Which Countries Are Eligible for the New Zealand ETA (NZeTA)?
If you hold a passport from one of New Zealand’s visa waiver countries or territories, you do not need to apply for a traditional visitor visa. Instead, you can obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and receive a visitor visa on arrival. Below is the complete, official list of eligible countries and everything you need to know before you travel.
Complete List of NZeTA-Eligible Countries
New Zealand has visa waiver agreements with the following countries and territories. Citizens of these nations can visit New Zealand for up to 3 months (or 6 months for United Kingdom passport holders) without a traditional visa, provided they hold a valid NZeTA.
| Country / Territory | Special Conditions |
|---|---|
| Andorra | Standard eligibility |
| Argentina | Standard eligibility |
| Austria | Standard eligibility |
| Bahrain | Standard eligibility |
| Belgium | Standard eligibility |
| Brazil | Standard eligibility |
| Brunei | Standard eligibility |
| Bulgaria | Standard eligibility |
| Canada | Standard eligibility |
| Chile | Standard eligibility |
| Croatia | Standard eligibility |
| Cyprus | Standard eligibility |
| Czech Republic | Standard eligibility |
| Denmark | Standard eligibility |
| Estonia | Citizens only |
| Finland | Standard eligibility |
| France | Standard eligibility |
| Germany | Standard eligibility |
| Greece | Only for passports issued on or after 1 January 2006 |
| Hong Kong | HKSAR or British National (Overseas) passports only |
| Hungary | Standard eligibility |
| Iceland | Standard eligibility |
| Ireland | Standard eligibility |
| Israel | Standard eligibility |
| Italy | Standard eligibility |
| Japan | Standard eligibility |
| Kuwait | Standard eligibility |
| Latvia | Citizens only |
| Liechtenstein | Standard eligibility |
| Lithuania | Citizens only |
| Luxembourg | Standard eligibility |
| Macau | Macau Special Administrative Region passports only |
| Malaysia | Standard eligibility |
| Malta | Standard eligibility |
| Mauritius | Standard eligibility |
| Mexico | Standard eligibility |
| Monaco | Standard eligibility |
| Netherlands | Standard eligibility |
| Norway | Standard eligibility |
| Oman | Standard eligibility |
| Poland | Standard eligibility |
| Portugal | Must have the right to live permanently in Portugal |
| Qatar | Standard eligibility |
| Romania | Standard eligibility |
| San Marino | Standard eligibility |
| Saudi Arabia | Standard eligibility |
| Seychelles | Standard eligibility |
| Singapore | Standard eligibility |
| Slovak Republic | Standard eligibility |
| Slovenia | Standard eligibility |
| South Korea | Standard eligibility |
| Spain | Standard eligibility |
| Sweden | Standard eligibility |
| Switzerland | Standard eligibility |
| Taiwan | Permanent residents travelling on Taiwan passports |
| United Arab Emirates | Standard eligibility |
| United Kingdom | Citizens and British passport holders with right to reside permanently in the UK. Stay up to 6 months. |
| United States of America | Including USA nationals |
| Uruguay | Standard eligibility |
| Vatican City | Standard eligibility |
Australian Citizens
Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport do not need a visa or an NZeTA to enter New Zealand. However, Australian permanent residents who are not citizens are required to obtain an NZeTA before travelling.
China and Pacific Islands Forum Trial
As part of a 12-month trial that began on 3 November 2025, passport holders from China and Pacific Islands Forum countries who hold an eligible Australian visa can travel from Australia to New Zealand using an NZeTA instead of a visitor visa. Chinese nationals can also transit through New Zealand with an NZeTA rather than a transit visa.
What Is the NZeTA and How Does It Work?
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a mandatory travel authorisation for all travellers from visa waiver countries. It was introduced in August 2019 to strengthen New Zealand’s border security and align with international best practice.
Key facts about the NZeTA:
- Validity: 2 years for travellers, 5 years for crew members
- Processing time: Most requests are processed within 72 hours, often much faster
- Cost: The NZeTA itself has a fee, plus an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
- How to apply: Download the free NZeTA app or apply through the Immigration New Zealand website
- Not a visa: The NZeTA is a travel authorisation, not a visa. When you arrive in New Zealand with a valid NZeTA, you are issued a Visa Waiver Visitor Visa at the border
Entry Requirements for Visa Waiver Travellers
Even with an approved NZeTA, you must meet the following requirements when arriving in New Zealand:
- Hold a valid passport
- Present your NZeTA confirmation
- Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD)
- Have travel tickets or evidence of onward travel
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to support your stay
- Meet health and character requirements
- Be a genuine visitor with no deportation history or suspected criminal/terrorist involvement
If you cannot meet these requirements or wish to stay longer than the permitted period, you should apply for a Visitor Visa before travelling.
NZeTA vs Visitor Visa: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | NZeTA | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Visa waiver country passport holders | Non-visa-waiver country passport holders |
| Stay duration | Up to 3 months (6 months for UK) | Up to 9 months |
| Validity | 2 years (multiple entry) | Single or multiple entry |
| Processing time | Up to 72 hours | Weeks to months |
| Application method | App or online | Paper or online application |
| Cost | Lower fee + IVL | Higher application fee |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
No. US citizens are part of the visa waiver programme and can visit New Zealand with just an NZeTA. You do not need a traditional visitor visa for stays of up to 3 months.
How long can I stay in New Zealand with an NZeTA?
Most visa waiver travellers can stay for up to 3 months. United Kingdom passport holders can stay for up to 6 months.
Can I work in New Zealand with an NZeTA?
No. The NZeTA only permits visiting or transiting. If you want to work in New Zealand, you must apply for a work visa.
Can I study in New Zealand with an NZeTA?
You can study one or more short courses of up to 3 months, or study for a 3-month period at a school. Longer-term study (such as a diploma or degree) requires a student visa.
What happens if my NZeTA application is refused?
If your NZeTA is refused, you will need to apply for a standard visitor visa to travel to New Zealand.
How do I apply for an NZeTA?
You can apply through the official NZeTA mobile app (available on iOS and Android) or via the Immigration New Zealand website. Most applications are processed within 72 hours.
Do children need an NZeTA?
Yes, all travellers from visa waiver countries need an NZeTA regardless of age, including children and infants.
Can I extend my stay beyond 3 months?
You cannot extend a visa waiver stay. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a Visitor Visa (which allows stays of up to 9 months) before your current authorisation expires.
