New Zealand NZeTA: who needs one, how long it lasts and what to have ready before you fly

Many visitors who do not need a visa for New Zealand still need an electronic travel authority before they travel. Immigration New Zealand says the NZeTA is for citizens of visa waiver countries and territories, passengers arriving on a cruise or cargo ship, and people transiting through New Zealand to another country, among others. Australian citizens do not need a visa or an NZeTA.

An NZeTA is valid for two years for travellers. Each visit can last up to three months, or six months for UK citizens, and visitors can spend no more than six months in New Zealand in any 12-month period. Requests can be made on the official website, with a separate request for each person, or through the NZeTA app for iOS and Android, which handles up to 10 people at once. Immigration New Zealand advises allowing 72 hours, as checks can take up to three days and longer if further investigation is needed.

When applying, travellers need the passport they will travel on, valid for at least three months after their intended departure from New Zealand, an acceptable photo, proof of funds and proof of onward travel. At check-in, they should have the passport, the NZeTA confirmation email and proof of travel out of New Zealand.

Transit has its own limits. Only Auckland International Airport has a transit area; passengers must stay there the whole time, for no longer than 24 hours, and cannot collect their bags. Travellers should confirm their own eligibility on Immigration New Zealand’s website before booking.