How to Apply for the NZeTA: Overview
The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) application is entirely online and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. You do not need to visit an embassy, post any documents, or attend an interview. Here is exactly what to do, step by step.
Before You Start: What You Need
Gather the following before opening the application form:
- Your passport — you will need the passport number, issue date, expiry date, and the country of issue. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return date from New Zealand.
- A passport-style photograph — a recent, clear image of your face against a plain white or light background. JPG format, under 5 MB. If you do not have a suitable photo, take one now in good natural light before you begin.
- Your email address — your approval will be sent here. Use an inbox you check regularly and that you will have access to during your travels.
- A payment card — Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. Have the card ready before you start.
Step 1: Start the Application Form
Open the NZeTA application form on our website and click to begin a new application. You will be asked to select the number of travellers. Each person — including children — requires their own separate NZeTA application. If you are applying for multiple family members, complete one application at a time.
Step 2: Enter Your Personal Details
Fill in your personal information exactly as it appears in your passport:
- Full legal name (surname and given names — no nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Nationality and country of birth
- Gender as shown in your passport
Critical tip: Even a single character difference between your application and your passport — a missing middle name, a hyphen in the wrong place, or a transposed date — can cause processing delays or refusal. Cross-check every field against your actual passport before moving on.
Step 3: Enter Your Passport Details
Enter your passport information:
- Passport number — exactly as printed, including any letters
- Passport issue date
- Passport expiry date
- Country of issue
The NZeTA is electronically linked to this specific passport. If your passport expires or is replaced before you travel, you will need a new NZeTA for the new passport.
Step 4: Upload Your Photograph
Upload your passport-style photograph. The photo must meet these standards:
- Recent — taken within the last 6 months
- Clear and in focus
- Your full face visible, looking directly at the camera
- Plain white or light background — no patterned walls, busy backgrounds, or other people
- No sunglasses, hats, or items partially obscuring your face
- JPG/JPEG format, under 5 MB
Photo quality is one of the most common causes of application delays. If your photo does not meet these standards, the system may flag it for review. Take a new photo if needed — a few minutes spent getting a good photo now saves significant time later.
Step 5: Answer the Eligibility Declarations
You will be asked a series of yes/no questions about your eligibility and background:
- Have you ever been deported or removed from any country?
- Do you have any criminal convictions (in any country)?
- Are you visiting New Zealand for medical treatment?
- Are you an Australian permanent resident?
Always answer honestly. Misrepresentation on an immigration application is a serious offence and will result in refusal and potentially a long-term ban. Answering yes to some of these questions does not automatically mean your application will be declined — it may simply trigger a manual review. Trying to hide information, however, will result in denial.
Step 6: Enter Your Travel Details
Provide details about your planned trip:
- Your intended arrival date in New Zealand
- Your planned length of stay
- The purpose of your visit (tourism, business, transit)
If your travel plans are not yet finalised, use approximate dates. The NZeTA is valid for two years regardless of the dates you enter at this stage.
Step 7: Review Your Application
Before proceeding to payment, carefully review every field on your application. Check:
- Name spelling matches your passport exactly
- Passport number is correct character by character
- Date of birth is entered correctly (day/month/year order varies by form)
- Passport expiry date is accurate
- Your email address is correct — this is where your approval will be sent
Errors discovered after submission cannot always be corrected without reapplying. Take two minutes to review thoroughly.
Step 8: Pay the Application Fee
Proceed to the secure payment page. The fee includes the NZeTA processing fee plus the mandatory New Zealand government International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35. Enter your credit or debit card details on the encrypted payment page and confirm the transaction.
You will receive an instant payment confirmation email. Your application is now submitted.
Step 9: Wait for Your Approval Email
Most NZeTA applications are approved within 24 to 72 hours. Many are approved within a few hours. You will receive an email confirmation once your NZeTA is approved and electronically linked to your passport.
While waiting:
- Check your spam or junk folder — approval emails occasionally end up there
- Do not book non-refundable travel arrangements until you have received your approval
- Contact our support team if 72 hours pass without a decision
Step 10: Travel With Confidence
Once your NZeTA is approved, you do not need to carry a printed copy. The authorisation is electronically linked to your passport and is checked automatically by airlines at check-in and by New Zealand border officers on arrival.
Save your approval email for reference and ensure the passport you travel with is the same one listed on your NZeTA. That is all there is to it — you are ready for New Zealand.
What to Do If You Made a Mistake on Your Application
If you notice an error after submitting — particularly in your name or passport number — contact our support team immediately. In some cases, errors can be corrected. If a new application is required, it is better to identify and fix mistakes before your NZeTA is approved against incorrect details.
