New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
Some people can use an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand without applying for a visa first. This depends on your passport, how you are travelling and if you are visiting or only transiting.
Request an NZeTA-
Valid for 2 years for travellers
To allow stays (each visit) for
3 months, or 6 months for UK citizens
-
Cost
From
NZD $17
-
Processing time
Allow
72 hours
To apply you must:
- be a citizen of a
, a cruise ship passenger or an Australian permanent resident — if you will be visiting New Zealand - be a citizen of a visa waiver country or
, an Australian permanent resident, or travelling to or from Australia — if you will be a passing through Auckland International Airport - meet the other requirements of an NZeTA.
An NZeTA lets you:
- travel to New Zealand without first applying for a visa
- transit for up to 24 hours
- visit up to 6 months at a time if you are a UK citizen
- visit up to 3 months at a time if you are from other visa waiver countries
- travel to New Zealand multiple times while your NZeTA is valid.
If you have a valid New Zealand visa, you do not need an NZeTA.
If you are travelling on an Australian passport and meet our character requirements, you do not need an NZeTA.
An NZeTA is valid for 2 years for travellers, or 5 years for crew members.
If you are already in New Zealand and want to stay longer, you must apply for a visa not an NZeTA.
How long you can stay
How long you can transit for
As a
How long you can visit for
When you arrive at the New Zealand border with your NZeTA, you will need to apply for permission to enter.
After you get entry permission, we may give you:
- a visitor visa to stay up to 3 months at a time — or 6 months if travelling on a UK passport
- a resident visa to stay in New Zealand, if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Your visa expires at the end of the time we give you, or if you leave earlier. When you arrive in New Zealand next time with an NZeTA, we give you a new visa after you get entry permission.
Check the 'When you arrive' section for more about entry permission and the visas we may give you.
You can use your NZeTA to travel to New Zealand multiple times while it is valid. An NZeTA is valid for 2 years for travellers, or 5 years for crew members.
You can only be in New Zealand for up to 6 months within any 12-month period. This period is the 12 months counting back from your intended departure date (when you plan on leaving New Zealand).
Example
You are travelling on a passport from Canada. This means you can stay in New Zealand for visits of up to 3 months. You visit for the first time for 3 months, from 1 January 2023 to 31 March 2023. After your visit, you return home.
You decide you want to make a second visit, again for 3 months. You plan to arrive in New Zealand on 1 July 2023, and leave on 30 September 2023 (your intended departure date). This means you will be in New Zealand for a total of 6 months in the period 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023 — this is the 12-month period counting back from your intended departure date.
You can make this visit because you will be in New Zealand for no more than 6 months in that 12-month period. Refer to Figure 1.
| Oct 2022 | Nov 2022 | Dec 2022 | Jan 2023 | Feb 2023 | Mar 2023 | Apr 2023 | May 2023 | Jun 2023 | Jul 2023 | Aug 2023 | Sep 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out | Out | Out | In ✔ | In ✔ | In ✔ | Out | Out | Out | In ✔ | In ✔ | In ✔ |
After your second visit, you return home. You decide you want to visit New Zealand again for the whole month of November 2023.
You cannot make this third visit because you will be in New Zealand for a total of 7 months in the period 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023 — this is the 12-month period counting back from your intended departure date. You can only spend a total of 6 months in New Zealand in any 12-month period. Refer to Figure 2.
| Dec 2022 | Jan 2023 | Feb 2023 | Mar 2023 | Apr 2023 | May 2023 | Jun 2023 | Jul 2023 | Aug 2023 | Sep 2023 | Oct 2023 | Nov 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out | In ✔ | In ✔ | In ✔ | Out | Out | Out | In ✔ | In ✔ | In ✔ | Out | In ✘ |
Who can apply
Most travellers need either an NZeTA or a visa to travel to New Zealand. This depends on the passport you are travelling on, and if you will be a visitor or a
Check if you need a visa or an NZeTA
Depending on what you need your NZeTA for, you must meet the NZeTA requirements for either:
- visiting New Zealand, or
- transiting through New Zealand.
You must also:
- be in good health
- have a good character
- have a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand
- have enough money to pay your expenses
- have plans to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay.
Alert
You may not be allowed to visit or transit New Zealand if you do not meet the good character requirements. If you are not sure you will meet the requirements — for example you have a criminal conviction — you should apply for a visa and have one before you travel.
Visiting New Zealand
'Visiting' means you are entering and staying in New Zealand as a visitor.
- on the list of travellers who do not need an NZeTA, or
- coming for medical treatment or consultation — you will need to apply for a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, not an NZeTA.
- have a valid visa for New Zealand — this can be a work, student, visitor, resident or permanent resident visa
- are travelling on an Australian passport, New Zealand passport or a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement
- are a member of, or someone associated with, a scientific programme or expedition under the Contracting Party to the Antarctic Treaty — you may need evidence to support this, or
- are a member of a visiting force, including one of its civilian employees, travelling in the ordinary course of your employment or duty — you may need evidence to support this.
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech
- Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia (citizens only)
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong (residents travelling on HKSAR or British National–Overseas passports only)
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea
- South Kuwait
- Latvia (citizens only)
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania (citizens only)
- Luxembourg
- Macao (residents travelling on Macao Special Administrative Region passports)
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Oman
- Poland
- Portugal (passport holders who also have the right to live permanently in Portugal)
- Qatar
- Romania
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan (permanent residents travelling on Taiwan passports)
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom (UK) (citizens and other British passport holders who have the right to reside permanently in the UK)
- United States of America (USA) (including USA nationals)
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
- passport
- NZeTA confirmation letter, and
- completed New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) — as part of your declaration, you apply for this visa on entry and for entry permission.
- return tickets
- evidence of enough money for their stay in New Zealand.
- have a valid visa for New Zealand — this can be a work, student, visitor, resident or permanent resident visa
- are travelling on an Australian passport, New Zealand passport or a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement
- are a member of, or someone associated with, a scientific programme or expedition under the Contracting Party to the Antarctic Treaty — you may need evidence to support this, or
- are a member of a visiting force, including one of its civilian employees, travelling in the ordinary course of your employment or duty — you may need evidence to support this.
- not be a temporary resident visa
- be linked to the passport you are travelling with, and
- has travel conditions that let you return to Australia.
