New Zealand eTA application, requirements, price, and processing time
New Zealand Visa Types
For online visa applications, New Zealand doesn’t issue e-visas like other nations but electronic travel authorization, which is more or less the same as the e-visa. If you are from any of the eligible countries listed above, you can apply for an ETA using VisaHQ. Applicants can apply for a Tourist, Business, or Transit ETA using VisaHQ’s application portal. In this section, we will review each of them, so you have all the information at your fingertips before applying for any of them.
- rTourist E-visa ETArequired
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- rBusiness E-visa ETArequired
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- rWork visarequired
- rStudent visarequired
New Zealand ETA For Tourism
This electronic travel authorization was specially created for tourists coming from approved countries for holidays, sightseeing, visits to family and friends, and any other leisure purpose. Instead of going through the hassle of submitting physical applications to the embassy and going through the rigorous visa process, you can apply for this travel authorization from the comfort of your home. This ETA is basically for short visits and is a multiple-entry travel document that is valid for 2 years.
Holders of Tourist ETA can stay in New Zealand for up to 90 days, but during that time, they must refrain from engaging in any work that will earn them income as it is not a work visa. Those who travel with cruise ships can get an ETA of 5 years. Besides the documents you should submit, you are also expected to pay a special levy called the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy before processing your application.
New Zealand ETA for Tourism Validity
This ETA is valid for 2 years and 5 years for cruise ship visitors.
New Zealand ETA for Tourism Processing Time
It takes 3 days to process.
Port of Entry
ETA visitors can enter New Zealand through any of these designated routes:
Airports: Auckland International Airport – Christchurch International Airport – Wellington International Airport – Queenstown Airport – Dunedin International Airport – Nelson Airport
Seaports: Tauranga – Auckland – Wellington – Lyttleton – Napier
New Zealand ETA For Business
This ETA is designed for business persons coming to New Zealand for business-related engagements. It is issued to entrepreneurs, consultants, investors, representatives or companies, and organizations or guests for conferences, seminars, or meetings. The Business ETA is a multiple-entry document which you can use to enter the country several times a year. However, you are expected to finish your assignment and leave on or before the 90th day, as you are only allowed to stay for no more than three months.
The New Zealand authorities will request special documents to prove your intent, such as an invitation letter from your host, including your financial records and your host’s business registration information. Also, note that this ETA is not a work visa, so you are not allowed to work at any point during your stay in the country.
New Zealand ETA for Business Validity
This ETA is valid for 2 years after issue, but visitors who come by cruise ship they can get a valid ETA of up to 5 years.
New Zealand ETA for Business Processing Time
The processing time is 3 days maximum.
Port of Entry
ETA visitors can enter New Zealand through any of these designated routes:
Airports: Auckland International Airport – Christchurch International Airport – Wellington International Airport – Queenstown Airport – Dunedin International Airport – Nelson Airport
Seaports: Tauranga – Auckland – Wellington – Lyttleton – Napier
Currently there is a ban on all foreigners entering New Zealand. Visa service is not currently available.
Currently there is a ban on all foreigners entering New Zealand. Visa service is not currently available.
Applicants should only apply for this visa type if they cannot obtain an ETA
Applicants should only apply for this visa type if they cannot obtain an ETA
The visa will not be required until October 1st, 2019. Applicants should apply only if they are traveling after on or October 1st.
Embassy fee for Australian permanent residents is 8$.
Please apply for a Visitor Visa, if you meet one of the following criteria:
you are not an Australian permanent resident;
you are not travelling to New Zealand on a cruise ship;
you are not a transit passenger passing through Auckland International Airport on your way to or from Australia;
you are travelling to New Zealand for medical consultation or treatment;
you have been deported, removed or excluded from another country (not New Zealand);
you are currently prohibited from entering New Zealand following deportation from New Zealand in the past;
you have been convicted of any offence (in any country);
IMPORTANT : Travelers from visa waiver countries must hold an ETA before leaving for New Zealand.
IMPORTANT : Travelers from visa waiver countries must hold an ETA before leaving for New Zealand.
