NZeTA Visa Types
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a single travel authorisation that visa-waiver travellers must hold before they board a flight or cruise to New Zealand. Although people apply for it for different reasons — a holiday, a business meeting, transiting through Auckland, or arriving by cruise ship — they are all covered by the same NZeTA. There is no separate "business NZeTA" or "cruise NZeTA": you request one authority, and it is linked electronically to your passport for up to two years, allowing multiple visits of up to 90 days each.
Below are the four most common purposes people travel to New Zealand for under the NZeTA. When you complete your application, tourism, business and cruise travel are all made under the Visit option, while transit passengers choose the Transit option.
The most common use of the NZeTA. It is designed for travellers coming to New Zealand for a holiday, sightseeing, visiting family and friends, or short recreational courses. You can stay for up to 90 days per visit (up to 6 months in a 12-month period for eligible passport holders).
If you are transiting through Auckland International Airport on your way to another country, you generally still need an NZeTA — even if you never leave the airport's transit area. This applies to visa-waiver nationals passing through New Zealand en route to a final destination such as Australia or the Pacific Islands.
The NZeTA covers short business visits under the visitor category. You can attend meetings, conferences, negotiations or training. It does not allow you to take up employment with a New Zealand employer or provide paid services — for that you need a work visa.
Travellers arriving in New Zealand by cruise ship also need an NZeTA before departure, even for a short port stop. Having your authority approved in advance means a faster, smoother arrival when your ship docks. The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is usually included when you apply.
The NZeTA is only for travellers from visa-waiver countries. If your nationality is not visa-exempt, or you plan to stay longer than the NZeTA allows, you will need to apply for a full Visitor Visa instead.
| NZeTA | Visitor Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Visa-waiver nationals | Nationals who are not visa-exempt |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days per visit | Typically up to 9 months |
| Validity | Up to 2 years, multiple entries | Single or multiple entry as granted |
| How to apply | Fully online in minutes | Detailed application with documents |
| Processing | Usually within 72 hours | Several weeks |
Whichever purpose you're travelling for, the NZeTA takes only a few minutes to complete online. Check the current fees and requirements before you start.