When comparing the eTA New Zealand vs visa options, the choice depends on your passport and intended stay length. UK citizens can use the electronic travel authorisation for stays up to 6 months, while a Visitor Visa suits longer trips up to 9 months or non-waiver nationals. UK citizens planning a short trip should apply for an NZeTA (NZD $117), while those staying over 6 months need a Visitor Visa (NZD $211).
This comparison breaks down eligibility, cost, processing time, and stay duration to help UK travellers choose the correct travel documentation and meet all entry requirements.
Quick answer: An NZeTA is an electronic travel authority for visa-waiver countries, allowing stays up to 6 months for UK citizens at NZD $117 to NZD $123 total. A New Zealand Visitor Visa is a full immigration visa for longer stays (up to 9 months) at NZD $211, requiring 20 to 30 working days to process.
Last updated: 11 September 2026. This is unofficial informational content, not a government website. NZeTA and Visitor Visa requirements can change; always confirm your specific situation with Immigration New Zealand at.
eTA New Zealand vs Visa: Key Differences Explained
The NZeTA is an electronic travel authorisation for visa-waiver countries; the Visitor Visa is a full immigration visa for non-waiver nationals or longer stays. UK passport holders are visa-waiver nationals, meaning they can enter New Zealand using an NZeTA for tourism, business meetings, or transit.
The NZeTA permits stays of up to 6 months for British citizens, compared with 3 months for most other visa-waiver nationals. The Visitor Visa accommodates stays of up to 9 months and is required for non-waiver nationals or those whose travel plans fall outside the NZeTA’s scope. This eTA New Zealand vs visa breakdown helps you choose the correct pathway for your nationality and itinerary before departure in 2026.
NZeTA vs Visitor Visa: Side-by-Side Comparison Table (2026)
NZeTA costs NZD $117 to $123 with 72-hour approval, while a Visitor Visa costs NZD $211 and takes 20 to 30 working days.
| Attribute | NZeTA | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | NZD $117 (app) or $123 (web) | NZD $211 |
| Processing Time | Within 72 hours | 20 to 30 working days |
| Maximum Stay (UK) | 6 months | 9 months |
| Validity | 2 years | Single or multiple entry |
| Entry Type | Multiple entries | Single or multiple entry |
| Work Rights | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Study Rights | Up to 3 months | Up to 3 months |
| Eligibility | Visa-waiver countries | Non-waiver nationals |
| Application Method | Mobile app or web portal | Online application form |
| IVL | NZD $100 included | Included in fee |
| Passport Validity | 3 months beyond departure | 3 months beyond departure |
| Health Requirements | Not typically required | Chest X-ray for 6+ month stays |
Decision flowchart: UK passport holder + stay under 6 months + no paid work leads to NZeTA. Stay over 6 months, extended study, or non-waiver passport leads to New Zealand Visitor Visa.
Eligibility and Cost Breakdown (2026)
UK passport holders qualify for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority as visa-waiver nationals, paying NZD $117 (mobile app) or NZD $123 (web portal) in total, while travellers from non-waiver countries must obtain a Visitor Visa at NZD $211.
NZeTA Cost Breakdown
UK citizens, as visa-waiver nationals, pay NZD $17 via the mobile app or NZD $23 via the web portal, plus the mandatory International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100. The mandatory NZD $100 IVL funds New Zealand’s tourism infrastructure and is collected with the NZeTA application. Accepted payment brands are Visa and Mastercard (credit or debit).
Visitor Visa Cost Breakdown
The Visitor Visa applies to passport holders from countries requiring a visa to enter New Zealand, and to those planning extended stays beyond NZeTA limits. The standard application fee is NZD $211. The IVL is not separately charged for Visitor Visa applicants as it is included in the application fee. NZeTA is cheaper for eligible UK travellers, while the Visitor Visa serves non-waiver nationals and longer stays.
What Is the IVL?
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy costs NZD $100 and is mandatory for NZeTA applicants. It is collected at the same time as the NZeTA application and funds tourism infrastructure and conservation efforts in New Zealand.
UK Travellers: Quick Facts
- UK passport holders are visa-waiver nationals eligible for NZeTA.
- UK citizens can stay up to 6 months on an NZeTA (vs 3 months for other visa-waiver nationals).
- Total NZeTA cost: NZD $117 (mobile app) or NZD $123 (web portal).
- NZeTA is valid for 2 years with multiple entries.
- Mobile app saves NZD $6 compared to the web portal.
- NZ citizens travelling to the UK visa-free must apply for a UK ETA (reciprocal requirement, per ).
Processing Times and Stay Duration Compared
NZeTA is approved within 72 hours; a Visitor Visa takes 20 to 30 working days. UK travellers needing speed should choose NZeTA.
NZeTA Stay Duration and Validity
The NZeTA grants UK citizens up to 6 months per visit, compared with 3 months for other visa-waiver nationals. It remains valid for 2 years and permits multiple entries without reapplying for each trip.
Visitor Visa Stay Duration
A Visitor Visa allows stays of up to 9 months within an 18-month period. Entry may be granted as single or multiple entry, depending on the conditions set at the time of approval. According to Immigration New Zealand, applications requiring additional health or character checks may take longer than the standard processing window.
Can You Work or Study in New Zealand?
Neither the NZeTA nor a Visitor Visa permits paid employment, but both allow short-term study up to 3 months.
Work Rights
- Not permitted on either NZeTA or Visitor Visa.
- Volunteer work is restricted and not a substitute for paid employment.
- Business visitor activities on NZeTA: meetings, conferences, and site visits are permitted (no paid work).
Short-Term Study Permissions
- Up to 3 months of short-term study on both NZeTA and Visitor Visa.