IMPORTANT : Transit ETA is required for all foreign nationals who are planning to transit through New Zealand and is traveling from Australia(including those who began their journey outside Australia) or going to Australia as the immediate destination.
Fill out New Zealand Tourist E-visa ETA application form online
Visa application form. Fully completed and signed application form.
Original passport. The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.
Passport-type photograph. Include 2 passport style photos, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. You may also choose to upload a photo to your order for us to print. There is a charge associated with this service.
Itinerary. A copy of round trip tickets or detailed itinerary for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on itinerary.
Proof of accommodation. A copy of hotel reservations or other lodgings for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on the reservation.
Business Support Letter. A support letter (soft copy acceptable) from the sending company in the United States which introduces the applicant, states the nature of the trip, and specifies the type and desired validity of the visa. Here is the sample format for this letter.
Business invitation. A business invitation letter (soft copy acceptable) from the sponsoring company in New Zealand. The letter should be printed on company letterhead stationery, addressed to "The Consulate of New Zealand, Visa Section", and signed by a senior manager. The business letter must adhere to the following guidelines:
Briefly introduce the applicant (please specify employment status/position held in the company by applicant).
State the nature of the business to be conducted (i.e. business meetings, contract negotiations, etc.) and the names and addresses of companies to be contacted in New Zealand.
Specify the Type and desired Validity of the visa (i.e. a one year multiple entry business visa).Authorization Letter. Applicants must fill out this form in order for the visa to be processed. It can be found on the last page of the application form you download when completing the order or under "Download PDF."
Visa application form. Fully completed and signed application form.
Original passport. The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.
Passport-type photograph. Include 2 passport style photos, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. You may also choose to upload a photo to your order for us to print. There is a charge associated with this service.
Itinerary. Proof of onward travel from New Zealand. Acceptable documents include: a travel ticket, proof of sufficient funds to leave New Zealand in addition to funds to live on, or a Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry completed by an acceptable sponsor.
Enrollment Letter. An Offer of Place from the educational institution in New Zealand. If returning for the same provider and program, a Letter of Enrollment.
Please also provide evidence that tuition fees have been paid, will be covered by a government loan, or will be paid by the US government.Passport-type photograph. A digital photo taken less than 6 months and clearly identify you. The image must be taken in portrait in front of a plain, light-colored (not white) background and even lighting.
IMPORTANT : Save the image as a jpeg and make sure the file size is between 500kb and 3MB and have dimensions between 900 x 1200 pixels and 2250 x 3000 pixels.Passport-type photograph. A digital photo taken less than 6 months and clearly identify you. The image must be taken in portrait in front of a plain, light-colored (not white) background and even lighting.
IMPORTANT : Save the image as a jpeg and make sure the file size is between 500kb and 3MB and have dimensions between 900 x 1200 pixels and 2250 x 3000 pixels.Passport-type photograph. A digital photo taken less than 6 months and clearly identify you. The image must be taken in portrait in front of a plain, light-colored (not white) background and even lighting.
IMPORTANT : Save the image as a jpeg and make sure the file size is between 500kb and 3MB and have dimensions between 900 x 1200 pixels and 2250 x 3000 pixels.Visa application form. Fully completed and signed application form.
Original passport. The passport must be valid at least 6 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the destination country and has at least 2 blank visa pages.
Passport-type photograph. Include 2 passport style photos, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. You may also choose to upload a photo to your order for us to print. There is a charge associated with this service.
Itinerary. A copy of round trip tickets or detailed itinerary for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on itinerary.
Proof of accommodation. A copy of hotel reservations or other lodgings for the duration of the trip. The applicant's name must be on the reservation.
Business Support Letter. A support letter (soft copy acceptable) from the sending company in the United States which introduces the applicant, states the nature of the trip, and specifies the type and desired validity of the visa. Here is the sample format for this letter.
Business invitation. A business invitation letter (soft copy acceptable) from the sponsoring company in New Zealand. The letter should be printed on company letterhead stationery, addressed to "The Consulate of New Zealand, Visa Section", and signed by a senior manager. The business letter must adhere to the following guidelines:
Briefly introduce the applicant (please specify employment status/position held in the company by applicant).
