The fast, simple way to get pre-approved for your New Zealand holiday. Valid 2 years, multiple entries. UK citizens: up to 6 months per stay.
The New Zealand Tourist ETA (NZeTA) is an electronic pre-travel authorisation mandatory for citizens of visa-waiver countries who wish to visit New Zealand for holidays, sightseeing, leisure travel, or to visit friends and family. It was introduced by the New Zealand government in October 2019 and replaced the previous visa-free entry system.
The Tourist NZeTA is the most widely applied-for type of New Zealand travel authorisation. It covers the full range of leisure-based activities — from exploring Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park to adventure activities in Queenstown, geothermal wonders in Rotorua, Māori cultural experiences, wine trails in Marlborough, whale watching in Kaikōura, and city breaks in Auckland and Wellington.
The authorisation is linked electronically to your passport, is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, and permits multiple entries to New Zealand during that period — making it ideal for travellers who plan more than one visit.
The Tourist NZeTA is required for all citizens of New Zealand's visa-waiver partner countries when travelling for leisure. Check if your nationality is eligible.
UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Portugal, Ireland, and all other EU/EEA visa-waiver nations.
United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and other eligible countries in North and South America.
Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Israel, and more.
British citizens benefit from a special bilateral arrangement with New Zealand. Under the Tourist NZeTA, UK passport holders can stay for up to 6 months (180 days) per visit — double the standard 90-day allowance for most other nationalities. The NZeTA itself is still valid for 2 years with multiple entries.
Not sure if your country is eligible? View the full list of 60+ eligible countries →
The Tourist NZeTA covers a wide range of leisure activities in New Zealand. Here's exactly what is and isn't allowed.
The Tourist NZeTA application is straightforward. Make sure you meet all requirements before applying to ensure a smooth approval.
A current, undamaged passport from a visa-waiver country. Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand.
A valid email address to receive your NZeTA approval notification. Ensure you have access to this inbox before and during your travel.
Credit or debit card to pay 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 a serious or communicable medical condition may require additional assessment or a medical certificate.
Applicants must be of good character. Previous criminal convictions — particularly those resulting in a custodial sentence — may affect eligibility.
You must be travelling for genuine leisure, holiday, or family visit purposes. Border officials may ask for evidence of return/onward travel and sufficient funds.
The online application takes under 10 minutes. No embassy visit, no paper forms, no passport submission required.
Enter your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and select "Tourism / Holiday" as your purpose of travel. The form takes approximately 8–10 minutes.
Truthfully answer standard questions about your health background and any previous criminal convictions. Most applicants complete this section in under 2 minutes.
Pay securely by credit or debit card. The fee includes the NZeTA service charge plus the mandatory International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). View fees →
Immigration New Zealand processes your application. Standard processing takes 48–72 hours. Express and Emergency options are available if you are travelling soon.
Your Tourist NZeTA approval is sent to your email. It is linked electronically to your passport — no printing required. Check your spam folder if it doesn't arrive within the processing window.
Present your passport at check-in and at the New Zealand border. Your NZeTA is verified electronically. No printed document is needed. Enjoy your New Zealand holiday!
Quick answers to the most common questions about applying for and travelling on a New Zealand Tourist ETA.