Applying for a New Zealand ETA (NZeTA) is one of the simplest pre-travel requirements you will encounter as an international traveller. The entire process is completed online — no embassy visits, no printed forms, no passport submission. From start to approval, most applicants complete the process in under 10 minutes. Here is our complete step-by-step guide.
Before You Start: What You Need
Gather the following before beginning your application to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted process:
- Your valid passport (the passport you will travel with)
- Your passport number, issue date, and expiry date
- A working email address (your approval will be sent here)
- A credit or debit card for payment
- Basic information about your travel plans (approximate arrival date)
- Answers to health and character questions (covered in Step 4 below)
Check that your passport is valid and that you are a citizen of an NZeTA-eligible country before applying. Citizens of countries not on the visa-waiver list must apply for a standard New Zealand visa through Immigration New Zealand.
The 6-Step NZeTA Application Process
Choose between Tourist, Business, or Transit NZeTA depending on the purpose of your visit. Most holiday travellers select the Tourist ETA. See our types guide if you are unsure.
Input your passport number, nationality, date of birth, and passport expiry date exactly as they appear in your passport. Any mismatch will cause delays.
Enter your email address, phone number, and intended travel dates. Your approval email will be sent to the address you provide here.
You will be asked a series of standard questions about your health history and criminal record. These include whether you have ever been convicted of an offence, whether you have tuberculosis or certain other conditions, and whether you have previously been deported from any country. Answer honestly — providing false information is a serious offence.
Choose Standard (48–72h), Express (12–24h), or Emergency (same day/next day) processing and complete your payment securely online. See full fees and processing times.
Once approved, your NZeTA confirmation will be sent to your email. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport — you do not need to print it, though keeping the email is a good backup.
What Documents Do You Need Before Starting?
Unlike many visa applications, the NZeTA does not require you to upload documents or submit supporting evidence at the time of application. You only need the information listed above. However, when you travel to New Zealand, immigration officers may ask you to show proof of onward travel, accommodation, and sufficient funds — these are not submitted with the application but should be prepared in advance.
The health and character questions are a mandatory part of every NZeTA. They cover conditions such as tuberculosis, convictions resulting in imprisonment of 12 months or more, and previous deportation orders. If you answer yes to any question, your application may be reviewed manually, which can extend processing time. See our full NZeTA requirements guide for details on what this means for your application.
How Long Does NZeTA Approval Take?
Processing times vary depending on the option you choose:
- Standard processing: 48–72 hours (most applications are approved within this window)
- Express processing: 12–24 hours (ideal if you're travelling within the next few days)
- Emergency processing: Same business day or next day (for imminent travel)
The vast majority of straightforward applications from eligible countries are approved automatically by the system. Manual review — which takes longer — applies to applicants who declare health conditions or past criminal history, or where the system flags a potential identity match.
After Approval: Do You Need to Print Your NZeTA?
No — you do not need to print your NZeTA. The approval is stored electronically in New Zealand's border management system and is linked to your passport number. Airlines and immigration officers can verify your ETA status digitally when you check in and when you arrive.
That said, it is good practice to:
- Save the approval email on your phone
- Screenshot the confirmation in case you have no internet access at the airport
- Note your NZeTA reference number in a travel document folder
What If Your NZeTA Is Refused?
In some cases, an NZeTA may be declined — most commonly due to character or health issues flagged during the application. If your application is declined, you may still be able to apply for a standard visitor visa through Immigration New Zealand, which involves a more detailed assessment. Contact our support team if you have questions about your application status.
How Long Is an NZeTA Valid?
A standard NZeTA is valid for up to two years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Within that validity window, you can make multiple trips to New Zealand, staying up to 90 days per visit (or 6 months if you are a UK or certain other passport holder). If you renew your passport after your NZeTA is issued, you will need a new NZeTA for the new passport.