- have a valid visa for New Zealand — this can be a work, student, visitor, resident or permanent resident visa
- are travelling on an Australian passport, New Zealand passport or a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement
- are a member of, or someone associated with, a scientific programme or expedition under the Contracting Party to the Antarctic Treaty — you may need evidence to support this, or
- are a member of a visiting force, including one of its civilian employees, travelling in the ordinary course of your employment or duty — you may need evidence to support this.
- not a citizen of a visa waiver country or territory
- not an Australian permanent resident
- not arriving on a cruise ship or cargo ship, and
- not on the list of travellers who do not need an NZeTA.
- have a valid visa for New Zealand — this can be a work, student, visitor, resident or permanent resident visa
- are travelling on an Australian passport, New Zealand passport or a foreign passport that has a New Zealand citizen endorsement
- are a member of, or someone associated with, a scientific programme or expedition under the Contracting Party to the Antarctic Treaty — you may need evidence to support this, or
- are a member of a visiting force, including one of its civilian employees, travelling in the ordinary course of your employment or duty — you may need evidence to support this.
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech
- Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia (citizens only)
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong (residents travelling on HKSAR or British National–Overseas passports only)
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea
- South Kuwait
- Latvia (citizens only)
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania (citizens only)
- Luxembourg
- Macao (residents travelling on Macao Special Administrative Region passports)
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Oman
- Poland
- Portugal (passport holders who also have the right to live permanently in Portugal)
- Qatar
- Romania
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan (permanent residents travelling on Taiwan passports)
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom (UK) (citizens and other British passport holders who have the right to reside permanently in the UK)
- United States of America (USA) (including USA nationals)
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
- passport
- NZeTA confirmation letter, and
- completed New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) — as part of your declaration, you apply for this visa on entry and for entry permission.
- return tickets
- evidence of enough money for their stay in New Zealand.
If you are travelling on a passport from a visa waiver country or territory, you must have an NZeTA — unless you are:
Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
To travel to New Zealand, you must have either a valid New Zealand visa or an NZeTA — but some people, including Australian citizens, do not need a visa or an NZeTA. You do not need an NZeTA if you: A New Zealand citizen endorsement is a label in your foreign passport or an electronic record linked to that passport's number. If you travel to another country, it lets you return to New Zealand on your foreign passport. To apply for an endorsement you must be a New Zealand citizen.
Travellers who do not need an NZeTA
Some travellers, including people with a New Zealand visa, do not need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before they travel to New Zealand.
Who does not need an NZeTA
If you need a New Zealand citizen endorsement
Most people travelling to New Zealand need to get either a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). If you are travelling on a passport from a
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) Visitors who do not need an NZeTA You can holiday for up to 3 months, or up to 6 months if you are travelling on a UK passport. If you want to study, work or live in New Zealand, you need to get an appropriate visa. If you are coming to New Zealand for a medical consultation or treatment, you must apply for a visa. If you need an NZeTA, you must have it before you arrive in New Zealand. When you arrive at the border with your NZeTA, we give you a visitor visa on arrival — but first we will need to see your: We may also ask to see your ticket for travel out of New Zealand, and evidence you have enough money to live on while you are in New Zealand. Warning If you cannot meet any of the requirements or you want to stay longer, you should apply for a visitor visa before you travel, as you may not be allowed to enter with a visa waiver, even if you have an NZeTA. If the passport issuing authority of your country has endorsed your dependent children on your passport, we will accept your endorsed passport as their travel document. When you arrive in New Zealand, your dependent children will still need to complete an NZTD and may need to show:
Visa waiver countries and territories
If you have a passport from a country or territory on the visa waiver list, you can travel to New Zealand without a visa - but you need to get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) first.
List of visa waiver countries and territories
Visiting New Zealand from a visa waiver country
When you need a visa
When you arrive in New Zealand
If you have dependent children endorsed on your passport
If you are arriving by sea as a cruise ship or cargo ship passenger, regardless of your nationality, you must have an NZeTA — unless you are on the list of travellers who do not need an NZeTA.
You must apply for an NZeTA before your ship departs for New Zealand.
Alert
Cruise or cargo ship passengers are visitors, not transit passengers.
When you request your NZeTA, make sure you answer correctly that you will be 'visiting'. If you do not answer correctly, you may get an NZeTA that only lets you transit and not visit New Zealand.
If you need to request a new NZeTA, you will need to pay the fees again.
To travel to New Zealand, you must have either a valid New Zealand visa or an NZeTA — but some people, including Australian citizens, do not need a visa or an NZeTA. You do not need an NZeTA if you: A New Zealand citizen endorsement is a label in your foreign passport or an electronic record linked to that passport's number. If you travel to another country, it lets you return to New Zealand on your foreign passport. To apply for an endorsement you must be a New Zealand citizen.
Travellers who do not need an NZeTA
Some travellers, including people with a New Zealand visa, do not need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before they travel to New Zealand.
Who does not need an NZeTA
If you need a New Zealand citizen endorsement
Australian citizen
If you are travelling on an Australian passport, you do not need a visa or NZeTA before you travel. We will normally give you an Australian Resident Visa when you arrive — but you must meet the character requirements of this visa.
Alert
You may not be allowed to travel to New Zealand if you do not meet the good character requirements.
If you are not sure you will meet requirements — for example, you have a criminal conviction or have been deported before — you should apply for a visa and have one before you travel.
Australian permanent resident
If you are an Australian permanent resident wanting to visit New Zealand, you must have an NZeTA — unless you are on the list of travellers who do not need an NZeTA.
You also need a current Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Australian Resident Return Visa that must:
To travel to New Zealand, you must have either a valid New Zealand visa or an NZeTA — but some people, including Australian citizens, do not need a visa or an NZeTA. You do not need an NZeTA if you: A New Zealand citizen endorsement is a label in your foreign passport or an electronic record linked to that passport's number. If you travel to another country, it lets you return to New Zealand on your foreign passport. To apply for an endorsement you must be a New Zealand citizen.
Travellers who do not need an NZeTA
Some travellers, including people with a New Zealand visa, do not need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before they travel to New Zealand.
Who does not need an NZeTA
If you need a New Zealand citizen endorsement
You must have a valid visa before you travel to New Zealand, if you are:
To travel to New Zealand, you must have either a valid New Zealand visa or an NZeTA — but some people, including Australian citizens, do not need a visa or an NZeTA. You do not need an NZeTA if you: A New Zealand citizen endorsement is a label in your foreign passport or an electronic record linked to that passport's number. If you travel to another country, it lets you return to New Zealand on your foreign passport. To apply for an endorsement you must be a New Zealand citizen.
Travellers who do not need an NZeTA
Some travellers, including people with a New Zealand visa, do not need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before they travel to New Zealand.
Who does not need an NZeTA
If you need a New Zealand citizen endorsement
Most people travelling to New Zealand need to get either a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). If you are travelling on a passport from a
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) Visitors who do not need an NZeTA You can holiday for up to 3 months, or up to 6 months if you are travelling on a UK passport. If you want to study, work or live in New Zealand, you need to get an appropriate visa. If you are coming to New Zealand for a medical consultation or treatment, you must apply for a visa. If you need an NZeTA, you must have it before you arrive in New Zealand. When you arrive at the border with your NZeTA, we give you a visitor visa on arrival — but first we will need to see your: We may also ask to see your ticket for travel out of New Zealand, and evidence you have enough money to live on while you are in New Zealand. Warning If you cannot meet any of the requirements or you want to stay longer, you should apply for a visitor visa before you travel, as you may not be allowed to enter with a visa waiver, even if you have an NZeTA. If the passport issuing authority of your country has endorsed your dependent children on your passport, we will accept your endorsed passport as their travel document. When you arrive in New Zealand, your dependent children will still need to complete an NZTD and may need to show:
Visa waiver countries and territories
If you have a passport from a country or territory on the visa waiver list, you can travel to New Zealand without a visa - but you need to get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) first.
List of visa waiver countries and territories
Visiting New Zealand from a visa waiver country
When you need a visa
When you arrive in New Zealand
If you have dependent children endorsed on your passport
If you are coming to New Zealand for medical treatment or consultation, you need to apply for a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, not an NZeTA.
Transiting through New Zealand to another country
Passing through Auckland International Airport
Some travellers can use an NZeTA to pass through Auckland International airport as a
- a citizen of a visa waiver country or territory
- a citizen of a transit visa waiver country, or
- passing through on your way to or from Australia — you must have a current visa from the government of Australia to enter Australia.
Transiting through New Zealand to another country
Most people travelling to New Zealand need to get either a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). If you are travelling on a passport from a
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) Visitors who do not need an NZeTA You can holiday for up to 3 months, or up to 6 months if you are travelling on a UK passport. If you want to study, work or live in New Zealand, you need to get an appropriate visa. If you are coming to New Zealand for a medical consultation or treatment, you must apply for a visa. If you need an NZeTA, you must have it before you arrive in New Zealand. When you arrive at the border with your NZeTA, we give you a visitor visa on arrival — but first we will need to see your: We may also ask to see your ticket for travel out of New Zealand, and evidence you have enough money to live on while you are in New Zealand. Warning If you cannot meet any of the requirements or you want to stay longer, you should apply for a visitor visa before you travel, as you may not be allowed to enter with a visa waiver, even if you have an NZeTA. If the passport issuing authority of your country has endorsed your dependent children on your passport, we will accept your endorsed passport as their travel document. When you arrive in New Zealand, your dependent children will still need to complete an NZTD and may need to show:
Visa waiver countries and territories
If you have a passport from a country or territory on the visa waiver list, you can travel to New Zealand without a visa - but you need to get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) first.
List of visa waiver countries and territories
Visiting New Zealand from a visa waiver country
When you need a visa
When you arrive in New Zealand
If you have dependent children endorsed on your passport
If you are passing through (transiting) Auckland International Airport on your way to another country, you do not need a Transit Visa if you are from a transit visa waiver country or territory. You must, however, get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before you travel. If you are not from a transit visa waiver country, you may need a Transit Visa. Note You are not a transit passenger if you are passing through another New Zealand airport, not Auckland International Airport. This is because there is no transit area at other airports. You will usually need a Visitor Visa or an NZeTA that lets you enter New Zealand. Transiting through New Zealand to another country Check if you need an NZeTA or visa Bahamas Bermuda Bolivia Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador Federated States of Micronesia Fiji Indonesia Kiribati Nauru Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Republic of Marshall Islands Samoa Solomon Islands Thailand Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Venezuela
Transit visa waiver countries and territories
Citizens of some countries and territories do not have to apply for a visa before transiting Auckland International Airport. They must request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) instead.
Transiting through Auckland International Airport
List of transit visa waiver countries and territories
You must stay in the transit area
Auckland International Airport is the only airport in New Zealand where you can be a transit passenger.
As a
- must stay in the transit area, and for up to 24 hours only
- cannot leave the transit area to collect any bags or to stay at a hotel.
Check 'When you arrive' for what you can and cannot do as a transit passenger.
Passing through a different New Zealand airport
If you will be travelling through any other New Zealand airport — that is not Auckland International Airport — on your journey, you will need to answer that you are 'visiting' when requesting your NZeTA, or get a visa to enter New Zealand before you travel.
Check if you need a visa or an NZeTA
More details are in the previous section about 'Visiting New Zealand'.
Crew member of a cruise ship, cargo ship or commercial airline
You need to get a Crew ETA through your employer if you are a crew member of a:
- cargo ship or a foreign ship authorised under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 to carry coastal cargo
- cruise ship — this includes if you are flying in to join the ship in New Zealand, or
- commercial airline.
Your employer must request a Crew ETA through the Batch ETA system, not the NZeTA website or app. You can learn more about the Crew ETA and how to request one on our Crew of planes, cruise ships and cargo ships page.
Crew of planes, cruise ships and cargo ships
If you are flying into New Zealand to join your ship you must also have a Crew ETA.
Employers can contact us for information about how to register for the Batch ETA system.
Note
Crew members of other craft have different requirements.
Health
If you are visiting, you must be in good health.
When you request your NZeTA we will ask if you are coming to New Zealand for medical consultation or treatment.
If you are coming to New Zealand for medical treatment or consultation, you need to apply for a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, not an NZeTA.
Character
When you request your NZeTA, we will ask you some questions about your character.
You may not meet our good character requirements if any of the following apply:
- you have a criminal conviction
- you have been deported, removed or excluded from another country
- we have reason to believe you may be a risk to New Zealand's security, public order or public interest.
If you are visiting New Zealand, you must meet all the requirements to get a visa and enter New Zealand.
Australian citizens and permanent residents must meet the character requirements of the Australian Resident Visa.
All other visitors must meet the good character requirements for temporary visas.
Anyone applying for a New Zealand visa must meet the character requirements. When you apply, you must tell us about any issues or activities, both current and in your past, that could affect our decision, including whether you have been: If there is an issue, we may: You can request a character waiver or special direction when you apply. If your request is approved, we can give you a visa if your application meets all other requirements. Visas are given by special direction only in rare circumstances. You may need to provide us with police certificates to show your good character. Whether you need to give these certificates depends on how long you plan to stay in New Zealand and the visa you are applying for.
Character requirements for New Zealand visas
To be given a New Zealand visa, you must be of good character. If you have a criminal history, have provided false or misleading information, or could be a risk to New Zealand, we can decline your application.
Being of good character
Providing police certificates
If you do not meet good character requirements
If we have reason to believe you are not of good character:
- you will not receive an NZeTA
- we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand at check-in
- refuse you
when you get here.
If you are not sure you will meet our requirements for good character, you should apply for a visa and have one before you travel.
Genuine intentions
You must be a genuine visitor to New Zealand and intend to leave at the end of your visit.
When we decide if your intentions are genuine, we will consider all the information that:
- you declare in your NZeTA request
- we have about your personal circumstances
- you have previously provided to us.
When you travel to New Zealand on a temporary visa, your intentions must be genuine. This means that you: We use all the information we have, including the information you give us in your application, to confirm that you have genuine intentions. Alert You must answer truthfully when you complete your visa application or NZTD. If you are travelling on a visitor visa or visiting from a
If you have a visitor visa for a specific reason, you must be coming to New Zealand for that reason. For example, if you have a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, your reason for visiting must be getting medical treatment. If you are travelling on a student visa, you must have genuine intentions to study in New Zealand. You can only work if the conditions of your student visa allow you to. If you are travelling to New Zealand to work, you must have a visa that will allow you to. Unless your visa allows you to work in any job, you must plan to work in the job, for the employer, and in the location specified in your visa. You may be asked to provide evidence of your genuine intentions: Here are some examples of evidence to show that you have genuine intentions in coming to New Zealand. To show your travel history, you could show a copy of your current and recent passports, including: If you live in a country that is not your country of citizenship, provide a copy of the visa allowing you to live in that country. If you have ever had a visa application declined by any other country, provide: If you plan to visit family or friends in New Zealand, provide their: Evidence of your travel plans while in New Zealand could include copies of: You may also need to show that you have plans to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay. This evidence could include: If you are applying for a student visa, you could provide evidence that you have: If you do not need to pay tuition fees, or if you can pay by instalment — where you make smaller payments over a period of time — you must provide confirmation from your education provider. You can also write a cover letter or statement of purpose explaining why you want to study in New Zealand. This will help us decide if you are a genuine student. If you are using an education agent or licensed immigration adviser, they cannot write the letter for you. Examples of things you could write about in your letter or statement include: If you plan to apply for another visa — for example, a work visa — after you finish your studies, include this in your cover letter or statement of purpose.
To show that you have genuine intentions to work, you will in most cases need to provide: If your visa requires you to have enough money to live on during your stay, you will need to provide evidence. This could include: Depending on your situation, you may need to provide: We consider each application based on the information and evidence we receive. If you do not provide enough evidence, it may take us longer to process your application, or we may decline your application. You must provide genuine evidence. If you or your agent provide evidence that is false or misleading, we may also decline your application. False, misleading or withheld information in visa applications Check the translation requirements for the visa you are applying for. All non-English documents must be translated when you apply for visitor and resident visas. Providing English translations of supporting documents If you are applying online, make sure your evidence is in an acceptable file format. To decide if your intentions are genuine, we look at: We look at evidence you provide with your application to check that it: When we consider information about your personal circumstances, we look at: We also look at information from your previous applications and travel to New Zealand. This can show us if you have: We might not give you a visa or allow you to enter New Zealand if we:
Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in New Zealand
Before you can get a visa or enter New Zealand to visit, work or study, we check that your reasons for coming here are genuine.
What it means to have 'genuine intentions'
Visitor visas
Student visas
Work visas
Evidence to show you have genuine intentions
Evidence of your travel history
If you live in a different country to your citizenship
Declined visa applications
Evidence you are visiting family or friends
Evidence of your travel plans
Evidence of your study plans
Evidence of your work plans
Evidence you have enough money
Evidence of your home country circumstances
evidence of your relationships with close relatives in your home country
Providing good-quality evidence
How we decide if your intentions are genuine
Evidence you provide with your application
Your personal circumstances
Your previous applications
If we decide your intentions are not genuine
Have enough money to live on
If you are visiting New Zealand, you must have at least NZD $1,000 a month, or NZD $400 a month if you have already paid for your accommodation.
At check-in or when you arrive in New Zealand, you may be asked to show that you have enough money for your stay. Evidence can include:
- proof of accommodation pre-payment, like hotel pre-paid vouchers or receipts
- bank statements or credit card statements
- bank drafts or traveller's cheques.
Alert
You will not meet the requirements for an NZeTA if you need a sponsor to cover your costs in New Zealand. If you need sponsorship you must apply for a visa and have it before you travel.
Paying for health care
You will need to pay for any health care or medical assistance you may need in New Zealand.
We recommend you have full medical insurance for your stay.
If you are pregnant, there are additional requirements.
Depending on the visa you are applying for and your nationality you may be eligible for publicly funded health care during and after your pregnancy. If you are not eligible you must cover the costs of your own maternity care — when you apply for your visa, you need to provide evidence of how you will pay. Maternity care includes looking after you: Some women can get maternity care no matter what visa they have for New Zealand. You are eligible if you: Pregnancy services — Te Whatu Ora — Health New Zealand Who can get public health care Note If you have a Limited Visa, you cannot get publicly funded maternity care. If you are not eligible for public health care and have a temporary visa to visit, study or work in New Zealand, you must show you have a minimum of NZD $9,000 to pay for your maternity care. You can: With your visa application, you must include evidence you have: You can include evidence such as: Your sponsor or guarantor must be able to show they: Who can sponsor a visa applicant Your sponsor or guarantor must complete a form to send in with your visa and provide evidence of how they will meet the cost of your maternity care.
If you are pregnant
If you are pregnant and apply for a temporary visa to visit, study, or work in New Zealand, you must tell us how you will pay for your maternity care while you are here.
Covering the cost of your maternity care
Who can get publicly funded maternity care
Paying for your maternity care
Evidence that you can pay for your care
If you have a sponsor or guarantor
Some people may be eligible for public health care.
Family or group members
If you use the online form, you will need to request a separate NZeTA for each member of your family or group.
If you use the NZeTA app, you can request NZeTAs for up to 10 people at the same time.
Each person must meet the requirements for an NZeTA.
If your child is endorsed on your passport, we will accept this as the child's travel document when they travel to New Zealand — but they must still meet all relevant requirements, including having an NZeTA. When you apply for your child's NZeTA, you will need to enter your own passport details.
Note
If a person does not meet the requirements, they should apply for a visa instead and have it before visiting New Zealand.
Leaving New Zealand
At check-in for your flight to New Zealand, you must be able to show that you intend to leave the country at the end of your stay. This can be:
- your ticket for travel out of New Zealand at the end of your stay to a
— the ticket must be already paid for - the cruise itinerary or a letter from the craft owner that shows you will leave New Zealand — if you will be leaving on a cruise ship or private craft.
Your departure date must be within 3 months of your arrival, or within 6 months if you are from the United Kingdom.
If you will be travelling out of New Zealand to a country that also has an onward travel requirement, you may be asked to see that ticket too.
Note
If you are applying from Australia and your only reason for coming to New Zealand is to renew a visa for another country, you should apply for a visa before travelling.
Documents you need
When you request an NZeTA
When you request an NZeTA, you will need:
- your passport
- 1 acceptable photo or a device that can take one.
If your photo does not meet all of our requirements we will ask you for a new photo. If you are applying for a visa, we will stop processing your application until we receive an acceptable photo. If you are requesting an NZeTA, your request may be delayed or refused. Use the photo examples on this page to check your photo is correct and meets our requirements. Alert Do not use the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs website or other online tools to check your photo as those tools are for passport photos only. Your photo is more likely to be accepted if you use a professional photographer or business that takes passport photos. Give the photographer our instructions to make sure you get a photo that meets our requirements.
The photo you submit with a paper application must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Further instructions are on the paper application forms. Note You can only apply for an NZeTA online. The photo you submit with an online application must be: Alert We are unlikely to accept your photo if it is not the right size. If you request an NZeTA using the web app, you can either upload an existing photo or take one using your device's camera. If you use the mobile app, you can only take a photo using your device's camera. Your photo must be: If you take a photo with your device, the camera must have a minimum resolution of 540 x 720 pixels. Large photos will be automatically formatted. If there is an issue with your photo you will receive an error message when you submit your visa or NZeTA photo online. To help you, we have provided a list of online errors and how to fix them. Your photo must: It may be easier to remove them.
Visa and NZeTA photos
Your photo must be less than 6 months old and clearly identify you. It must also meet all of our technical requirements.
Meeting our photo requirements
Visa and NZeTA photos are not passport photos
Using a professional photographer
Paper applications for visas
Online applications for visas
Online requests for NZeTAs
Online photo error messages
Taking your visa photo
Be in portrait, not landscape
Be of you, not a photo of a photo or your travel document
Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
Be in colour, showing natural skin tones
Be in focus, not blurry
Not contain red-eye
Be an original photo, not changed by photo-editing software
Not be a selfie
Be taken 1.5 metres from the face
Be taken against a plain, light-coloured — but not white — background with no patterns or objects
Only contain plain clothing patterns
Be of one person
We need to clearly see your face
Face the camera and keep your head straight
Keep your eyes open and mouth closed
Do not smile or frown
Show your face clearly and that long hair is tucked behind your ears
Position yourself in the middle of the photo
Remove sunglasses and hats
If you wear prescription glasses
Make sure your eyes show clearly through the lenses, with no reflected light
If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons
Make sure that your face and hairline can be seen in the photo
Alert
You must request your NZeTA with a passport, and it must be the same passport as you will use to travel.
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave New Zealand.
You may not be allowed to check in to your flight if your passport is close to expiring. Check that it will not expire while you are in New Zealand or close to when you plan to leave New Zealand.
When you check-in and arrive
When you check in for your flight or cruise, you will need:
- your passport
- your NZeTA confirmation email
- proof of your travel out of New Zealand.
At check-in or when you arrive in New Zealand, you may be asked for proof that you have enough money to cover your living expenses while you are in New Zealand.
Note
When you travel, we recommend you also have English translations of any documents that are not in English, in case you need to show them.
How to request an NZeTA using the online form
Follow these steps to request an NZeTA online.
-
1
Step 1: Gather your documents
The section 'Who can apply' explains the requirements for an NZeTA and what you will need as proof.
Organise proof of identity
If you need a new passport, allow yourself enough time to get it.
When you apply, make sure you enter your identity details exactly as they appear on your passport.
Alert
The details in your NZeTA must always match the details in the passport you will be using to travel to New Zealand. If your passport details are not correct you may not be able to board your plane or cruise ship.
Make sure your photos are acceptable for an NZeTA.
Visa and NZeTA photos
Your photo must be less than 6 months old and clearly identify you. It must also meet all of our technical requirements.Meeting our photo requirements
If your photo does not meet all of our requirements we will ask you for a new photo.
If you are applying for a visa, we will stop processing your application until we receive an acceptable photo. If you are requesting an NZeTA, your request may be delayed or refused.
Visa and NZeTA photos are not passport photos
Use the photo examples on this page to check your photo is correct and meets our requirements.
Alert
Do not use the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs website or other online tools to check your photo as those tools are for passport photos only.
Using a professional photographer
Your photo is more likely to be accepted if you use a professional photographer or business that takes passport photos. Give the photographer our instructions to make sure you get a photo that meets our requirements.
Paper applications for visas
The photo you submit with a paper application must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Further instructions are on the paper application forms.
Note
You can only apply for an NZeTA online.
