The cost of a New Zealand ETA (NZeTA) is made up of two separate components: the NZeTA application service charge and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, commonly known as the IVL. Together, these make up the full fee you pay when you apply. Understanding what you are paying for — and why — will help you budget accurately for your trip.
The Two Components of the NZeTA Fee
When you apply for an NZeTA, the total cost includes:
- The NZeTA application charge: This covers the processing and administration of your electronic travel authority application.
- The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): A mandatory government levy payable by most international visitors arriving in New Zealand by air.
Both components are paid at the time of application. There is no separate IVL invoice — it is bundled into the single payment you make when submitting your NZeTA. For exact current pricing, see our dedicated NZeTA processing and fees page.
What Is the IVL and Why Does It Exist?
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy is a New Zealand government policy designed to ensure that international visitors contribute to the cost of maintaining and protecting the natural attractions they come to enjoy. New Zealand is home to some of the world's most remarkable landscapes — fiords, glaciers, volcanoes, beaches, and native forests — and managing tourism's impact on these environments has a real cost.
Revenue collected through the IVL is invested in conservation, infrastructure, and tourism facilities across New Zealand. The levy applies to almost all visitors arriving by air from visa-waiver countries, whether they hold an NZeTA or a standard visitor visa.
Certain travellers are exempt from paying the IVL, including Australian and New Zealand citizens and residents, passengers in transit who do not clear immigration, and some visa categories. For most NZeTA applicants from eligible countries, the IVL is mandatory and payable at the time of application.
Processing Speed Options and Their Costs
In addition to the base NZeTA fee, you can choose from different processing speeds. Faster processing carries a higher service charge. The three tiers available are:
| Processing Option | Typical Turnaround | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 48–72 hours | Travellers planning ahead with no imminent departure |
| Express | 12–24 hours | Travel within the next few days |
| Emergency | Same business day / next day | Imminent departure or forgotten application |
For up-to-date pricing on each tier, visit our NZeTA processing time guide or the main fees page.
Is the NZeTA Fee Refundable?
No — the NZeTA fee is non-refundable in all circumstances. This applies even if:
- Your application is declined or refused
- You decide not to travel after your NZeTA is approved
- Your plans change and you cancel your trip
- You make an error in your application and need to reapply
For this reason, it is important to double-check all your personal details before submitting. If you have made a mistake in your application, contact our support team as soon as possible — in some cases an amendment may be possible before processing is completed.
Does the Fee Apply to Children?
Yes. Children of all ages who require an NZeTA — including infants — must each have their own individual application, and the same fee applies regardless of age. Each NZeTA is issued per person, linked to their individual passport. For families travelling together, this means planning for the full cost per traveller. Our NZeTA requirements page covers what documents each family member needs.
How Does the NZeTA Fee Compare to a Traditional Visa?
The NZeTA is significantly cheaper and quicker to obtain than a traditional New Zealand visitor visa. A standard visitor visa requires you to submit a full application to Immigration New Zealand, often with supporting documents (bank statements, itinerary, accommodation proof), and processing times can run from several weeks to over a month. The visa fee is also higher.
For eligible nationalities, the NZeTA provides the same permission to enter New Zealand for tourism or short business visits, at a fraction of the cost and time. If you are unsure whether your nationality qualifies for the NZeTA, check our eligible countries list.
Why Is There a Fee at All?
Electronic travel authorisations around the world — including the UK ETA, Canada eTA, and Australia ETA — all carry fees. These cover the administration and technology required to run the border management system, as well as security screening processes that happen behind the scenes when your application is processed. For New Zealand, the IVL component adds a conservation-focused dimension that is increasingly common among countries with significant natural tourism assets.