State the nature of the business to be conducted (i.e. business meetings, contract negotiations, etc.) and the names and addresses of companies to be contacted in New Zealand.
Specify the Type and desired Validity of the visa (i.e. a one year multiple entry business visa).Authorization Letter. Applicants must fill out this form in order for the visa to be processed. It can be found on the last page of the application form you download when completing the order or under "Download PDF."
Passport-type photograph. A digital photo taken less than 6 months and clearly identify you. The image must be taken in portrait in front of a plain, light-colored (not white) background and even lighting.
IMPORTANT : Save the image as a jpeg and make sure the file size is between 500kb and 3MB and have dimensions between 900 x 1200 pixels and 2250 x 3000 pixels.Passport-type photograph. A digital photo taken less than 6 months and clearly identify you. The image must be taken in portrait in front of a plain, light-colored (not white) background and even lighting.
IMPORTANT : Save the image as a jpeg and make sure the file size is between 500kb and 3MB and have dimensions between 900 x 1200 pixels and 2250 x 3000 pixels.
Unfortunately, at this time VisaHQ does not provide service for
A visa is not required for this destination.
- Each person entering New Zealand must pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35. This is already included in the Embassy fee.
- Each person entering New Zealand must pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35. This is already included in the Embassy fee.
New Zealand Tourist E-visa ETA fees for citizens of United States of America
| Type of visa | Validity Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. | Processing Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. | Embassy fee | Service fee | Tax | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry (90 days stay) | Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. Up to 1 year | Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. 10-21 business days | Embassy fee:$266.00 Service fee:$209.00 Tax:$0.00 Total cost:$475.00 | |||
| Multiple entry | Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. Up to 2 years | Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. 1-3 business days | Embassy fee:$35.00 Service fee:$59.00 Tax:$0.00 Total cost:$94.00 | |||
| Multiple entry | Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. Up to 2 years | Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. 1-3 business days | Embassy fee:$35.00 Service fee:$69.00 Tax:$0.00 Total cost:$104.00 | |||
| Multiple entry (90 days stay) | Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. Up to 180 days | Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. 20 business days | Embassy fee:$249.00 Service fee:$139.00 Tax:$0.00 Total cost:$388.00 | |||
| Multiple entry (90 days stay) | Maximum validity refers to the period over which you are allowed to enter a given country. Validity of visa starts from the date of issuance of visa. Up to 180 days | Processing times start on the next business day following submission and serve as indications of processing times under normal circumstances only. 20 business days | Embassy fee:$249.00 Service fee:$299.00 Tax:$0.00 Total cost:$548.00 |
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New Zealand Visa Policy
The Immigration Act 2009 is the fundamental law guiding immigration in New Zealand. This Act defines who needs a visa to enter the country and who doesn’t. Under the Immigration Act, a visitor will require a visa unless they are permanent residents or citizens of Australia, citizens of one of the 60 visa exempt countries and territories, and holders of United Nations Laissez passer documents.
Other categories that do not need visas to enter New Zealand are:
- Citizens who are eligible for visa-free travel under special provisions like visiting service personnel from other countries
- Cruise ship crews and passengers
- Aircraft crew
Under the Trans – Tasman travel arrangement, citizens and permanent residents of Australia can also become residents in New Zealand.
The standard practice is for visitors to have valid passports of three months minimum and above for their trip, and they must also show proof that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay. The government has pegged the minimum amount to be NZD 1,000 per month for each visitor without accommodation and NZD 400 monthly if accommodation is already paid for.
Furthermore, they must have the required documents for their next destination.
Still, New Zealand’s visa policy has a special ETA program for nationals from eligible countries, including China. This ETA can be obtained online and is meant for visitors who don’t plan to stay in the country for more than 3 months. Also, they must not seek medical treatment or consultation during their stay.
New Zealand Visa-Free Countries
New Zealand maintains a very active visa exempt list which changes from time to time. All European Union countries are on this list with several others from other continents making up the list. If you are from any of these countries you can enter New Zealand with only your valid ordinary passport and study for 30-90 days depending on your nationality.
