Explaining the NzeTA Visa for Tourism | New Zealand

With tranquility, adventure, and good food, New Zealand has got everything that a traveler can hope for and more. International travelers planning to holiday in this picture-perfect destination need proper travel authorization.

All travelers except the citizens of Australia need either an electronic travel authorization or a visa to enter New Zealand. The New Zealand eTA is a visa waiver granted to citizens of a few eligible foreign nations for short stays and transiting through the country.

This visa waiver has simplified the application process for travelers from the entitled nations. The process is straightforward, easy, and online. Here is what foreign nationals need to know about the NZeTA for tourism.

New Zealand eTA for Tourist Visits

The NZeTA is legal permission granted to travelers from eligible countries and permanent resident card holders of Australia to enter and transit through New Zealand without a visa. Foreign travelers need to get an NZeTA before their journey.

As per the New Zealand immigration, it takes up to 72 hours to process this visa waiver. They can apply online or use the mobile application launched by the New Zealand government recently. They can also check the eTA status online or in the app.

Foreign nationals traveling on an NZeTA should carry their passports along with them as proof of identity. They can arrive in New Zealand by air or by cruise ship. Travelers holding an eTA visa for New Zealand and who are planning to transit through the country have to use the Auckland International Airport. The visa waiver may not be accepted in other international airports inside the country.

The cost of an NZeTA for tourism is 17 NZD for those applying through the free mobile application and 23 NZD for travelers applying for the document online. Apart from this, they must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism levy, which is around 35 NSD. This payment must be made at the time of the visa waiver application.

Activities Permitted

A New Zealand eTA for tourism is granted to genuine foreign visitors who wish to explore the island nation and its wonders. Foreign visitors can also bring their families provided they meet all the criteria for the visa waiver.

Foreign travelers in possession of an NZeTA can use it for holidaying, sightseeing, and meeting family members and friends who are already living in New Zealand. They can also take up short-term courses in educational institutions in the country. Note that these courses should not exceed three months.

Who is Eligible for the NZeTA

Passport holders of foreign countries and territories that are eligible for a visa waiver in New Zealand can apply for an NZeTA. Permanent residents of Australia are also entitled to this visa waiver. Note that citizens of Australia do not require an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand as they are allowed visa-free entry and stay in the country. An NZeTA is typically granted for short-term stays that do not exceed three months. The eligible countries include Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, France, Finland, Mexico, Monaco, the USA, Canada, the UK, and UAE. 

Foreign travelers arriving on an NZeTA cannot undergo medical treatments in New Zealand. Citizens of NZeTA-eligible countries, too, should apply for a medical treatment visitor visa to visit the country for medical treatment and consultation.

If they need emergency treatment, they can directly contact the New Zealand immigration authorities. After proper verification of the request, the authorities will be able to make special arrangements. Such patients can be escorted by their family members if their condition demands it. 

Note that foreign patients have to bear the complete cost of their medical consultation and treatment in New Zealand. The medical treatment visitor visa for New Zealand is valid for six months and, in special cases, till the patient is safe to travel.

Some items needed for a NZeTA

Passport number

Image of self

Valid email address

Who Does Not Need An eTa for New Zealand?

Citizens of New Zealand traveling on an NZ passport, foreign passport holders with a New Zealand permanent resident visa, Australian citizens, and members of scientific programs conducted under the Antarctic Treaty do not need an eTA or visa to travel to the country.

Passengers who travel on a foreign passport with a New Zealand citizen endorsement too do not need a visa or an NZeTA.This endorsement can be a label or an electronic record on their foreign passports. To get this endorsement, the applicant should be a New Zealand citizen. In most cases, he/she will have dual citizenship.

Who Must Get a Visa Instead

Passport holders of foreign nations that are not eligible for an NZeTA need to get a New Zealand visa. Based on the purpose of the visit, they can apply for a visitor visa, study visa, or work visa.

Validity of the New Zealand eTA for Tourism

The validity of a New Zealand eTA is up to two years with multiple entry permission. International travelers arriving with an NZeTA can stay up to three months per visit, whereas UK visitors can stay in New Zealand for up to six months. Foreigners need to get their NZeTA for tourism before landing in New Zealand. After reaching the country, they should apply for entry permission even if they have an NZeTA.

The immigration officers will ask a few questions before giving entry permission, and travelers are required to provide true information. They may ask them to submit return tickets and evidence to prove their nationality. There may also be questions about biosecurity and customs. 

Travelers can also use an eGate or Smart gate. However, not all passport holders can use this facility. Travelers opting for the Smartgate have to complete an arrival card which will have a few questions apart from their New Zealand eTA for tourism. This will be provided by staff on the flight before their landing. 

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How is the Document Delivered

The fastest way to get a New Zealand eTA for tourism is to download the mobile application. Applicants can instantly scan their passports and credit/debit cards and upload photographs and other details. They can also check the status of their NZeTA using a reference number provided during the application. If they opt for the online application, they will have to fill out an online application form and upload copies of their legally valid passport, photos of themselves in the required format, and credit/debit card details. They have to also provide an electronic mail address. 

Once approved, the eTA for New Zealand will be delivered to this email address. They can take a printout of the document though it is not an official requirement. This may come in handy during immigration and customs checks. An NZeTA for tourism does not guarantee a foreigner’s entry to the country. He/she will have to go through further checks at the immigration counters and will be allowed in only after verification by officers at these counters.

Pro Tip

"We send all approved documents via email and also to your Natvisa dashboard. Checking your dashboard is a great way to download your travel document"

-Natvisa Specialist

Conclusion

Obtaining a New Zealand eTA for tourism is a must for foreign travelers planning to visit this beautiful country. The process is simple and easy, and travelers can apply online or through the mobile application launched by the New Zealand government. Eligible foreign nationals should remember to carry their passport and proof of identity while visiting the country. With a valid NZeTA for tourism, travelers can explore the country, take short-term courses, and meet family members and friends. However, it is essential to note that a visa waiver does not guarantee entry into the country, and travelers must go through further checks at immigration counters before being granted entry.