Travelling to New Zealand from Belgium? With the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for Belgian Citizens, the entry process is straightforward and fully online. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the NZeTA for Belgian citizens — eligibility, requirements, processing time, and more.
NZeTA Application Process for Belgian Citizens
The NZeTA for Belgian citizens is completed via an online application form that takes less than five minutes. Applicants must provide personal details, contact information, passport details, and upload a recent face photograph. Applicants must be in good health and must not have a criminal history. For full details, visit the New Zealand eTA Application Form Guide.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for an NZeTA, ensure you meet the following criteria:
- Belgian Citizenship: Applicants must hold valid Belgian citizenship.
- Valid Passport: A passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from New Zealand is required.
- Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character requirements set by New Zealand immigration authorities.
Application Steps
- Online Application: Complete the NZeTA application online, providing the necessary personal and travel information.
- Payment: Pay the applicable NZeTA fee using a valid credit or debit card.
- Confirmation: Upon successful submission, you will receive a confirmation email with your NZeTA reference number.
Processing Time
NZeTA applications for Belgian citizens are typically processed within 72 hours. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to avoid any last-minute complications.
NZeTA Requirements for Belgian Citizens
Passport
Ensure your passport meets the following requirements:
- Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from New Zealand.
- Blank Pages: Make sure your passport has blank pages available for entry stamps.
Travel Itinerary
Provide details of your travel plans, including:
- Flight Bookings: Copies of your confirmed round-trip flight bookings.
- Accommodation: Details of your accommodation arrangements during your stay in New Zealand.
Health and Character
Belgian citizens must meet specific health and character requirements:
- Health Insurance: It is advisable to have travel insurance covering medical expenses during your stay.
- Character Assessment: Applicants with criminal convictions or previous immigration violations may face additional scrutiny.
How long can Belgian citizens stay on NZeTA?
Belgian citizens can stay in New Zealand for up to 90 days per visit. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval and allows multiple entries into New Zealand during this period.
Which activities are not allowed for Belgian citizens on New Zealand eTA?
The New Zealand eTA is much easier to apply for than a New Zealand Visitor Visa. The process can be completed entirely online in a matter of minutes. The NZeTA can be used for visits of up to 90 days for tourism, transit, and business trips.
The following activities are not covered by the NZeTA. If you intend to do any of these, you must apply for a New Zealand Visa instead:
- Visiting New Zealand for medical treatment
- Work — you intend to join the New Zealand labour market
- Study
- Residence — you want to become a New Zealand resident
- Long-term stays of more than 3 months
Things To Do and Places of Interest for Belgian Citizens
- Experience geothermal wonders in Rotorua
- Walk the Coast Track in Abel Tasman National Park
- Visit Whangarei Falls
- Explore the Coromandel Peninsula
- Discover the Whanganui River
- Island-hop around the Hauraki Gulf
- Walk the Putangirua Pinnacles
- See Huka Falls
- Try kite landboarding on Foxton Beach
- Play Frisbee Golf in the Queenstown Gardens
Travel Planning Notes for Belgian Passport Holders
Belgian citizens usually travel to New Zealand through European and Asian hubs such as Brussels, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Dubai, Doha, or Singapore. Because the journey is long, most travellers plan a multi-city route rather than staying in one place. Auckland is useful for arrival, Wellington adds culture and food, and the South Island gives access to mountains, lakes, fiords, and scenic drives.
The NZeTA is connected to the passport number entered during the application. Belgian citizens with more than one nationality should travel on the same passport used for approval. If travelling with children, each traveller needs their own approved authority. Belgium's multilingual travellers should also make sure names are entered exactly as shown in the machine-readable passport zone, including spacing and order, to avoid airline check-in issues.