However, you should know that such visits are only for leisure and business or transit.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority
The government of New Zealand introduced a new travel entry document under its new visa rules called the Electronic Travel Authorization, which is issued to travelers from eligible countries. They must request the ETA before their trip. This document is mandatory for all sea and air travelers and is valid for 2 years. All citizens from eligible nations must hold this document except citizens of Australia and members associated with a scientific expedition under the Antarctica Treaty.
ETA Eligible Countries
Before you can apply for an ETA you should be sure that your country is on the eligibility list as only eligible applicants will be issued this travel authorization. Do well to check the eligibility list before proceeding with your application.
Key Details About New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization
Apply Early: It is always best to apply for your New Zealand ETA at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date. Although the process takes only three days or less, delays may occur, so applying early is the best policy to avoid hiccups further down the line.
Accurate Information: When applying for ETA, ensure your information is accurate and corresponds with what is on your documents to avoid rejection.
Apply Outside: You must apply for this ETA outside New Zealand before you arrive in the country unless you are eligible for a visa on arrival.
Print The ETA: Once you receive the ETA in your email, make sure you print it out and bring a copy with you on your trip because the immigration officers will request it.
Use The Same Passport: Never travel to New Zealand with a different passport to the one you used for the application. You are supposed to use the same passport for registration and travel. If your current passport will expire soon, apply for a new one before submitting your ETA application.
Understand The Validity Differences: The electronic travel authorization has two different validities so it is possible to confuse them. The standard validity is 2 years but the government offers extended validity of 5 years for visitors coming with cruise ships only.
Proof of Funds: Visitors are advised to have sufficient funds in cash or bank balance before making the trip. At the entry point, the authorities will request proof of funds and the visitor may be denied entry if they cannot show proof that they have enough funds to cover their living expenses. The minimum amount is NZD 400 monthly for visitors with accommodation and NZD 1000 for those without accommodation
New Zealand Visa Online – Get your New Zealand e-Visa with VisaHQ
Did you know you can get a New Zealand online visa using VisaHQ’s application platform? The application process is straightforward; you can simply apply for it from the comfort of your home, and you don’t have to visit New Zealand’s foreign embassy in your country. You can apply for an e-visa through VisaHQ and get it in a few days.
How To Obtain New Zealand ETA on VisaHQ
To apply for New Zealand ETA, you only need to take a few steps.
Our online application process is easier than ever before. Just follow these steps:
Fill The Form: Select the ETA you want and carefully fill out the application form. After you are done, check for errors to be sure there are no mistakes, then proceed to the next phase.
Upload The Required Documents: Each ETA has unique requirements, so arrange all the documents you need and upload one after the other. Note that submitting fake or invalid documents is enough grounds for rejection.
Get The ETA: Submit the ETA and wait a few days to get it. The ETA will be forwarded to your email if your application is approved. Make sure to travel to New Zealand with a printed copy of this ETA.
Why Use VisaHQ?
There are more than a few online visa application platforms but only a few of them can match the efficiency offered by VisaHQ. With a wide network of experts with proven experience when it comes to travel document applications, we simplify the process for all our clientele and greatly improve their chances of landing the visa.
You should consider using VisaHQ for the following reasons:
- Fast and seamless application process
- Apply for as many visas as you want at once
- Our platform uses advanced data protection software
- We have a presence in 6 countries and have offices in 20 locations
- We offer 24/7 technical support should you need any help
- First-class customer service that is always available to guide you
Please navigate to our application page to get started.
New Zealand COVID-19 travel restrictions
- Entry is openNew Zealand is now open for travelers. Maritime borders are also now open to vessels including cruise ships and recreational yachts.Valid passport. Valid national passport with at least 6 month remaining validity after the date of departure.Valid visa. Please see the instructions above if visa is needed and apply.📝Health form should be completed before check-in. All travelers must register first for travel.Upon arrival restrictions😷Masks are required on all public transport throughout New Zealand.Negative COVID-19 test upon arrival is required for some travelers.
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To read about New Zealand Visas
Frequently Asked Questions about New Zealand visa
New Zealand Embassy list in United States of America
New Zealand Customs
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For additional information about travel restrictions, security warnings, political updates, and basic travel guidelines, please contact the nearest New Zealander Embassy.