Can I get a New Zealand visa on arrival?

To bolster security and streamline visitor entries, New Zealand has transitioned from a visa-on-arrival system to a pre-travel registration process via the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for citizens of visa-waiver countries. Here's what you need to know.

Who Needs an NZeTA?

If you're visiting New Zealand on holiday, you must obtain an NZeTA or a visitor visa unless you're an Australian citizen. Australian permanent residents do need an NZeTA, but Australian citizens do not. Permanent residents and citizens get an Australian Resident Visa when arriving in New Zealand.

The NZeTA is required if you're:

• Traveling on a passport from a visa-waiver country.

• Transiting through Auckland International Airport.

• Arriving by cruise ship.

You need a visitor visa if:

• You're not traveling on a passport from a visa-waiver country.

• You want to visit for over 3 months (or 6 months if you're from the UK).

• You have a criminal history.

• You have health problems that could harm public health or cost NZ’s health services.

Before arriving in New Zealand, you must inform border officials about why you're visiting. You must also prove that you have a ticket out of New Zealand and enough money to live on while you're there.

How to Obtain an NZeTA

Check Eligibility: You can apply for an NZeTA from a visa-waiver country. A list of eligible countries is provided below.

Prepare the Required Documents: You'll need an eligible passport, a photograph, and a debit or credit card to apply for the NZeTA.

Complete the Online Application: You'll be asked to provide details such as your full name, gender, date of birth, country of citizenship, passport number, passport issue, and expiry date, and answer questions about your character and health.

Pay the NZeTA Fees: The NZeTA fees can be paid online using a debit or credit card. There is also an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) fee that supports sustainable tourism.

Apply for a NZeTA here!

Conditions of the NZeTA

The NZeTA is designed for foreigners visiting the country on holiday or attending business meetings and other events. As an NZeTA holder, you can enter New Zealand for tourism, business, or transit for no more than 3 months (6 months for UK citizens).

Children also need a NZeTA to travel to New Zealand from a visa-waiver country. Parents and guardians can complete the application on their child’s behalf, but each family or group member must have their own travel authorization.

If you're transiting through Auckland International Airport (AKL) to a third country, you must remain on the aircraft or in the transit area for no more than 24 hours.

Cruise ship passengers can travel to New Zealand without a visa, provided they apply for an NZeTA. The visa waiver will be verified when checking in for the cruise.

NZeTA Eligible Countries

Citizens of the following countries can apply for the NZeTA for tourism and transit:

• All European Union citizens.

• Other countries: Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore.