A visa is undoubtedly the most important document that a traveler needs to enter a foreign country - unless you are from a country that enjoys New Zealand visa exemption.
In 2019, the New Zealand government launched the NZeTA visa through New Zealand visa waiver program. An ETA NZ allows a holder to enter New Zealand without applying for a traditional paper or stamp visa!
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - An Overview
As of today, more than 60 countries are eligible for New Zealand ETA. All citizens of an ETA visa waiver country can enter New Zealand without a regular visa. An ETA can only be used for tourism, transit, and business purposes.
A New Zealand electronic travel authority is a short-term travel document. The best thing about an ETA is that you can apply for it online. You don't need to visit the New Zealand embassy or schedule a visa interview. Still, an ETA holder enjoys all the rights of a regular New Zealand visa!
Validity Period
Foreign nationals can apply for a tourist electronic travel authority or a business one. Regardless of the ETA type, this travel document stays valid for 2 years.
An ETA is valid for multiple entries and allows a holder to stay in the country for 90 consecutive days. It cannot be extended. If your passport or ETA expires, you'll need to get a new e-visa!
Required Documents
Unlike a traditional visa, you don’t need to fulfill dozens of visa requirements to get an ETA. Instead, all you need is a handful of documents, including:
Valid passport - first of all, you must have your original passport with at least 6 months of remining validity and 2 blank pages.
E-mail address - your email address will be electronically linked to your passport, and you'll get your approved ETA via email. So, make sure you have a valid and working email address.
Photograph - all applicants are required to submit a digital photograph with a white background, preferably taken within the last 6 months.
Credit or debit card - you'll need to pay the New Zealand embassy fee and the visa service fee. As this entire process is online, you'll need online payment options, such as a debit or credit card!
Besides these, you might need a few additional documents to apply for an ETA, depending on your passport nationality and the purpose of your visit. So, make sure to visit VisaHQ and check out the New Zealand visa requirements for your country.
Applying For A New Zealand ETA Online
An ETA is nothing if not convenient. You don't need to visit the New Zealand embassy or follow complicated steps. Applying for an ETA is both convenient and fast. You can do the entire process on your own from the comfort of your home.
To get an ETA, you'll need to visit VisaHQ and follow 3 simple steps:
Visa Application From
The first step is to complete the visa application form. This step is quite important. If there are errors or mistakes in your application, your ETA will be delayed or denied. Therefore, pay close attention while filling out the New Zealand ETA visa application form.
For this step, you'll need to provide personal, contact, passport, and travel details, such as:
Full name
Date of birth
Home address
Phone number
Email address
Nationality
Passport number
Passport issue and expiry date
Travel plans
You might need to answer a few personal and security questions as well.
Visa Processing Fee
Once you fill out your application form, you can pay the New Zealand ETA fee. As this entire process is online, you'll definitely require online payment options, such as a debit card, credit card, or PayPal account.
ETA Processing Time
The last step is to submit your application form with supporting documents. Afterward, the New Zealand embassy will process your application, which can take a few days.
On average, the processing time of a New Zealand ETA can fall anywhere between 1-3 business days. However, if there are mistakes in your application form, your application will be delayed. Therefore, it's recommended to apply for an ETA at least 2 weeks prior to the intended departure date!
Travel To New Zealand - Entry Requirements
Keep in mind that an ETA does not guarantee your entry to the country. The final decision will be made by the immigration officials. So, make sure you fulfill all the New Zealand entry requirements as well!
To enter New Zealand, applicants usually need three basic documents, including:
Valid passport
An Electronic Travel Authorization
Evidence of onward travel
If you have all these documents, you can enter New Zealand without facing any issues. Furthermore, it is recommended to get a health declaration form or covid-19 vaccination certificate beforehand to avoid self-isolation.