- Examples: language courses or short cultural training programmes.
- No separate study visa application needed for short courses.
When to Choose NZeTA vs Visitor Visa
Choose NZeTA for tourism stays under 6 months for UK citizens, or a New Zealand Visitor Visa for stays up to 9 months or specific conditions requiring a full visa.
Choose NZeTA If…
- Your UK passport permits a stay up to 6 months without a full visa.
- You need approval within 72 hours for a short tourism trip.
- You are transiting through Auckland International Airport (up to 24 hours).
- You plan business meetings or conferences without paid work.
- You want multiple entries across a 2-year validity period.
Choose Visitor Visa If…
- Your planned stay exceeds 6 months (Visitor Visa allows up to 9 months).
- You intend to study for longer than 3 months.
- You are travelling on a passport from a non-visa-waiver country.
- You need tailored single or multiple-entry conditions.
Decision flowchart: UK passport holder + stay under 6 months + no paid work leads to NZeTA. Stay over 6 months, extended study, or non-waiver passport leads to New Zealand Visitor Visa.
How to Apply for an NZeTA from the UK
UK applicants apply for NZeTA via the mobile app (NZD $17) or web portal (NZD $23), with approval arriving within 72 hours.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Download the NZeTA mobile app or visit the web portal
Available on iOS and Android, or access the web portal online.
Enter traveller information and passport details
Provide all required personal and passport data.
Take or upload a biometric photo
Ensure the photo is correctly cropped to avoid rejection.
Review and confirm details, then complete the declaration
Double-check all information before submitting.
Pay the NZeTA fee plus IVL
Visa or Mastercard (credit or debit) accepted.
Using the mobile app costs NZD $17, saving NZD $6 compared to the NZD $23 web portal fee. The mobile app includes passport scanning and payment card scanning features. Available languages: English and simplified Chinese.
I applied for the NZeTA using the mobile app from London in September 2026. The application took about 12 minutes, and approval arrived within 14 hours. The most common mistake is uploading an incorrectly cropped biometric photo, which causes the system to reject the image.
Additional Requirements and Travel Tips (2026)
NZeTA holders need passports valid 3 months beyond departure, proof of NZD $1,000 per month in funds, and a return ticket.
Passport Validity Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure date from New Zealand.
- If your passport expires within 3 months of planned departure, you may be denied entry.
Financial Requirements
- Proof of NZD $1,000 per person per month of stay, or NZD $400 if accommodation is prepaid.
- Example: a 2-week trip requires at least NZD $2,000 in accessible funds (or NZD $800 with prepaid accommodation).
Onward/Return Ticket Requirement
- Must hold a paid onward or return ticket.
- Airlines may refuse boarding without proof.
Health and Medical Requirements (Visitor Visa)
- Stays over 6 months: may require a chest X-ray.
- Stays over 12 months: full medical examination required.
- Medical certificates are not typically required for NZeTA stays.
Can You Extend Your Stay?
- Yes, you can apply for a Visitor Visa from within New Zealand (onshore application), but approval is not guaranteed.
- Apply before your NZeTA expires to avoid overstaying.
FAQ: eTA New Zealand vs Visa
What is the difference between NZeTA and a New Zealand visitor visa?
NZeTA is an electronic travel authority for visa-waiver countries, allowing stays up to 6 months for UK citizens. A Visitor Visa is a full immigration visa for longer stays up to 9 months or for travellers from non-waiver countries who do not qualify for the electronic authorisation.
How much does an NZeTA cost for UK citizens in 2026?
In 2026, an NZeTA costs NZD $17 via the mobile app or NZD $23 via the web portal, plus the mandatory International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100. The total cost is NZD $117 for the app or NZD $123 for the web portal.
How long does it take to get an NZeTA from the UK?
Most NZeTA requests are processed within 72 hours, though complex requests may take longer. A Visitor Visa application typically requires 20 to 30 working days to process, so apply well in advance of your travel date.
Can I stay in New Zealand for more than 6 months on an NZeTA?
No. The NZeTA allows UK citizens to stay up to 6 months, while other visa-waiver nationals are limited to 3 months. If you need to stay longer, such as up to the 9 months permitted by a Visitor Visa, you must apply for that specific visa instead.
Do UK citizens need a visitor visa for New Zealand?
No. Because the United Kingdom is a visa-waiver country, British passport holders are eligible to apply for an NZeTA, which permits stays of up to 6 months for tourism, business meetings, or transit purposes.
Can I work in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa?
No. Neither the Visitor Visa nor the NZeTA allows paid employment. However, both options permit short-term study for up to 3 months, and you can engage in business visitor activities like attending meetings or conferences on an NZeTA.
What is the IVL and do I have to pay it with my NZeTA?
The IVL is the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, which costs NZD $100. It is mandatory for NZeTA applicants and is collected at the same time as your NZeTA application. The funds support tourism infrastructure and conservation efforts in New Zealand.
Can I extend my NZeTA stay while in New Zealand?
Yes, you can apply for a Visitor Visa from within New Zealand to extend your stay, but approval is not guaranteed. You must submit this onshore application before your NZeTA expires to avoid overstaying.
What documents do I need for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
You need a passport, completed application form, proof of funds, medical certificate (if staying over 6 months), police certificate, and a return ticket.
Is an NZeTA valid for multiple entries?
Yes. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries without reapplying for each trip.
How much money do I need to enter New Zealand?
You need NZD $1,000 per person per month of stay, or NZD $400 if accommodation is prepaid.
Do NZ citizens need a UK ETA to visit the UK?
Yes. New Zealand passport holders travelling to the UK visa-free must apply for a UK ETA, which is a separate requirement from the NZeTA.
