Travel authorisations
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
Short answer
- Status
- Live. Required for travel from 1 October 2019 4
- Run by
- Immigration New Zealand 5
- Validity
- Multiple entries over two years 3
- Official site
- nzeta.immigration.govt.nz 5
Who needs an NZeTA
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) says that from 1 October 2019 some international visitors and transit passengers must have an NZeTA 4. Its page names visa waiver nationals from countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic and Switzerland as examples 4.
The New Zealand Embassy in Seoul says visitors from visa waiver countries, including South Korean nationals, need an NZeTA when they travel to or transit in New Zealand 3. Travellers can check whether they need one at immigration.govt.nz/nzeta, according to MFAT 4.
Cost and the visitor levy
Immigration New Zealand published a table of fee and levy rates that apply from 1 October 2024 1. It lists a request for a traveller NZeTA made through the mobile app at NZD 17 and one made through the INZ website at NZD 23 1. The table says it is only a general guide and points users to the Fee Finder tool to confirm what they will pay 1.
The IVL is collected through the immigration system. Travellers pay it alongside visa or NZeTA fees 1. Immigration New Zealand says most international visitors pay an IVL of NZD 100 when they request an NZeTA or apply for a visa 2. It says it does not refund the IVL, even if it declines the application 2. The Embassy in Seoul says Australian and many Pacific Island citizens are exempt from the IVL 3.
How to request one
Travellers request the NZeTA through the official mobile app or the website 3,4. The Immigration New Zealand request page says the fastest way is to download its free app to a mobile phone 5. The app request is the cheaper of the two at NZ$17 1,3.
MFAT says approval can take up to 72 hours and advises travellers to get the NZeTA before they go 4. The Embassy in Seoul says the NZeTA and the IVL are both valid for multiple entries over two years 3.
Status and dates
Common questions
How much is the NZeTA?
NZ$17 through the app or NZ$23 through the website, plus the NZD 100 IVL for most travellers, at rates from 1 October 2024 1,3.
Is the IVL refunded if my NZeTA is declined?
No. Immigration New Zealand says it does not refund the IVL, even if it declines the application 2.
How long is an NZeTA valid?
The New Zealand Embassy in Seoul says the NZeTA and IVL are valid for multiple entries over two years 3.
Do transit passengers need an NZeTA?
Yes, some do. MFAT says some transit passengers must have an NZeTA from 1 October 2019 4.
How long does an NZeTA take?
Approval can take up to 72 hours, according to MFAT 4.
Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email hello@digitalborderdirectory.com.
Sources
- Immigration New Zealand: Table of changes to fee and levy rates, INZ 11277 (rates from 1 October 2024)
- Immigration New Zealand: How much visa applications cost and when to pay (undated)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Embassy Seoul: Information on NZeTA and Visas (undated)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: New travel rules for New Zealand (undated)
- Immigration New Zealand: NZeTA application, request an NZeTA (undated)
Related
- Australia Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) and eVisitor (subclass 651)
Australia's ETA (601) is applied for only in the Australian ETA app for a AUD20 service fee. The eVisitor (651) is free for listed European passports.
- US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
ESTA is required for Visa Waiver Program travel to the US. The fee is US$40.62 from 16 October 2026. Rules, eligibility and proposed app-only changes.
- Canada electronic travel authorization (eTA)
Visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada need an eTA. It costs CAN$7 and lasts up to five years. Exemptions, conditional eligibility and the law.
- UK electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
The UK ETA costs £20, lasts 2 years or to passport expiry, and is needed by most visa-free visitors. Rollout dates, refusals and legal basis.
- Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
K-ETA costs KRW 10,000 and is for visa-free visitors to Korea. Validity is 3 years from July 2023. A temporary exemption runs to 31 December 2026.