Common topic
Background on the NZeTA: Why it was introduced and key statistics
Published
08 January 2026
Most of New Zealand’s visitors do not need a visa to come here and instead can travel on a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
Last update: 11 March 2026
The NZeTA is mandatory for all visa-waiver air, cruise and cargo passengers and crew. Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport do not need an NZeTA. However, Australian residents are required to have an NZeTA.
Visa waiver countries and territories
The NZeTA has strengthened border security and brought New Zealand border controls in line with international best practice.
An NZeTA is valid for two years. This is different from a visa, which is an endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in New Zealand.
When travellers arrive in New Zealand with an NZeTA, there are conditions that they must meet once they are given a visa at the border.
All travellers to New Zealand must be of good character. Individuals who do not meet character requirements or have certain criminal convictions are not eligible to get a visa at the border. Those individuals who declare disqualifying convictions, or who otherwise may present a character concern, must apply for a visa to visit before they travel to New Zealand.
Statistics
As at February 2026, there have been more than 7.2 million NZeTAs approved for travellers since it was introduced in August 2019, including more than 1.6 million approved for the 2024/2025 financial year (1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025).
NZeTA eligibility for China and Pacific Islands Forum countries
Chinese and Pacific Islands Forum passport holders coming to New Zealand from Australia with an eligible Australian visa are also able to come here for up to 3 months with an NZeTA rather than a visa, as part of a 12-month trial. Chinese travellers can also transit through New Zealand using an NZeTA rather than a transit visa.
Easier travel from Australia to New Zealand for Chinese visitors
Easier travel from Australia to New Zealand for Pacific visitors
As at 28 February 2026, INZ has received more than 59,000 NZeTA requests from Chinese and Pacific nationals since the changes came into effect on 3 November 2025, with 58,666 approved, 237 in progress and 117 refused. Of the total requests submitted, more than 47,000 Chinese and Pacific visitors have arrived in New Zealand. We have also approved more than 4,600 transit visas for Chinese nationals.
The table below shows the breakdown by Chinese nationals as at 28 February 2026 by month
| Nationality | NZeTA requests submitted | NZeTA requests approved | NZeTA requests in progress | NZeTA requests refused | Travellers arrived on an NZeTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese nationals | 57,587 | 57,168 | 66 | 66 | 46,724 |
| Pacific nationals | 1,552 | 1,498 | 4 | 51 | 758 |
| Total | 59,139 | 58,666 | 70 | 117 | 47,482 |
| Transit NZeTA requests submitted | Transit NZeTA requests approved | Transit NZeTA requests in progress | Transit NZeTA requests refused | Chinese travellers who have transited through New Zealand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,687 | 4,664 | 5 | 10 | 4,014 |
| Total visitor arrivals (global) | Total visitor arrivals (from Australia) | Total arrivals with NZeTA (from Australia under the pilot policy beginning 3 November 2025) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | |||
| November | 21792 | 5521 | - |
| December | 22553 | 5149 | - |
| 2025 | |||
| January | 34787 | 7302 | - |
| February | 18400 | 4408 | - |
| March | 20492 | 4806 | - |
| April | 22653 | 6348 | - |
| May | 16714 | 4278 | - |
| June | 11488 | 3213 | - |
| July | 21366 | 4642 | - |
| August | 20749 | 3715 | - |
| September | 20884 | 4709 | - |
| October | 17459 | 4373 | - |
| November | 32069 | 12954 | 9537 |
| December | 32078 | 12559 | 10439 |
| 2026 | |||
| January | 25819 | 9627 | 8018 |
| February | 61306 | 23193 | 18744 |
Total visitor arrivals (global) and total visitor arrivals (from Australia) include Chinese nationals travelling on NZeTAs as crew, cruise or cargo passengers.
The table below shows the breakdown by Pacific nationals as at 28 February 2026 by month
| Total visitor arrivals (global) | Total visitor arrivals (from Australia) | Total arrivals with NZeTA (from Australia under the pilot policy beginning 3 November 2025) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | |||
| November | 6344 | 389 | - |
| December | 13263 | 448 | - |
| 2025 | |||
| January | 4021 | 324 | - |
| February | 4151 | 321 | - |
| March | 4927 | 322 | - |
| April | 5151 | 403 | - |
| May | 5327 | 293 | - |
| June | 4385 | 312 | - |
| July | 3903 | 288 | - |
| August | 4896 | 378 | - |
| September | 4687 | 310 | - |
| October | 5009 | 302 | - |
| November | 6900 | 551 | 150 |
| December | 14581 | 691 | 265 |
| 2026 | |||
| January | 5562 | 626 | 236 |
| February | 4742 | 380 | 107 |
Total visitor arrivals (global) and total visitor arrivals (From Australia) include Pacific nationals travelling on NZeTAs as crew, cruise or cargo passengers.
Processing times
Most NZeTA requests are processed within 72 hours, but often much quicker.
How to apply
Passengers can download the free NZeTA app or visit our website to apply. Crew members must approach their employer to obtain an NZeTA on their behalf.
Scams
Beware of NZeTA scams. An NZeTA is for visiting or transiting only. If an agent obtains an NZeTA on your behalf for you to work in New Zealand for a New Zealand employer, it is likely a scam.