New Zealand Tourist Visa (NZeTA): Application Guide
Guide to visiting New Zealand as a tourist, covering the NZeTA electronic travel authority, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, document requirements, and processing times.
Check if your nationality qualifies for visa-waiver entry with NZeTA
Citizens of 60 visa-waiver countries (including the US, UK, Canada, most EU nations, and Japan) do not need a visa but must obtain an NZeTA before travel. The NZeTA allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Confirm if you need a visitor visa instead of an NZeTA
Citizens of non-waiver countries need a full visitor visa ($211 NZD / $130 USD), processed in 20-25 business days. Australian citizens and permanent residents are exempt from both the NZeTA and visitor visa — they can enter freely.
Understand the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
All visitors (except Australians) must pay a $100 NZD ($62 USD) IVL fee when applying for their NZeTA or visitor visa. This levy funds conservation and tourism infrastructure. It is paid once and covers your NZeTA's 2-year validity period.
Verify your passport meets New Zealand's requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from New Zealand. Machine-readable passports are required — older handwritten passports are not accepted. Emergency travel documents are also not eligible for NZeTA.
NZeTA Application Process
Apply via the NZeTA mobile app or the Immigration NZ website
The mobile app (available on iOS and Android) costs $17 NZD ($10.50 USD). The website application costs $23 NZD ($14 USD). The app is cheaper because it uses your phone camera to capture passport details and your photo automatically.
Enter your passport details and personal information
The application takes about 10 minutes. You need your passport number, issue and expiry dates, nationality, and contact details. Your name must match your passport exactly — no shortened names or nicknames.
Upload or capture a clear photo of your face
The app captures your photo using your phone camera with face-detection guides. For the website, upload a JPEG photo with neutral expression, white background, and no glasses. The photo must be less than 3MB.
Answer the character and health declaration questions
You will be asked about criminal convictions, deportation history, and certain health conditions (tuberculosis in particular). Answering yes to any question does not automatically disqualify you but may trigger additional review and delay processing by 5-10 business days.
Pay the NZeTA fee plus the IVL levy
Total cost via app: $117 NZD ($72 USD) — that is $17 NZeTA + $100 IVL. Via website: $123 NZD ($76 USD). Payment by Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries.
Wait for approval (10 minutes to 72 hours)
Most NZeTAs are approved within 10-15 minutes. If your application is flagged for manual review, it can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 days before your flight to account for potential delays. You will receive an email confirmation when approved.
Visitor Visa Documents (Non-Waiver Countries)
Complete the visitor visa application online at Immigration NZ
Create an account at immigration.govt.nz and complete the INZ 1017 form online. The application fee is $211 NZD ($130 USD) plus the $100 NZD IVL levy. You can save your progress and return later — the system holds your draft for 45 days.
Bank statements from the last 3 months showing $1,000 NZD ($620 USD) per month of stay, or $400 NZD ($250 USD) per month if accommodation is prepaid. All documents must be uploaded as PDF, JPEG, or PNG files under 10MB each.
Provide confirmed return flight and accommodation bookings
A fully confirmed return ticket is strongly recommended. If your itinerary is flexible, provide a flight hold or a detailed written plan explaining your exit route. Accommodation proof for at least the first week is expected.
Submit medical and police certificates if requested
Applicants planning to stay over 6 months may need a chest X-ray ($100-$200 at approved clinics) and police clearance from every country where you have lived for 5+ years. Processing these certificates takes 2-6 weeks, so start early.
Provide a sponsor or guarantor form if someone in NZ is supporting your visit
The NZ-based sponsor must complete the INZ 1025 form and provide their passport or NZ citizenship/residence proof, bank statements, and employment details. Sponsorship letters significantly strengthen applications from countries with higher refusal rates.
Before Departure
Confirm your NZeTA or visa approval is linked to your passport
The NZeTA is electronically linked to your passport number — there is nothing to print. However, saving a screenshot of your approval email is recommended as backup. Airlines can verify your NZeTA at check-in through their systems.
Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration online
Submit the NZ Traveller Declaration at travellerdeclaration.govt.nz within 24 hours before departure. This covers customs, biosecurity, and immigration information. You receive a Traveller Pass QR code that speeds up processing at Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch airports.
Review New Zealand's strict biosecurity rules before packing
New Zealand has some of the world's strictest biosecurity laws. Undeclared food, plant material, or animal products can result in instant fines of $400 NZD ($250 USD) and up to $100,000 NZD in court. Declare everything — even an apple from the airplane.
Arrival and Entry
Present your passport at the e-Gate or immigration counter
NZeTA holders from eligible countries (including US, UK, Canada, Australia) can use automated e-Gates at Auckland and Christchurch airports. The e-Gate scans your passport and matches it to your NZeTA — processing takes about 30 seconds.
Be prepared to show return tickets, accommodation proof, and funds
Immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation, and financial means. The guideline is $1,000 NZD per month of stay in accessible funds. Having these documents on your phone or printed avoids delays.
Pass through biosecurity screening with all items declared
Biosecurity screening at NZ airports uses X-ray machines and sniffer dogs. Declare all food, wooden items, camping gear, hiking boots (which may carry soil), and any plant or animal products. Honest declaration means no penalty even if items are confiscated.
Note your allowed stay period (stamped or electronic)
NZeTA holders get up to 90 days per visit. Extensions up to a total of 9 months can be applied for online ($280 NZD per extension application) at least 2 weeks before your current stay expires. Overstaying results in deportation and a 5-year re-entry ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Citizens of 60+ visa-waiver countries (including the US, UK, Canada, and most EU nations) do not need a visa but must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before traveling. The NZeTA costs NZD $17 via the app or NZD $23 online and is valid for 2 years. All visitors (including visa-waiver nationals) must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100 per visit.
How long can I stay in New Zealand as a tourist?
Visa-waiver visitors can stay up to 3 months per visit. UK citizens receive a special allowance of up to 6 months. Within any 18-month period, you cannot spend more than 9 months total in New Zealand (6 months for some nationalities). Extensions of up to 9 months total may be possible by applying to Immigration New Zealand before your current stay expires, with a fee of approximately NZD $280.
What is the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)?
The IVL is a NZD $100 fee charged to most international visitors to help fund conservation and tourism infrastructure in New Zealand. It is paid online during the NZeTA application process or when applying for a visitor visa. The levy is valid for the duration of your NZeTA (2 years) or visa and covers multiple entries. Australian citizens and residents, Pacific Island Forum nationals, and some other groups are exempt.
Can I work on a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers Working Holiday Visas to citizens of over 40 countries, typically for ages 18-30 (35 for some nationalities like the UK, Canada, and France). The visa allows you to work for up to 12 months (23 months for UK citizens) and study for up to 6 months. You can work for any employer but generally cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months. Application fees range from NZD $245-455 depending on nationality, and proof of NZD $4,200 in available funds is required.