not from a transit-visa-waiver country, this visa authorises the stopover.View visa details
