If you are planning a trip to New Zealand, one of the first questions you may ask is, how much is the cost of NZeTA? Knowing the total cost before you apply can help you plan your travel budget and avoid unexpected charges.
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is required for many visa-waiver travellers, Australian permanent residents, and some cruise and transit passengers. The official NZeTA fee depends on whether you apply through the mobile app or the Immigration New Zealand website. In addition, many travellers must pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
This guide explains the current NZeTA cost, the IVL, possible exemptions, processing options, validity, and other important fees in simple English.
How Much Is the Cost of NZeTA in 2026?
So, how much is the cost of NZeTA?
According to Immigration New Zealand, the official NZeTA request fee is:
- NZD $17 when requested through the official mobile app
- NZD $23 when requested through the official Immigration New Zealand website
Most eligible travellers must also pay the NZD $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) at the same time.
This means a traveller who must pay the IVL could pay a total of NZD $117 through the app or NZD $123 through the website.
| Application method | NZeTA fee | IVL | Possible total |
| Official mobile app | NZD $17 | NZD $100 | NZD $117 |
| Official website | NZD $23 | NZD $100 | NZD $123 |
The exact amount depends on your circumstances because not every traveller has to pay the IVL.
What Is the NZeTA Fee?
The NZeTA fee is the charge for requesting the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority.
An NZeTA is an electronic travel authority rather than a traditional visa. Eligible travellers can use it to travel to New Zealand without applying for a visa before their journey.
The official fee is currently NZD $17 through the mobile app or NZD $23 through the website.
If you are ready to start your application, you can Apply for NZeTA Online and check the requirements before travelling.
Is the NZeTA Fee the Total Cost?
Not always.
This is one of the most important points when asking how much is the cost of NZeTA. The NZeTA application fee and the IVL are separate charges.
For most travellers who need both, the IVL is added during the same transaction.
Therefore, looking only at the NZD $17 or NZD $23 NZeTA fee may not show the complete amount you need to pay.
What Is the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy?
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, commonly called the IVL, is a New Zealand visitor levy.
The current IVL is NZD $100 per person for travellers who are required to pay it. It is normally paid when you request an NZeTA or apply for certain visas.
The money contributes to tourism infrastructure and conservation-related work in New Zealand.
Who Pays the IVL?
Many tourists and other temporary visitors must pay the IVL.
However, there are important exemptions. For example, travellers entering New Zealand on an Australian or New Zealand passport do not pay the IVL. People who hold an Australian Resident Visa are also listed among those who do not need to pay it.
This means your nationality, passport, visa status and reason for travelling can affect your total cost.
How Much Is the Cost of NZeTA for Australian Permanent Residents?
Australian permanent residents should pay particular attention to the rules.
Australian permanent residents generally need an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand. However, Immigration New Zealand states that Australian permanent residents do not pay the IVL when requesting their NZeTA.
Therefore, an eligible Australian permanent resident would generally pay the NZeTA fee of:
- NZD $17 through the official mobile app, or
- NZD $23 through the official website
The situation is different for Australian citizens. Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport generally do not need an NZeTA.
How Much Is the Cost of NZeTA Through the Mobile App?
If you use the official NZeTA mobile app, the NZeTA request fee is NZD $17.
If you are required to pay the IVL, another NZD $100 is added.
Therefore, the total can be NZD $117 for travellers who are subject to the IVL.
The mobile app is also an official application channel provided by Immigration New Zealand.
How Much Is the Cost of NZeTA Through the Website?
If you submit your NZeTA request through the official Immigration New Zealand website, the current NZeTA fee is NZD $23.
For a traveller who must also pay the NZD $100 IVL, the combined amount would be NZD $123.
Immigration New Zealand recommends using its official website or mobile app rather than unauthorised third-party websites.
What About NZeTA Processing or Service Charges?
You may see websites offering different packages or prices for NZeTA assistance.
For example, the pricing shown in the provided image lists Regular USD $125, Emergency USD $145 and Express USD $165. These figures are not the official Immigration New Zealand NZeTA fees. They appear to represent third-party application or service packages rather than the government NZeTA charge.
Immigration New Zealand states that third-party websites may charge additional amounts and cannot fast-track an NZeTA application.
This is why travellers should understand the difference between the official government fee and any additional service fee charged by a private provider.
How Long Is an NZeTA Valid?
Another useful point when considering how much is the cost of NZeTA is its validity period.
A traveller NZeTA is generally valid for 2 years. During that period, eligible travellers can use it for multiple trips, subject to the applicable entry and stay requirements.
The NZeTA itself does not automatically guarantee entry into New Zealand. Travellers must still meet New Zealand's border and immigration requirements.
How Long Does NZeTA Processing Take?
Immigration New Zealand advises travellers to allow up to 72 hours for an NZeTA request to be processed.
For this reason, it is better not to wait until the last minute.
Even if a website advertises an "emergency" or "express" service, Immigration New Zealand has stated that third-party providers cannot prioritise or fast-track official NZeTA processing.
Is the NZeTA Fee Refundable?
Generally, NZeTA fees and the IVL are not refundable.
Immigration New Zealand states that refunds are normally not provided if an NZeTA request is refused, if you submit multiple requests accidentally, enter incorrect details and need another request, or decide not to travel.
This makes it important to check your passport details and other information carefully before submitting your request.
How to Avoid Paying More Than Necessary
If you are checking how much is the cost of NZeTA, look carefully at what a quoted price includes.
A private website may add a service or processing charge on top of the government fee. That can make the final price much higher than the official NZeTA charge.
Before paying, check:
- Whether the price includes the NZeTA fee.
- Whether the IVL applies to you.
- Whether a third-party service fee has been added.
- Whether you are applying through an authorised channel.
- Whether your passport and personal details are correct.
Understanding these costs can help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is the cost of NZeTA?
The official NZeTA fee is NZD $17 through the mobile app or NZD $23 through the Immigration New Zealand website. Eligible travellers may also need to pay a NZD $100 IVL.
2. Is the IVL included in the NZeTA fee?
No. The IVL is a separate levy. However, if you need to pay it, it is normally collected during the same transaction as your NZeTA request.
3. How much is the cost of NZeTA with the IVL?
For a traveller who must pay the IVL, the combined cost is generally NZD $117 through the official mobile app or NZD $123 through the official website.
4. Do Australian citizens have to pay for an NZeTA?
Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport generally do not need an NZeTA. They also do not pay the IVL when travelling on an Australian passport.
5. Do Australian permanent residents need to pay the IVL?
Australian permanent residents generally need an NZeTA but are exempt from the IVL.
6. Is the NZeTA valid for multiple trips?
Yes. A traveller NZeTA is generally valid for two years and can be used for multiple visits during that period, subject to the relevant requirements.
7. Can a third-party website charge more than the official NZeTA fee?
Yes. Private providers can charge their own service fees. Immigration New Zealand recommends using its official website or app and warns that third-party providers cannot fast-track NZeTA requests.
Conclusion
So, how much is the cost of NZeTA? The official NZeTA request currently costs NZD $17 through the mobile app or NZD $23 through the official website. Many eligible travellers also need to pay the NZD $100 IVL, making the combined cost NZD $117 or NZD $123 respectively.
However, the final amount depends on your nationality, passport, immigration status and travel circumstances. Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents, for example, have different requirements and exemptions.
Before travelling, check the latest New Zealand immigration requirements and make sure you understand whether you need an NZeTA and IVL. Also check whether any private provider has added a separate service charge to the government fee.
