In 2026, passport holders from Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan can apply for an NZeTA to visit New Zealand. Citizens of India, China, and Thailand must apply for a Visitor Visa instead. The NZeTA costs NZD $117 to NZD $123 and allows stays up to 3 months over 2 years.
Eligibility depends on your passport nationality, not your departure country. Travellers must apply via the mobile app or the Immigration New Zealand online portal before their trip. This guide covers NZeTA for Asian citizens across all nine jurisdictions.
Processing typically takes up to 72 hours. Applicants must hold a valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond their intended departure date from New Zealand and pay the mandatory International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
What Is the NZeTA and Who Needs It?
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is an electronic entry authorisation that allows eligible travellers to visit or transit through New Zealand without applying for a visa first. The NZeTA is not a visa – it is a pre-travel clearance linked to your passport.
Eligibility is determined by passport nationality, not by your country of departure. The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority applies to citizens of visa waiver countries and territories, which include Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Citizens of India, China, and Thailand are not eligible and must apply for a Visitor Visa instead.
Three factors govern NZeTA eligibility: the passport you hold, your mode of travel (air or cruise), and your purpose of travel (visiting or transiting). For the full list of eligible nationalities, refer to Immigration New Zealand as an external reference source.
NZeTA Eligibility and Visa Options by Country
| Country | NZeTA Eligible | Visitor Visa Required | Max Stay | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Yes | No | Up to 3 months | NZD $117 (app) / NZD $123 (web) |
| Singapore | Yes | No | Up to 3 months | NZD $117 / NZD $123 |
| South Korea | Yes | No | Up to 3 months | NZD $117 / NZD $123 |
| Malaysia | Yes | No | Up to 3 months | NZD $117 / NZD $123 |
| Hong Kong (SAR passport) | Yes | No | Up to 3 months | NZD $117 / NZD $123 |
| Taiwan (ROC passport) | Yes | No | Up to 3 months | NZD $117 / NZD $123 |
| India | No | Yes | Up to 6 months (standard) or 9 months (extended) | NZD $211+ |
| China | No | Yes | Up to 6 months or 9 months | NZD $211+ |
| Thailand | No | Yes | Up to 6 months or 9 months | NZD $211+ |
The Visitor Visa grants up to 6 months as a standard stay, with an extended grant of up to 9 months subject to individual assessment by Immigration New Zealand.
How to Apply for an NZeTA: Steps and Processing Time
Apply via the free NZeTA mobile app or the Immigration New Zealand portal . Follow the seven steps below – approval is granted only after all steps are completed.
Download the NZeTA app
Download the NZeTA app from the App Store or Google Play (free).
Create an account
Create an account using a valid email address.
Enter passport details
The name must match the passport exactly.
Complete the biometric face scan
Complete the biometric face scan within the app (typically under 30 seconds).
Answer health and character declarations
Answer all health and character declarations.
Pay the NZeTA fee plus IVL
Pay the NZeTA fee plus the NZD $100 IVL (total NZD $117 via app or NZD $123 via website) using a Visa or Mastercard.
Receive confirmation
Standard processing time is up to 72 hours.
Once approved, the NZeTA remains valid for 2 years with multiple entries permitted, allowing a maximum stay of 3 months per visit. Apply at least 1-2 weeks before your trip. Additional checks may extend processing beyond the standard 72-hour window.
NZeTA Cost and Fees for Asian Citizens
The NZeTA costs NZD $117 when applied for via the mobile app or NZD $123 via the Immigration New Zealand website, combining the application fee with the mandatory International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
The application fee component is NZD $17 (app) or NZD $23 (website). The IVL adds a further NZD $100 in both channels. Payment for all pathways is accepted by Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card.
By contrast, citizens of India, China, and Thailand – who are not eligible for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority – must pay NZD $211+ for a Visitor Visa.
Transit Rules at Auckland International Airport
Transit rules at Auckland International Airport vary by nationality, as shown in the table below. Thai nationals hold TVWC status and transit visa-free. The NZeTA is accepted for Chinese passport holders transiting through Auckland, effective November 2025. Indian nationals must obtain a Transit Visa.
| Country | Transit Visa Required | Can Use NZeTA for Transit | TVWC Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | Yes | No | No | Transit Visa mandatory |
| China | No | Yes (from Nov 2025) | No | NZeTA accepted for transit through Auckland |
| Japan | No | No (exempt) | No | Visa waiver country citizen |
| Malaysia | No | No (exempt) | No | Visa waiver country citizen |
| Singapore | No | No (exempt) | No | Visa waiver country citizen |
| South Korea | No | No (exempt) | No | Visa waiver country citizen |
| Hong Kong | No | No (exempt) | No | Visa waiver country citizen (SAR passport) |
| Taiwan | No | No (exempt) | No | Visa waiver country citizen (ROC passport) |
| Thailand | No | No (exempt) | Yes | TVWC citizen – no visa needed for transit |
At the NZ Border: What Immigration Officers Will Check
- NZeTA verification – an officer scans your passport and confirms the NZeTA approval is linked to your profile in the immigration system.
- Onward or return travel ticket – you must present proof of departure from New Zealand.
- Accommodation booking – a hotel reservation or host address is required.
- Sufficient funds – minimum NZD $1,000 per month without prepaid accommodation, or NZD $400 per month with prepaid accommodation.
- Passport validity – minimum 3 months beyond your intended departure from New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about NZeTA for Asian citizens
Do I need an NZeTA if I’m flying from the UK?
Your passport determines eligibility, not your departure country. If you hold an Indian passport, you need a Visitor Visa regardless of where you fly from.
Can Chinese citizens use the NZeTA to visit New Zealand?
No, Chinese passport holders require a Visitor Visa for visiting New Zealand. However, since November 2025, Chinese citizens can use an NZeTA for transit through Auckland International Airport.
How long does NZeTA approval take for Asian applicants?
Standard processing takes up to 72 hours, but additional character or security checks may extend this time. Apply at least 1 to 2 weeks before your intended travel date.
Can I work in New Zealand on an NZeTA?
No. NZeTA holders cannot work in New Zealand under any circumstances. If you plan to work, you need a work visa.
Do children need their own NZeTA?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children, must hold their own NZeTA.
What is the IVL and why do I have to pay it?
The IVL (NZD $100) funds DOC projects and tourism infrastructure. It is mandatory and non-refundable even if the NZeTA is declined.
What is the total cost of an NZeTA in 2026?
NZD $117 via the mobile app (NZD $17 fee + NZD $100 IVL) or NZD $123 via the INZ website (NZD $23 fee + NZD $100 IVL). Payment is by Visa or Mastercard.
Do citizens of India need an NZeTA or a visa for New Zealand?
Indian passport holders need a Visitor Visa, as they are not eligible for the NZeTA. The Visitor Visa allows a stay of up to 6 months (standard) or up to 9 months (extended) and costs NZD $211+.
Can I transit through Auckland Airport without a visa?
It depends on your nationality. Thai passport holders qualify as Transit Visa Waiver Country citizens and can transit without a visa. Chinese nationals may use an NZeTA for transit (from November 2025), while Indian nationals require a Transit Visa.
What documents do I need for the NZeTA application?
You need a valid passport (with at least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure from New Zealand), a digital photo compatible with the app’s biometric scan, a Visa or Mastercard for payment, and your travel itinerary details.
Last updated: September 2026. All fees and requirements are sourced from Immigration New Zealand . This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
