Receiving a declined NZeTA notification can be stressful, especially when you have upcoming travel plans. While the vast majority of NZeTA applications from eligible nationalities are approved without complication, a small proportion are refused. If this has happened to you, this guide will help you understand why, what your options are, and what steps to take next.
Top Reasons Why NZeTA Applications Are Declined
New Zealand's border management system uses automated screening processes to assess every NZeTA application. If your application raises any flags — whether related to health, character, or data accuracy — it will be reviewed more carefully, and in some cases refused. The most common reasons for a declined NZeTA include:
Applicants who have been convicted of offences resulting in a prison sentence of 12 months or more — or who have certain other criminal history — may not meet New Zealand's character requirements for entry. Even minor convictions can trigger a manual review. New Zealand takes character requirements seriously across all visa and ETA categories.
Applicants with certain medical conditions — including active tuberculosis — may be declined. The health declaration section of the NZeTA asks specifically about TB and other conditions. If you declare a health issue, your application enters manual review and may be refused if it does not meet NZ's health admissibility criteria.
If you have previously been deported, removed, or excluded from New Zealand or any other country, this can result in a refusal. New Zealand shares border information with other countries including Australia, the UK, and the USA through international border agreements.
A mismatch between the information provided in your application and your passport records — such as a different date of birth, a misspelled name, or an incorrect passport number — can cause a refusal. These errors are often fixable by reapplying with the correct information.
If you are a citizen of a country not on the NZeTA visa-waiver list, your application will not be approved. Check our eligible countries page to confirm your nationality qualifies before applying.
What Does the Refusal Notice Say?
When an NZeTA is declined, you will receive a notification email. The notice will inform you that your application has been refused but typically will not state the precise reason. This is standard practice in immigration decisions — the same applies to most visa refusals worldwide. The absence of a detailed reason does not mean you cannot take action; it simply means you need to consider which category your situation falls into.
Can You Reapply After an NZeTA Refusal?
Yes — in many cases you can reapply, particularly if your refusal was caused by an error in your original application. If you made a mistake such as entering the wrong passport number, incorrect personal details, or a data entry error, submitting a new, correct application often resolves the issue.
However, if your refusal is based on genuine character or health grounds, reapplying for an NZeTA is unlikely to lead to a different outcome unless your circumstances have changed. In that case, the appropriate path is a standard New Zealand visitor visa, which allows for a fuller assessment of your specific situation.
Whether your NZeTA is approved or declined, the application fee is non-refundable. This includes the IVL levy component. Before reapplying, make sure you understand the reason for your initial refusal so you do not pay again unnecessarily. Our team can help you assess your options — contact support.
When Do You Need a New Zealand Visitor Visa Instead?
If your NZeTA has been declined on character or health grounds, or if your nationality is not eligible for the NZeTA, you will need to apply for a standard New Zealand visitor visa through Immigration New Zealand (INZ). A visitor visa involves a more thorough assessment and allows you to provide additional supporting information, including explanations of your circumstances.
A visitor visa is also the correct route for:
- Citizens of countries not on the NZeTA visa-waiver list
- Travellers who have been refused a visa or ETA for New Zealand in the past
- People who need to provide evidence of ties to their home country, financial means, or other supporting documentation
- Those seeking to stay longer than the NZeTA permits
Can You Appeal an NZeTA Refusal?
The NZeTA system does not have a formal appeals process in the same way a visa refusal might. However, if you believe your application was incorrectly assessed — for example, due to a data error or a case of mistaken identity — you can contact Immigration New Zealand directly to query the decision. For application-related support, our team is also available to assist you with next steps.
For questions about your specific situation, visit our NZeTA requirements page or contact our support team directly.
Summary: What to Do After a Declined NZeTA
- Check your application for data entry errors — if found, reapply with correct information
- Review whether your nationality is eligible for the NZeTA
- Consider whether health or character grounds may have been a factor
- If character/health issues apply, explore the visitor visa route via Immigration New Zealand
- Contact support if you need guidance on your specific circumstances