Last updated: September 2026. This is an informational guide for travellers. Always verify the latest requirements at the Immigration New Zealand portal . We are not affiliated with Immigration New Zealand.
UK passport holders asking how to apply for eTA New Zealand can submit an NZeTA via the mobile app (NZD $17) or web browser (NZD $23), plus a mandatory NZD $100 IVL. British citizens receive up to 6 months’ stay per visit on a 2-year multiple-entry NZeTA. Most applications are approved within 72 hours.
The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is an electronic travel authority, not a traditional visa, required for visa-waiver travellers visiting New Zealand for tourism or short business.
Do I Need an NZeTA? Eligibility for UK Travellers
UK passport holders need an NZeTA unless transiting through Auckland under exemption.
- You need an NZeTA if: you hold a British passport and plan to visit or transit New Zealand for tourism or short business.
- You do not need an NZeTA if: you hold Australian citizenship (fully exempt from the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority requirement).
- Australian Permanent Residents: you must hold an NZeTA but are exempt from the NZD $100 IVL fee.
- Transit through Auckland: visa-waiver passport holders transiting Auckland International Airport may need an NZeTA unless they qualify for a transit visa waiver exemption.
Confirm your eligibility before you apply using the checker tool at (external government source).
What You Need Before You Start – Documents & Requirements
An NZeTA application requires a valid passport (minimum 3 months beyond departure), a biometric JPEG/PNG photo, an email address, and a Visa or Mastercard.
Gather these items before starting your NZeTA application. Having these ready prevents mid-application delays when filling out the NZeTA form.
| Requirement | Details | Common Pitfall |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand (source: ) | Expiring passports cause automatic rejection |
| Biometric photo | JPEG or PNG format, white or light background, neutral expression, no glasses; head coverings allowed for religious reasons. Classified as biometric information used to assist in making a decision on your NZeTA request. Privacy complaints can be directed to the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner. | Dark backgrounds or smiling trigger upload rejection |
| Email address | Required to receive confirmation and approval email | A typo means you never receive your approval |
| Payment card | Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card accepted | Other card types are not supported |
| Health & character answers | Yes/no declarations on medical and criminal history | Guessing triggers further assessment delays |
NZeTA Application Channels & Costs in 2026: App vs Web
The mobile app costs NZD $17 and the web browser NZD $23, both plus the mandatory NZD $100 IVL, totalling NZD $117 or NZD $123 respectively.
The IVL (NZD $100) funds tourism infrastructure. Pay it with your NZeTA fee. Once approved, your NZeTA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries.
| Channel | NZeTA Fee | IVL | Total Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile App | NZD $17 | NZD $100 | NZD $117 | Free download, scans passport and payment card, cheaper | Requires a smartphone |
| Web Browser | NZD $23 | NZD $100 | NZD $123 | Accessible from any device via | NZD $6 more expensive |
Our recommendation: use the mobile app to save NZD $6 and speed up data entry using the built-in passport scanning feature.
Step-by-Step NZeTA Application Walkthrough – Steps 1 to 3
Traveller Information
Enter your full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, and contact details.
Upload Your Photo
Take a selfie within the app or upload a JPEG or PNG file on the web portal.
Health & Character Declarations
Answer health and criminal history questions with a simple yes or no.
Review & Submit
Preview every field against your passport and declare that all provided information is truthful.
Payment & Confirmation
Pay the NZeTA fee and IVL using a Visa or Mastercard and receive your reference number.
Step 1 – Traveller Information
You begin your NZeTA application by entering your full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, and contact details. Your name order must match your passport exactly – especially middle names and hyphenated surnames. Inaccurate passport details may prevent you from travelling to New Zealand.
Step 2 – Upload Your Photo
You upload a photo either by taking a selfie within the app or by uploading a file on the web portal. The image must be in JPEG or PNG format with a white or light background, a neutral expression, and no glasses. This photo is classified as biometric information used to assist in making a decision on your NZeTA request.
Step 3 – Health & Character Declarations
You answer health and criminal history questions with a simple yes or no. A “yes” answer triggers further assessment but does not automatically disqualify your application. Complex cases may take longer than 72 hours to process.
Step-by-Step NZeTA Application Walkthrough – Steps 4 to 5
Step 4 – Review & Submit
Before you submit your NZeTA application, preview every field against your passport. Confirm that your name order, passport number, date of birth, and nationality match exactly. You then declare that all provided information is truthful. Inaccurate passport details mean you may not be able to travel to New Zealand.
