Are you planning to travel and visit New Zealand soon? Have you not required a visa in the past but think you need one now? Chances are you probably now require a pre-approved travel authority to travel to New Zealand after 1 October 2019.
From 1 October 2019, all travellers from visa waiver countries, cruise ship passengers and permanent residents of Australia will now a require a pre-approved New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorisation (NZeTA) before air or sea travel. You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). The IVL costs NZ$35 and is paid at the same time as the NZeTA.
An NZeTA once approved will be valid for two years and visitors will be able to come and go as often as they wish within that period. Once expired, travellers will need to reapply.
Apply ahead of time and allow up to 72 hours for processing, but it take as little as 10 minutes.
The NZeTA request costs NZD $9 on the free NZeTA app in the Apple Store, or the NZeTA android app on the Google Play store, or NZD $12 if completed online.
You pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time as your NZeTA and this will cost NZD $35.
Who does not need an NZeTA
You do not need an NZeTA if you:
- are a New Zealand citizen travelling on:
- a New Zealand passport, or
- a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement
- are an Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport
- hold a valid visa for New Zealand — including a Permanent Resident Visa.