Fast pre-travel authorisation for meetings, conferences, trade events and corporate visits to New Zealand. Valid 2 years, multiple entries, 24–72 hour approval.
The New Zealand Business ETA (NZeTA) is a mandatory pre-travel authorisation for citizens of visa-waiver countries who intend to travel to New Zealand for short-term business purposes — including meetings, conferences, seminars, trade negotiations, and corporate events. It was introduced alongside the Tourist NZeTA in October 2019 and replaced the previous visa-free entry arrangement for business travellers.
The Business NZeTA is ideally suited for executives, consultants, sales professionals, and corporate representatives who need to visit New Zealand clients, attend industry events, or participate in negotiations without intending to take up employment within New Zealand.
The authorisation is linked electronically to your passport, valid for 2 years from the date of approval, and permits multiple entries — giving frequent business travellers the flexibility to make repeat visits to New Zealand without reapplying each time.
The Business NZeTA covers a wide range of professional activities. Here are the most common reasons business travellers apply.
Client meetings, supplier negotiations, board meetings, stakeholder reviews, and corporate briefings with New Zealand-based organisations.
Attending or speaking at industry conferences, technology summits, academic symposia, professional associations, and government forums in New Zealand.
Exhibiting at, or attending, trade exhibitions such as Fieldays (Hamilton), NZ Food & Beverage Show, and technology expos across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Travelling to New Zealand to negotiate, review, or sign commercial contracts, joint ventures, import/export agreements, or investment arrangements.
Conducting market visits, feasibility studies, site assessments, and investment research in New Zealand without undertaking paid employment activities.
Attending short professional training workshops, product demonstrations, technical briefings, or corporate training programmes hosted by a New Zealand organisation.
The Business NZeTA is designed for short-term professional visits only. Employment and long-term commercial activities are strictly outside its scope.
The requirements for a Business NZeTA are identical to those for a Tourist NZeTA. Ensure you have everything ready before applying.
Current, undamaged passport from a visa-waiver country, valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand.
You must be travelling for a genuine short-term business purpose. Border officials may ask for evidence of your business activities (e.g. meeting invitation, conference registration).
A valid email address to receive your NZeTA approval notification. Keep access to this inbox during your travel period.
Credit or debit card for the NZeTA application fee plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). View current fees →
Applicants must meet New Zealand's health standards. Those with certain medical conditions may require additional assessment.
Previous criminal convictions may affect eligibility. Serious convictions resulting in custodial sentences are assessed carefully by Immigration New Zealand.
The Business NZeTA application is completed entirely online. No embassy visit, no paper forms, no passport submission.
Enter your personal details, passport information, and travel purpose. Select "Business" as the reason for your visit. The form takes approximately 8–10 minutes.
Truthfully complete the standard health and character declaration. Most business travellers complete this in under 2 minutes with straightforward "no" answers.
Pay the application fee plus the IVL levy using a credit or debit card. The full fee breakdown is shown before payment. View fees →
Standard processing takes 48–72 hours. If you have a pressing travel deadline, select Emergency (24–48h) or Express (12–24h) processing for faster review.
Your Business NZeTA approval is emailed to you. It is linked electronically to your passport — no printing is needed. Check spam if it doesn't arrive in time.
Present your passport at check-in and at the New Zealand border. Your Business NZeTA is verified electronically. No printed document is required.
Quick answers to the most important questions about the New Zealand Business ETA.