Question 1

What is NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is a digital travel authorization required for citizens of 60 visa-exempt countries to enter New Zealand. It's not a traditional visa but an electronic authorization digitally linked to your passport that allows you to travel to and within New Zealand.

Question 2

Why do I need an NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

The NZeTA is required when traveling through New Zealand as a transit passenger or for tourism purposes. It ensures border security and helps manage entry into the country. Citizens of visa-exempt countries must obtain it to visit or transit through New Zealand.

Question 3

How long is the NZeTA valid?

Accepted Answer

The NZeTA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make unlimited visits to New Zealand with each stay limited to 90 days (or 6 months for UK citizens).

Question 4

Can I extend my NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

No, the NZeTA cannot be extended. If your NZeTA validity is insufficient for your planned trip, you must apply for a new NZeTA before traveling. Extensions are not possible, but you can apply for a new authorization.

Question 5

What is the importance of NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

The NZeTA is essential as you cannot travel to or depart from Auckland International Airport without it. It provides necessary border security screening and ensures you meet New Zealand's entry requirements for visa-exempt citizens.

Question 6

Does the NZeTA apply to multiple visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the NZeTA is valid for multiple entries during its 2-year validity period. You can enter and exit New Zealand as many times as you wish during this timeframe, provided each stay does not exceed the allowed duration.

Question 7

Who needs an NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

You need an NZeTA if you are a citizen of one of the 60 visa-exempt countries including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia (permanent residents), and most European nations. If you hold a passport from these countries and meet basic requirements, you must obtain an NZeTA.

Question 8

Who doesn't need an NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

New Zealand citizens, Australian citizens on Australian passports, and holders of valid New Zealand visas (including permanent residency visas) do not need an NZeTA. Also exempt are those who have a New Zealand passport with citizenship.

Question 9

What are the basic NZeTA requirements?

Accepted Answer

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you depart New Zealand. You must have a return ticket, sufficient funds for your trip, no criminal record (no sentence of 12 months or more), be in good health, and not be employed by a New Zealand employer.

Question 10

What are the NZeTA photo requirements?

Accepted Answer

For digital photos: images must be less than 10MB, 540x720 pixels in size, in JPG/JPEG format, with a plain light background (not white). For paper photos: 35mm wide by 45mm high. Ensure your face is clearly visible and properly lit.

Question 11

Do I need to have booked a trip to apply?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need booked airline tickets or accommodation to apply. The application will ask for your estimated arrival date, but you can provide this information without having finalized your travel plans.

Question 12

Does the NZeTA apply to minors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, minors must apply for an NZeTA regardless of their age. Children need a valid passport and must complete the application process just like adults.

Question 13

How do I apply for an NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

You can apply completely online through our website. Simply fill out the application form with your passport information, personal details, and travel information. The process takes just a few minutes and requires only your valid passport and a payment method.

Question 14

How long does it take to get an NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

Most applications are approved within 1 business day. Standard processing takes up to 72 hours. If you need faster processing, you can select the 'Urgent' option, which processes applications immediately with a 90% approval rate within 1 hour.

Question 15

When should I apply for my NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

You must apply at least 72 hours before your departure. We recommend applying 3-5 working days before travel to allow for any potential delays or additional verification requirements.

Question 16

What documents do I need?

Accepted Answer

You only need your valid passport. The application is entirely online, and no additional physical documents are required at the time of application. You will need a debit or credit card for payment.

Question 17

What payment methods are accepted?

Accepted Answer

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and other valid payment cards. We also accept PayPal. There are no additional fees for any payment method, and all payments are processed securely.

Question 18

Can I apply for multiple people at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can submit applications for multiple travelers simultaneously. You enter your contact information once, then fill in the personal and travel details for each person you're applying for.

Question 19

How do I know if my application is approved?

Accepted Answer

You will receive email notification once your application has been processed and approved. The email will contain your confirmation details. You can also log into your account on our website to check your application status.

