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: 25 June 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 2 years for travellers, or 5 years for crew members. This is different from a visa, which is an endorsement on a passport indicating that the person who has the visa 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 to be issued 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 might not be eligible to be allowed entry to New Zealand at the border. Those individuals who declare disqualifying convictions, or who otherwise might present a character concern, must apply for a visa to visit before they travel to New Zealand.
Character requirements for New Zealand visas
Statistics
As at 31 May 2026, there have been more than 8.1 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
People who have a Chinese and Pacific Islands Forum passport 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
Analysis of the first 6 months of the 12-month trial shows it has directly resulted in an estimated NZD$215 million boost to the economy, and an increase in Chinese visitors by more than 40%.
As at 31 May 2026, Immigration New Zealand has received more than 92,000 NZeTA requests from Chinese and Pacific nationals since the changes came into effect on 3 November 2025, with 92,169 approved and 159 refused. Of the total requests submitted, more than 80,000 Chinese and Pacific visitors have arrived in New Zealand. We have also approved more than 10,300 transit visas for Chinese nationals.
Table 1 shows the breakdown by Chinese nationals as at 31 May 2026 by month.
| Nationality | NZeTA requests submitted | NZeTA requests approved | NZeTA requests refused | Travellers arrived on an NZeTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese nationals | 90,216 | 90,111 | 97 | 79,078 |
| Pacific nationals | 2,120 | 2,058 | 62 | 1,028 |
| Total | 92,336 | 92,169 | 159 | 80,286 |
| Transit NZeTA requests submitted | Transit NZeTA requests approved | Transit NZeTA requests refused | Chinese travellers who have transited through New Zealand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,400 | 10,386 | 13 | 7,184 |
| Year and 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 | 21,792 | 5,521 | - |
| December | 22,553 | 5,149 | - |
| 2025 | |||
| January | 34,787 | 7,302 | - |
| February | 18,400 | 4,408 | - |
| March | 20,492 | 4,806 | - |
| April | 22,653 | 6,348 | - |
| May | 16,714 | 4,278 | - |
| June | 11,488 | 3,213 | - |
| July | 21,366 | 4,642 | - |
| August | 20,749 | 3,715 | - |
| September | 20,884 | 4,709 | - |
| October | 17,459 | 4,373 | - |
| November | 32,069 | 12,954 | 9,537 |
| December | 32,078 | 12,559 | 10,439 |
| 2026 | |||
| January | 25,819 | 9,627 | 8,031 |
| February | 61,364 | 23,193 | 18,828 |
| March | 25,751 | 11,226 | 9,675 |
| April | 35,345 | 16,470 | 13,943 |
| May | 22,453 | 10,008 | 8,517 |
Total visitor arrivals (global) and total visitor arrivals (from Australia) include Chinese nationals travelling on visitor visas and NZeTAs as crew, cruise or cargo passengers.
Table 4 shows the breakdown by Pacific nationals as at 31 May 2026 by month.
| Year and 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 | 63,44 | 389 | - |
| December | 13,263 | 448 | - |
| 2025 | |||
| January | 4,021 | 324 | - |
| February | 4,151 | 321 | - |
| March | 4,927 | 322 | - |
| April | 5,151 | 403 | - |
| May | 5,327 | 293 | - |
| June | 4,385 | 312 | - |
| July | 3,903 | 288 | - |
| August | 4,896 | 378 | - |
| September | 4,687 | 310 | - |
| October | 5,009 | 302 | - |
| November | 6,900 | 551 | 150 |
| December | 14,581 | 691 | 265 |
| 2026 | |||
| January | 5,562 | 626 | 236 |
| February | 4,742 | 380 | 107 |
| March | 5,034 | 459 | 136 |
| April | 5,046 | 419 | 159 |
| May | 4,788 | 515 | 156 |
Total visitor arrivals (global) and total visitor arrivals (from Australia) include Pacific nationals travelling on visitor visas and 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.