New Travel Authority For New Zealand Travellers

21st August 2019

The New Zealand government is introducing a new travel authority for people travelling to and transiting through New Zealand.

From 1 October 2019 travelers from visa waiver countries will need to request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before they travel. New Zealand and Australian passport holders are not required to have a NZeTA as they are exempt.

The NZeTA will last for two years, or until the passport expires. Travelers from visa waiver countries will need a NZeTA for transit through New Zealand, as well as for visiting New Zealand. The NZeTA visa will be a legal requirement for travel to New Zealand. Air New Zealand will be unable to board customers for flights who do not have a required NZeTA from 1 October 2019.

You can apply for a NZeTA on the Immigration New Zealand website or by downloading the NZeTA app for Apple or Android.

• Australian citizens do not need an NZeTA.
• Allow up to 72 hours for processing, but it could take as little as 10 minutes.
• You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). The IVL costs NZD $35 and is paid at the same time as the NZeTA.
• From 1 October 2019, if you are from a visa waiver country you must hold an NZeTA before you travel.
• An NZeTA request costs NZD $9 on the free app, or NZD $12 if completed online.

You can find out information about entry and transit visa requirements here.

If you or your passengers are travelling to or through New Zealand on passports from visa waiver countries, please let them know about this new requirement.