New Zealand is a beautiful country known for its unmatchable hospitality and gorgeous landscapes. The country is one of the most popular travel destinations among many travelers. Due to its stunning beauty, New Zealand hosts millions of international travelers each year, looking for fun and glamour!
New Zealand has set different visa policies for different nationality holders. Recently, it has started the visa waiver program that allows the citizens of a visa waiver country to enter New Zealand without applying for a valid visa beforehand!
What is an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)?
A New Zealand electronic travel authority (NZeTA) is an electronic visa that permits holders to enter the country legally. The holders of an eta enjoy all of the rights of a regular New Zealand visa.
An eta is a multiple-entry travel document that comes with a validity period of 2 years. This means eta holders can enter the country multiple times within 2 years. You cannot renew an eta while staying in the country. To get an extension, you'll need to visit the immigration department. However, an eta extension is offered under special occasions.
As of today, the New Zealand government offers the following types of electronic visas:
Tourist ETA
If you want to enter New Zealand for tourism and leisure purposes, you can apply for a tourist eta. A New Zealand tourist visa allows you to enter the country to:
Visit relatives
Spend holidays
Explore the country
Business ETA
Alternatively, applicants wishing to enter New Zealand for commercial and professional activities can apply for a business eta. This one is also a multiple-entry travel document that allows you to enter New Zealand to:
Meet with business associates
Attend meetings and conferences
Enroll in a training program
Documents Required for an NZeTA
Before we start the New Zealand eta application process, there are a few things that you'll need. These required documents are known as the New Zealand visa requirements! Fortunately, for an eta, applicants are only required to fulfill a handful of requirements, such as:
Valid Passport - You need to provide a copy of your original passport with at least three months of remaining validity and two blank pages.
E-mail Address - The applicant's email address will be linked electronically to their passport. Make sure to use a valid and active email address, as you'll receive the New Zealand visa for Malaysians via email.
Passport-Type Photograph - A digital passport-style photograph with a light-colored (not white) background, preferably taken within the last 6 months.
Means of Payment - Applicants are required to pay the embassy fee as well as the visa service fee to get their valid travel document. As this is an online system, you can use online payment methods, such as a PayPal account, debit card, or credit card.
Besides these, you may need to provide some additional documents as well, such as a bank statement, proof of status, proof of accommodation, and so on. Therefore, visit VisaHQ to find out the New Zealand visa requirements prior to submitting your application!
How to Apply for a New Zealand Visa Online?
In the past, Malaysian citizens were required to visit the New Zealand embassy to get travel documents. With this approach, you had to spend an entire day just to submit your application and then visit the embassy again to get your approved visa.
However, with the visa waiver program, New Zealand has made the visa application process faster and more convenient! This entire process is streamlined, meaning you don’t have to visit the New Zealand embassy or schedule an appointment with the consulate officer.
Applying for a New Zealand eta is a straightforward process. All you need to do is:
Visit VisaHQ
Select your citizenship and travel destination
Fill out the visa application form
Pay the visa fee
Submit your application with supporting documents
To complete this process, you only need a mobile device or laptop and a stable internet connection. It can be completed within 10 minutes. While filling out the visa application form, you need to provide the following:
Personal Information - Name and surname, date of birth, place of birth
Contact Information - Phone number and email address
Travel Plans - Intended date of entry
Passport Information - passport nationality, number, issue, and expiry date
Once you submit your eta form, the embassy will process your application. Make sure to double-check the provided information. This is because if there are mistakes or errors in your application, your New Zealand visitor visa will be delayed or denied by the authorities.
Processing Time
The processing time for an eta varies from applicant to applicant. On average, Malaysian passport holders will receive their travel documents within 1-3 business days. However, due to high demand and secondary checks, you may have to wait a little longer. Therefore, it's advised to apply for an NZeTA at least 2 weeks prior to the departure date!