NZeTA is not the same as the visa granted at arrival

Eligible visa-waiver travellers normally request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority before travel. If they meet the rules and receive entry permission at the border, Immigration New Zealand may grant a Visa Waiver Visitor Visa on arrival.

The current official guidance says an NZeTA is valid for two years for travellers. It can support stays of up to three months per visit, or up to six months for eligible UK citizens. Total visitor time is generally limited to six months in any 12-month period.

Who should check the NZeTA route

Citizens of listed visa-waiver countries and territories normally need an NZeTA before travelling. Cruise and cargo-ship passengers have specific NZeTA rules. Australian permanent residents also need an NZeTA, while Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport do not.

New Zealand also has a special route for eligible Chinese and Pacific Islands Forum citizens travelling from Australia with a qualifying Australian visa. This depends on the exact passport, Australian visa and direction of travel.

When a Visitor Visa is safer or required

A Visitor Visa is generally needed when the passport is not visa-waiver eligible, the intended stay exceeds the visa-waiver allowance, the traveller does not meet NZeTA conditions, or the purpose requires another route. Someone who has already spent six months in New Zealand during a 12-month period must apply for a visa before further travel.

Work and long-term study require the appropriate visa. A visa-waiver visitor may study short courses for up to three months, but a longer program should be checked under a student route.

Documents to carry

  • The passport used for the NZeTA request.
  • NZeTA confirmation.
  • A paid onward ticket or accepted evidence of departure.
  • Proof of available funds and prepaid accommodation where relevant.
  • Evidence of the visit purpose and host details.
  • The completed New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

The official visa-waiver guidance says the passport should normally remain valid for at least three months after the planned departure. Names and passport numbers must match the NZeTA exactly. A new passport means the traveller should review the linked authorisation before booking.

Apply only through official channels

Immigration New Zealand recommends using the official website or mobile app. Allow processing time rather than relying on an immediate result. The official page currently advises allowing 72 hours, although many requests may be decided sooner.

Official sources

Last checked: 1 September 2026.