Online applications for visas
The photo you submit with an online application must be:
- between 500 KB and 3 MB
- between 900 x 1,200 pixels and 2,250 x 3,000 pixels, and
- a JPG or JPEG file.
Alert
We are unlikely to accept your photo if it is not the right size.
Online requests for NZeTAs
If you request an NZeTA using the web app, you can either upload an existing photo or take one using your device's camera.
If you use the mobile app, you can only take a photo using your device's camera.
Your photo must be:
- less than 10 MB, and
- a JPG or JPEG file.
If you take a photo with your device, the camera must have a minimum resolution of 540 x 720 pixels. Large photos will be automatically formatted.
Online photo error messages
If there is an issue with your photo you will receive an error message when you submit your visa or NZeTA photo online. To help you, we have provided a list of online errors and how to fix them.
Taking your visa photo
Your photo must:
Be in portrait, not landscape
Be of you, not a photo of a photo or your travel document
Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
Be in colour, showing natural skin tones
Be in focus, not blurry
Not contain red-eye
Be an original photo, not changed by photo-editing software
Not be a selfie
Be taken 1.5 metres from the face
Be taken against a plain, light-coloured — but not white — background with no patterns or objects
Only contain plain clothing patterns
Be of one person
We need to clearly see your face
Face the camera and keep your head straight
Keep your eyes open and mouth closed
Do not smile or frown
Show your face clearly and that long hair is tucked behind your ears
Position yourself in the middle of the photo
Remove sunglasses and hats
If you wear prescription glasses
Make sure your eyes show clearly through the lenses, with no reflected light
It may be easier to remove them.
If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons
Make sure that your face and hairline can be seen in the photo
Organise proof you have enough money to live on
Get recent bank or credit card statements, and proof of any accommodation you have pre-paid for.
Organise proof you can leave New Zealand
This can be a plane ticket, cruise ship itinerary or letter from the craft owner if leaving on a private craft.
Organise proof for your family or group members
Check that everyone has current passports, proof they have enough money to live on, and proof they can leave New Zealand.
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2
Step 2: Submit your request and pay the fee
Use the online form to submit your request and pay the fees.
You will need to submit a separate request for each person travelling with you.
Note
If you use the app, it is cheaper, and you can request an NZeTA for up to 10 people at the same time.
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for fees.
-
3
Step 3: Wait for our decision
It can take up to 3 days for us to complete our checks. It may take longer if we need to investigate further.
We will contact you if we need more information.
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for timeframes.
What might stop you from being allowed to enter New Zealand
Together with your airline or other carrier, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if you do not meet our entry requirements. For example, if you cannot provide evidence that you can meet the conditions of your visa.If you have been refused entry to New Zealand and you still want to travel to here, contact the Customer Service Centre for advice.
You may need to apply for a visa before you travel here again.
Why we stop you travelling to or entering New Zealand
Together with your airline or other carrier, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if you do not meet our entry requirements — for example, if you cannot provide evidence that you can meet the conditions of your visa. When you arrive we check your identity and other information again before we give you
. Alert
Having a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter New Zealand.
Your airline or other carrier can be fined if they let you board an aircraft or ship after we have let them know that you cannot travel.
Your identity and travel documents
We can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if:
- we cannot confirm your identity
- the passport or travel document you are travelling on has expired, is damaged or has been reported lost or stolen, or has been invalidated
- you need a visa to travel to or transit through New Zealand and you do not have one
- your eVisa is not in the passport you use to travel to New Zealand, or
- your onward travel arrangements are to a country you do not have the right to enter.
Information you provide to us
We can stop you travelling to New Zealand or entering the country if you:
- provide false or misleading information in your visa application or to an immigration officer
- possess a forged, fraudulent or altered identity document or any other official document.
Meeting the conditions of your visa
We can also refuse to let you travel to or enter New Zealand if you cannot show us evidence to support the conditions of your visa. For example, you cannot show us evidence that you:
- have enough money to live on while you are here
- have made arrangements to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay
- are coming to New Zealand for a lawful and genuine reason.
Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ
If your circumstances have changed and you can no longer meet the conditions of your visa we can also refuse to let you enter New Zealand. For example, if your work visa is based on a job offer that has since been withdrawn you will not be allowed to travel to New Zealand on that visa.
Your character and health
You cannot come to New Zealand if you do not meet our health and character requirements. For example, you can be refused entry if:
- we believe you might be a risk to New Zealand’s security, public order or public interest — for example, you have been associated with a gang or registered sex offenders
- we think you might commit an offence that would result in you going to prison, or
- you have been deported, excluded or removed from another country.
Arriving in New Zealand
You could be refused entry to New Zealand if you:
- refuse to complete a New Zealand traveller declaration
- provide false or misleading information on any part of your New Zealand traveller declaration
- refuse to let an immigration officer take your photo, fingerprints or an iris scan
- possess controlled or prohibited substances, or plan to import them, without proper authority
- do not follow instructions given by us or other border agencies including the New Zealand Customs Service, Biosecurity New Zealand or the New Zealand Police.
-
4
Step 4: Check your NZeTA status
After you request an NZeTA you can check its status.
Request a change to your NZeTA
If we approve your NZeTA we will send you an NZeTA confirmation email.
Note
Make sure you have your NZeTA confirmation email with you when you check-in.
Check the 'While you are in New Zealand' section to find out what you can and cannot do when you come to New Zealand.
How to request an NZeTA using the app
Follow these steps to request an NZeTA using the NZeTA app.
-
1
Step 1: Gather your documents
The section 'Who can apply' explains the requirements for an NZeTA and what you will need as proof.
Organise proof of identity
If you need a new passport, allow yourself enough time to get it.
When you apply, make sure you enter your identity details exactly as they appear on your passport.
Alert
The details in your NZeTA must always match the details in the passport you will be using to travel to New Zealand. If your passport details are not correct you may not be able to board your plane or cruise ship.
Make sure your photos are acceptable for an NZeTA.
Visa and NZeTA photos
Your photo must be less than 6 months old and clearly identify you. It must also meet all of our technical requirements.Meeting our photo requirements
If your photo does not meet all of our requirements we will ask you for a new photo.
If you are applying for a visa, we will stop processing your application until we receive an acceptable photo. If you are requesting an NZeTA, your request may be delayed or refused.
