New Zealand NZeTA Requirements 2026 — Documents, IVL & Eligibility Guide
| Key Facts 2026 | |
|---|---|
| NZeTA fee (mobile app) | NZD 17 |
| NZeTA fee (web) | NZD 23 |
| International Visitor Levy (IVL) | NZD 35 (mandatory, paid with NZeTA) |
| NZeTA validity | 2 years from grant date |
| Stay per visit | Up to 90 days |
| Passport validity | Valid for duration of stay |
| Processing time | Instant to 72 hours |
Overview of New Zealand NZeTA Requirements 2026
Visitors from visa-waiver countries (including USA, UK, EU nations, Canada, Japan and more) must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before boarding their flight to New Zealand. The NZeTA is applied for at immigration.govt.nz or via the official NZeTA mobile app. It costs NZD 17 (mobile) or NZD 23 (web) plus the mandatory International Visitor Levy (IVL) of NZD 35, payable together during the application. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple visits of up to 90 days each.
Documents Checklist for NZeTA 2026
- Valid passport — must be valid for duration of stay
- Passport biographic page scan or photo (for NZeTA application)
- A selfie photo (taken in app or uploaded online)
- Valid email address for approval notification
- Credit or debit card for NZD 17/23 + NZD 35 IVL
- Return or onward flight ticket (for immigration officer)
- Sufficient funds — NZD 1,000 per month or NZD 400 per month if accommodation prepaid
Eligibility — Who Needs an NZeTA?
NZeTA is required for all passport holders of NZeTA-eligible countries who are travelling to New Zealand by air. Citizens of Australia do not need an NZeTA. If your country is not on the visa-waiver or NZeTA-eligible list, you must apply for a visitor visa. Check your eligibility on the immigration.govt.nz visa wizard before applying. Cruise passengers arriving by sea in New Zealand do not need an NZeTA.
How to Apply for NZeTA
Download the official NZeTA app or visit immigration.govt.nz/nzeta. Provide passport details, upload a photo, answer health and character declarations, and pay NZD 17/23 + NZD 35 IVL. Most applications are decided instantly; some may take up to 72 hours. The NZeTA is linked electronically to your passport — no printout is required. Apply before booking non-refundable flights in case of any eligibility issues.