Step 5 – Payment & Confirmation
You pay the NZeTA fee and IVL using a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. The confirmation screen displays a reference number that you need to check your NZeTA status. A confirmation email is sent to the address you provided. You can check your NZeTA status through the Immigration New Zealand tool at.
NZeTA Processing Times, Tracking & What to Do If It’s Delayed
Standard NZeTA processing takes up to 72 hours, though complex health or character cases may require longer assessment.
Use the passport number + date of birth lookup tool at Immigration New Zealand’s external status portal – your reference number appears on the confirmation screen and in the approval email.
If the approval email has not arrived within 72 hours, check your spam folder first, then verify the email address entered on your form. For last-minute travel, submit your NZeTA application at least 72 hours before departure to allow buffer time for complex-case delays. Contact Immigration New Zealand directly only after the 72-hour window has passed and the online status tool shows no update.
7 Tips to Get Your NZeTA Approved Faster
Use the mobile app, enter passport details with exact-match accuracy, upload a compliant biometric photo, and apply at least 72 hours before departure to avoid delays.
- Use the mobile app to submit your NZeTA. The app channel costs NZD $17 compared to NZD $23 via web browser, and the built-in passport scanner speeds up data entry.
- Match passport data exactly. Your name, passport number, and date of birth must be identical to your physical passport to prevent travel disruptions.
- Upload a compliant photo. Use a JPEG or PNG file with a white or light background, maintain a neutral expression, and remove glasses.
- Answer health questions honestly. Inaccurate responses trigger further assessment and extend processing beyond the standard window.
- Double-check your email address. A single typo means you will not receive your approval email and confirmation reference number.
- Apply at least 72 hours before departure. Submit your NZeTA application early – complex health or character cases may exceed this window .
- Do not guess on character questions. If you have doubts about criminal history declarations for your NZeTA, seek advice before submitting the form.
Border Entry Requirements & Special Cases Beyond the NZeTA
Beyond your NZeTA, border officers may require proof of funds (NZD $1,000 per month) and a return or onward ticket before allowing entry to New Zealand.
Border officers may ask for proof of NZD $1,000/month (or NZD $400 if accommodation is prepaid). Airlines may deny boarding without proof of a return or onward ticket, so you must hold this documentation before you fly.
Your NZeTA does not permit paid employment in New Zealand, though limited short-term study is allowed. If your NZeTA application is declined, you can reapply with corrected data or apply for a full Visitor Visa if the refusal relates to health or character grounds.
Each traveller, including infants, requires a separate NZeTA application with no batch filing option. Transit passengers passing through Auckland International Airport may be exempt from the NZeTA requirement depending on their specific circumstances.
FAQ: NZeTA Costs, Eligibility, Process and Border Entry
How much does an NZeTA cost for UK citizens in 2026?
UK citizens pay NZD $117 via the mobile app or NZD $123 via web, comprising the NZeTA fee plus the mandatory NZD $100 IVL. Payment is made by Visa or Mastercard (credit or debit).
Can I apply for NZeTA for my whole family at once?
No. Each traveller, including infants, requires a separate NZeTA application submitted individually with no batch or group filing option.
What is the difference between an NZeTA and a New Zealand visitor visa?
An NZeTA allows stays of up to 6 months for UK passport holders (or 3 months for most other visa-waiver nationals) on a 2-year multiple-entry basis. A Visitor Visa permits stays of up to 9 months but requires a full visa application.
How do I check my NZeTA application status online?
Enter your passport number and date of birth into Immigration New Zealand’s online status tool at. Your reference number appears on the confirmation screen and in your approval email.
What if my NZeTA application is declined?
Reapply with corrected data if errors caused the decline, or apply for a full Visitor Visa if the refusal relates to health or character grounds.
Do Australian citizens need an NZeTA?
Australian citizens are fully exempt and do not need an NZeTA. Australian Permanent Residents must hold an NZeTA but are exempt from the NZD $100 IVL.
Do I need an NZeTA if I am just transiting through Auckland?
Visa-waiver passport holders transiting through Auckland International Airport generally need an NZeTA unless they qualify for a transit visa waiver exemption. Check your eligibility at before travelling.
Can I work or study in New Zealand on an NZeTA?
An NZeTA does not permit paid employment. Limited short-term study is allowed, but longer study requires a Student Visa.
Do I need a return or onward ticket when entering New Zealand?
Yes. Airlines may deny boarding without proof of an onward or return ticket from New Zealand, and border officers may also refuse entry.
What do I need to show at the New Zealand border besides my NZeTA?
Border officers may request proof of NZD $1,000 per person per month of stay (or NZD $400 if accommodation is prepaid) plus a return or onward ticket.