Visa and NZeTA photos are not passport photos
Use the photo examples on this page to check your photo is correct and meets our requirements.
Alert
Do not use the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs website or other online tools to check your photo as those tools are for passport photos only.
Using a professional photographer
Your photo is more likely to be accepted if you use a professional photographer or business that takes passport photos. Give the photographer our instructions to make sure you get a photo that meets our requirements.
Paper applications for visas
The photo you submit with a paper application must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Further instructions are on the paper application forms.
Note
You can only apply for an NZeTA online.
Online applications for visas
The photo you submit with an online application must be:
- between 500 KB and 3 MB
- between 900 x 1,200 pixels and 2,250 x 3,000 pixels, and
- a JPG or JPEG file.
Alert
We are unlikely to accept your photo if it is not the right size.
Online requests for NZeTAs
If you request an NZeTA using the web app, you can either upload an existing photo or take one using your device's camera.
If you use the mobile app, you can only take a photo using your device's camera.
Your photo must be:
- less than 10 MB, and
- a JPG or JPEG file.
If you take a photo with your device, the camera must have a minimum resolution of 540 x 720 pixels. Large photos will be automatically formatted.
Online photo error messages
If there is an issue with your photo you will receive an error message when you submit your visa or NZeTA photo online. To help you, we have provided a list of online errors and how to fix them.
Taking your visa photo
Your photo must:
Be in portrait, not landscape
Be of you, not a photo of a photo or your travel document
Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
Be in colour, showing natural skin tones
Be in focus, not blurry
Not contain red-eye
Be an original photo, not changed by photo-editing software
Not be a selfie
Be taken 1.5 metres from the face
Be taken against a plain, light-coloured — but not white — background with no patterns or objects
Only contain plain clothing patterns
Be of one person
We need to clearly see your face
Face the camera and keep your head straight
Keep your eyes open and mouth closed
Do not smile or frown
Show your face clearly and that long hair is tucked behind your ears
Position yourself in the middle of the photo
Remove sunglasses and hats
If you wear prescription glasses
Make sure your eyes show clearly through the lenses, with no reflected light
It may be easier to remove them.
If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons
Make sure that your face and hairline can be seen in the photo
Organise proof you have enough money to live on
Get recent bank or credit card statements, and proof of any accommodation you have pre-paid for.
Organise proof you can leave New Zealand
This can be a plane ticket, cruise ship itinerary or letter from the craft owner if leaving on a private craft.
Organise proof for your family or group members
Check that everyone has current passports, proof they have enough money to live on, and proof they can leave New Zealand.
-
2
Step 2: Submit your request and pay the fee
Download our app on to your iOS or Android device, submit your request and pay the fees.
You can request NZeTAs for up to 10 people at the same time using the app.
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for fees.
-
3
Step 3: Wait for our decision
It can take up to 3 days for us to complete our checks. It may take longer if we need to investigate further.
We will contact you if we need more information.
Check the 'How to pay and submit' section for timeframes.
What might stop you from being allowed to enter New Zealand
Together with your airline or other carrier, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if you do not meet our entry requirements. For example, if you cannot provide evidence that you can meet the conditions of your visa.If you have been refused entry to New Zealand and you still want to travel to here, contact the Customer Service Centre for advice.
You may need to apply for a visa before you travel here again.
Why we stop you travelling to or entering New Zealand
Together with your airline or other carrier, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if you do not meet our entry requirements — for example, if you cannot provide evidence that you can meet the conditions of your visa. When you arrive we check your identity and other information again before we give you
. Alert
Having a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter New Zealand.
Your airline or other carrier can be fined if they let you board an aircraft or ship after we have let them know that you cannot travel.
Your identity and travel documents
We can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if:
- we cannot confirm your identity
- the passport or travel document you are travelling on has expired, is damaged or has been reported lost or stolen, or has been invalidated
- you need a visa to travel to or transit through New Zealand and you do not have one
- your eVisa is not in the passport you use to travel to New Zealand, or
- your onward travel arrangements are to a country you do not have the right to enter.
Information you provide to us
We can stop you travelling to New Zealand or entering the country if you:
- provide false or misleading information in your visa application or to an immigration officer
- possess a forged, fraudulent or altered identity document or any other official document.
Meeting the conditions of your visa
We can also refuse to let you travel to or enter New Zealand if you cannot show us evidence to support the conditions of your visa. For example, you cannot show us evidence that you:
- have enough money to live on while you are here
- have made arrangements to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay
- are coming to New Zealand for a lawful and genuine reason.
Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ
If your circumstances have changed and you can no longer meet the conditions of your visa we can also refuse to let you enter New Zealand. For example, if your work visa is based on a job offer that has since been withdrawn you will not be allowed to travel to New Zealand on that visa.
Your character and health
You cannot come to New Zealand if you do not meet our health and character requirements. For example, you can be refused entry if:
- we believe you might be a risk to New Zealand’s security, public order or public interest — for example, you have been associated with a gang or registered sex offenders
- we think you might commit an offence that would result in you going to prison, or
- you have been deported, excluded or removed from another country.
Arriving in New Zealand
You could be refused entry to New Zealand if you:
- refuse to complete a New Zealand traveller declaration
- provide false or misleading information on any part of your New Zealand traveller declaration
- refuse to let an immigration officer take your photo, fingerprints or an iris scan
- possess controlled or prohibited substances, or plan to import them, without proper authority
- do not follow instructions given by us or other border agencies including the New Zealand Customs Service, Biosecurity New Zealand or the New Zealand Police.
-
4
Step 4: Check your NZeTA status
After you request an NZeTA you can check its status.
Request a change to your NZeTA
If we approve your NZeTA we will send you an NZeTA confirmation email.
Note
Make sure you have your NZeTA confirmation email with you when you check-in.
Check the 'While you are in New Zealand' section to find out what you can and cannot do when you come to New Zealand.
How to pay and submit
We cannot display any process or costs information until you have provided your country details.
Enter your details so we can show information that is relevant to you.
When you arrive
If you are a transit passenger
You must stay in the transit area of Auckland International Airport for the whole time and for no longer than 24 hours.
As a
There is no accommodation in the transit area. If you will need accommodation while you wait for your flight, you will need to request an NZeTA as a visitor or get a visitor visa before you travel.