Question 20

How long can I stay in New Zealand with an NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

You can stay for a maximum of 90 days per visit if you're from most visa-exempt countries. UK citizens can stay for up to 6 months per visit. Additionally, you may only visit for a maximum of 6 months in any 12-month period.

Question 21

Can I work on an NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot work in New Zealand on an NZeTA visa. The authorization does not permit any form of employment, whether paid or unpaid. If you wish to work, you must apply for a work visa.

Question 22

What can I use my NZeTA for?

Accepted Answer

You can use your NZeTA for tourism (vacations, visiting friends and family), business travel (conferences, meetings, training), participating in unpaid amateur sports, and short-term visits. It is not valid for paid employment or permanent relocation.

Question 23

Do I need an NZeTA for transit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you plan to exit the airport transit lounge during your stopover. If you remain in the designated transit areas and do not leave the airport, you do not need an NZeTA. However, if you exit the airport, an NZeTA is mandatory.

Question 24

What happens if I overstay my NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

Overstaying beyond your allowed duration is illegal. You must leave New Zealand immediately when your stay expires. Overstay violations may result in penalties, immigration detention, deportation, and future travel restrictions.

Question 25

Do cruise passengers need an NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all cruise passengers are eligible and required to apply for an NZeTA, regardless of nationality. This includes cruise ship crew members. Everyone arriving by cruise ship needs proper travel authorization.

Question 26

Does NZeTA guarantee entry into New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

An approved NZeTA does not guarantee entry. It authorizes you to travel, but border officials can still deny entry based on conduct, health concerns, or security issues at the border. The final decision is made by immigration officers upon arrival.

Question 27

What should I do when I arrive in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Present your approved NZeTA approval email and your passport to border authorities. Your eTA is digitally linked to your passport, so ensure you travel with the same passport used for the application. Go through passport control as normal.

Question 28

Do I need to print my NZeTA?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need to print your NZeTA. It is digitally linked to your passport and stored in the immigration system. However, you may want to keep your confirmation email for reference.

Question 29

What if my application is rejected?

Accepted Answer

Rejections are rare. If denied, you will receive notification via email. Immigration New Zealand typically does not provide specific rejection reasons. You can contact customer support for guidance or apply for a traditional visitor visa instead.

Question 30

Can I apply again after rejection?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can apply for a traditional New Zealand visitor visa, though the process is longer and more expensive. You can also contact Immigration New Zealand for more information about why your application was rejected.

Question 31

Is my personal information safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your information is protected with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption with at least 256-bit key-length encryption. All personal data is encrypted during transmission and storage. We do not store payment card details on our servers.

Question 32

What is the best time to travel to New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

September to November (Spring) and March to May (Autumn) offer ideal weather with fewer crowds and lower prices. December to January (Summer) is popular but expensive and crowded. Winter (June-August) offers fewer tourists if you prefer quieter travel.

Question 33

What currency does New Zealand use?

Accepted Answer

New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. It's advisable to inform your bank of your travel dates.

Question 34

What is the New Zealand Declaration of Travel (NZTD)?

Accepted Answer

The NZTD is an online system that air travelers must complete before traveling to New Zealand. It helps travelers comply with current border rules and assists in protecting New Zealand. Completion is mandatory for entry.

Question 35

Do I need to be vaccinated?

Accepted Answer

We recommend checking with your doctor about recommended vaccinations for New Zealand. Requirements may change, and your doctor can provide personalized advice based on current health conditions in the country.

Question 36

Can I travel with medications?

Accepted Answer

You may bring prescribed medications with a valid prescription from your doctor. Ensure medications are declared and in original, labeled containers. Large quantities may face restrictions, so consult with customs regulations beforehand.

Question 37

Can I bring firearms into New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Firearms can be imported but require advance authorization. You must register online at least 10 days before arrival and pay NZ$25 for a temporary gun permit upon arrival at Auckland International Airport.

Question 38

What transport options are available in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

New Zealand has excellent transport options including buses, rental cars, camper vans, trains, and ferries. Many visitors prefer renting a car for flexibility. Public transport is reliable in cities but limited in remote areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

About NZeTA