Obtaining an NZeTA is not simply a matter of paying a fee and waiting for approval. New Zealand takes a rigorous approach to who it allows to enter the country, and every NZeTA applicant must answer questions about their health and character as part of the application. This guide explains what these requirements actually mean in practice, what documents you may need at the border, and what happens if your NZeTA application is declined.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must meet specific standards before you can travel to New Zealand on an NZeTA. The key requirements are:
- Your passport must be a valid, machine-readable document issued by an NZeTA-eligible country
- It must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in New Zealand — and most airlines require at least six months of validity beyond your intended return date
- Your passport must not have been reported as lost or stolen
- The NZeTA is tied to a specific passport — if you renew your passport, you must apply for a new NZeTA linked to the new document
- Children must hold their own individual passport; they cannot be added to a parent's passport
Health Requirements Explained
New Zealand's Immigration Act requires applicants to meet a health standard. This does not mean that people with medical conditions cannot visit — the vast majority of travellers with health conditions will face no issues. However, it is important to understand what is assessed.
What Health Conditions Are Considered?
The NZeTA application includes a health declaration section where you are asked to confirm whether you have or have had certain conditions. Conditions that may be subject to assessment include:
- Tuberculosis (TB): Anyone who has spent three or more cumulative months in a country with a high TB incidence in the past five years may be asked to provide a chest X-ray certificate from an approved radiologist
- Conditions that may require significant publicly funded health services during your stay
- Mental health conditions that may pose a risk to others — though this is a high bar and applies only in rare circumstances
For most short-stay visitors on a Tourist, Business, or Transit NZeTA, health conditions are rarely a barrier to entry. The health assessment is more rigorously applied for long-term visa applicants. If you have concerns about a specific condition, contact our support team before applying.
TB Screening
TB screening is one of the most commonly asked-about health requirements. If you are a citizen of or have recently lived in a country with high TB incidence, you may need to obtain a chest X-ray from an approved panel physician before your visa or entry is confirmed. For short stays on an NZeTA, this requirement typically only applies if you have recently spent extended periods in a high-risk country.
Character Requirements
New Zealand's character requirements exist to protect public safety and national interests. The NZeTA application asks you to disclose criminal history, and providing false information is a serious offence that can result in deportation and a long-term ban from entering New Zealand.
What Offences Are Relevant?
You must disclose any criminal convictions regardless of how long ago they occurred. Key thresholds to be aware of include:
- A single sentence of 12 months or more of imprisonment may result in a refusal of entry
- A cumulative total of five or more years of imprisonment (across multiple sentences) is generally grounds for refusal
- Convictions for serious offences including violence, sexual offences, drug trafficking, or terrorism are likely to result in refusal
- Spent or rehabilitated convictions under UK law may still need to be declared — New Zealand uses its own rules, not the applicant's home country rules
Minor convictions (such as small fines, minor traffic offences, or cautions with no conviction recorded) typically do not affect NZeTA eligibility. When in doubt, it is always better to disclose and seek advice from our team or the New Zealand High Commission.
Documents You May Be Asked for at the Border
Your NZeTA is an authorisation to travel to New Zealand — but a border officer retains the right to ask for additional evidence that you meet entry requirements on arrival. Common documents that travellers should be prepared to show include:
- Return or onward flight ticket: Evidence that you intend to leave New Zealand before or by the end of your authorised stay
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking confirmations, a letter from your host, or a rental agreement for your stay
- Proof of sufficient funds: A bank statement, credit card, or similar evidence that you can support yourself financially during your visit
- Travel insurance documentation: While not a legal requirement, travel insurance is strongly recommended and some border officers may ask about it
- Letter from employer or organiser (for business visitors): Confirming the nature and purpose of your visit
What Happens if Your NZeTA Is Declined?
If your NZeTA application is declined, you will receive a notification explaining the reason. Common reasons for refusal include character or health concerns, incomplete information, or errors in the application. Your options in this case include:
- Reapplying with complete and accurate information if the refusal was due to an error or omission
- Applying for a standard New Zealand visitor visa directly through Immigration New Zealand if you have complex circumstances
- Seeking legal advice if you believe the refusal was made in error
If you have concerns about your eligibility before applying, it is worth reviewing the full NZeTA requirements or checking the eligible countries list. Our support team is also available to answer questions before you submit your application — contact us through the Contact page.