Entry permission if you are visiting
If you are visiting, you must apply for permission to enter New Zealand. You do this by completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) form.
For travellers with an NZeTA, you can specify in your declaration that you are applying for a visa on arrival.
You can start your declaration any time, but the earliest you can submit your digital NZTD is 24 hours before starting your travel to New Zealand.
A paper declaration form is available for travellers who cannot complete it online.
New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Note
If you are a
New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity also check that you meet their entry requirements.
Alert
You can be refused entry permission if you:
- are not a genuine visitor
- do not meet our character requirements
- have had a change in circumstances since we approved your NZeTA
- refuse to let us take your photo, fingerprints or an iris scan
- cannot provide evidence of any travel out of New Zealand or the money required to leave New Zealand.
When you travel to New Zealand on a temporary visa, your intentions must be genuine. This means that you: We use all the information we have, including the information you give us in your application, to confirm that you have genuine intentions. Alert You must answer truthfully when you complete your visa application or NZTD. If you are travelling on a visitor visa or visiting from a
If you have a visitor visa for a specific reason, you must be coming to New Zealand for that reason. For example, if you have a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, your reason for visiting must be getting medical treatment. If you are travelling on a student visa, you must have genuine intentions to study in New Zealand. You can only work if the conditions of your student visa allow you to. If you are travelling to New Zealand to work, you must have a visa that will allow you to. Unless your visa allows you to work in any job, you must plan to work in the job, for the employer, and in the location specified in your visa. You may be asked to provide evidence of your genuine intentions: Here are some examples of evidence to show that you have genuine intentions in coming to New Zealand. To show your travel history, you could show a copy of your current and recent passports, including: If you live in a country that is not your country of citizenship, provide a copy of the visa allowing you to live in that country. If you have ever had a visa application declined by any other country, provide: If you plan to visit family or friends in New Zealand, provide their: Evidence of your travel plans while in New Zealand could include copies of: You may also need to show that you have plans to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay. This evidence could include: If you are applying for a student visa, you could provide evidence that you have: If you do not need to pay tuition fees, or if you can pay by instalment — where you make smaller payments over a period of time — you must provide confirmation from your education provider. You can also write a cover letter or statement of purpose explaining why you want to study in New Zealand. This will help us decide if you are a genuine student. If you are using an education agent or licensed immigration adviser, they cannot write the letter for you. Examples of things you could write about in your letter or statement include: If you plan to apply for another visa — for example, a work visa — after you finish your studies, include this in your cover letter or statement of purpose.
To show that you have genuine intentions to work, you will in most cases need to provide: If your visa requires you to have enough money to live on during your stay, you will need to provide evidence. This could include: Depending on your situation, you may need to provide: We consider each application based on the information and evidence we receive. If you do not provide enough evidence, it may take us longer to process your application, or we may decline your application. You must provide genuine evidence. If you or your agent provide evidence that is false or misleading, we may also decline your application. False, misleading or withheld information in visa applications Check the translation requirements for the visa you are applying for. All non-English documents must be translated when you apply for visitor and resident visas. Providing English translations of supporting documents If you are applying online, make sure your evidence is in an acceptable file format. To decide if your intentions are genuine, we look at: We look at evidence you provide with your application to check that it: When we consider information about your personal circumstances, we look at: We also look at information from your previous applications and travel to New Zealand. This can show us if you have: We might not give you a visa or allow you to enter New Zealand if we:
Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in New Zealand
Before you can get a visa or enter New Zealand to visit, work or study, we check that your reasons for coming here are genuine.
What it means to have 'genuine intentions'
Visitor visas
Student visas
Work visas
Evidence to show you have genuine intentions
Evidence of your travel history
If you live in a different country to your citizenship
Declined visa applications
Evidence you are visiting family or friends
Evidence of your travel plans
Evidence of your study plans
Evidence of your work plans
Evidence you have enough money
Evidence of your home country circumstances
evidence of your relationships with close relatives in your home country
Providing good-quality evidence
How we decide if your intentions are genuine
Evidence you provide with your application
Your personal circumstances
Your previous applications
If we decide your intentions are not genuine
If you have been refused entry to New Zealand and you still want to travel to here, contact the Customer Service Centre for advice. You may need to apply for a visa before you travel here again. Together with your airline or other carrier, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if you do not meet our entry requirements — for example, if you cannot provide evidence that you can meet the conditions of your visa. When you arrive we check your identity and other information again before we give you
Alert Having a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter New Zealand. Your airline or other carrier can be fined if they let you board an aircraft or ship after we have let them know that you cannot travel. We can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if: We can stop you travelling to New Zealand or entering the country if you: We can also refuse to let you travel to or enter New Zealand if you cannot show us evidence to support the conditions of your visa. For example, you cannot show us evidence that you: Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ If your circumstances have changed and you can no longer meet the conditions of your visa we can also refuse to let you enter New Zealand. For example, if your work visa is based on a job offer that has since been withdrawn you will not be allowed to travel to New Zealand on that visa. You cannot come to New Zealand if you do not meet our health and character requirements. For example, you can be refused entry if: You could be refused entry to New Zealand if you:
What might stop you from being allowed to enter New Zealand
Together with your airline or other carrier, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if you do not meet our entry requirements. For example, if you cannot provide evidence that you can meet the conditions of your visa.
Why we stop you travelling to or entering New Zealand
Your identity and travel documents
Information you provide to us
Meeting the conditions of your visa
Your character and health
Arriving in New Zealand
While you are in New Zealand
If you are visiting New Zealand and we decide you meet the requirements, we will give you a visa at the border. What you can and cannot do while you are in New Zealand depends on the visa we give you — check the following visa details.
Australian citizens and permanent residents may get an Australian Resident Visa.
If you are a citizen of a visa waiver country, we may give you a Visa Waiver Visitor Visa to stay up to 3 months — or 6 months for UK citizens.
If you are arriving by cruise ship you are considered to hold a visitor visa.
Staying longer
If you plan to visit for longer than 3 months — or 6 months for UK citizens — you need to apply for an appropriate visa and have it before you arrive.
If you are in New Zealand now and need more time for a genuine reason, you must apply for a visa not an NZeTA.
Alert
If you stay in New Zealand after your NZeTA expires and do not have a valid visa, you may:
- be detained or deported, and
- not be able to return to New Zealand in the future.