Last updated: 11 September 2026. This guide is published by an independent travel information portal, not a government channel. NZeTA fees and rules may change – always verify current requirements on the Immigration New Zealand website. Source: Immigration New Zealand, Crown copyright © 2026.
Every family member, including newborns, needs an individual NZeTA linked to their own passport to enter New Zealand. Parents can submit a New Zealand ETA application for family groups of up to 10 travellers in one transaction via the NZeTA mobile app, with processing typically completed within 72 hours.
The NZeTA costs NZ$17 per person via the mobile app or NZ$23 per person via the online web form, plus a NZ$100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) per traveller. Each approved NZeTA remains valid for 2 years. British passport holders from visa-waiver countries must obtain this electronic travel authorisation before travelling to New Zealand by air or cruise ship.
Each family member, including infants and children under 18, must hold their own New Zealand ETA (NZeTA) linked to their passport. Parents or guardians can submit NZeTA applications on behalf of minors via the mobile app (up to 10 travellers per transaction) or the online web form. The NZeTA fee is NZ$17 by app or NZ$23 online, plus a NZ$100 IVL per person. Processing typically takes up to 72 hours.
Who Needs an NZeTA to Enter New Zealand?
British passport holders from visa-waiver countries need an NZeTA before flying or cruising to New Zealand (Aotearoa). The NZeTA serves as a border entry document for short-term visits or transit. NZeTA eligibility requires a visa-waiver passport, travel by air or cruise, and a short-term visit or transit purpose .
NZeTA vs Visitor Visa – Which Do Your Family Members Need?
A mixed-nationality family may need both NZeTAs and Visitor Visas, depending on each member’s passport. A Visitor Visa allows stays of up to 6 or 9 months, with no work permission and limited study rights. The New Zealand ETA application for family members from visa-waiver countries requires only an NZeTA, while non-waiver passport holders must apply for a Visitor Visa instead.
| Family member | Needs NZeTA? | Needs Visitor Visa? |
|---|---|---|
| UK passport holder (visa waiver) | Yes | No |
| Non-visa-waiver spouse | No | Yes |
| UK passport holder child | Yes | No |
Do Children and Infants Need Their Own NZeTA?
Every traveller, including newborns, needs a separate NZeTA linked to their own passport – there is no family-wide NZeTA. Each family member, including newborns, requires an individual NZeTA. A family of 2 adults + 2 children needs 4 NZeTAs; a family of 2 adults + 1 child + 1 infant also needs 4.
Yes – every child, even a newborn, needs their own NZeTA linked to their personal passport.
Each approved NZeTA is valid for 2 years and tied to one specific passport number, making transfers between family members impossible.
Passport Validity for Children – The 5-Year Passport Rule
UK children’s passports carry a 5-year validity term and must hold at least 3 months validity beyond the intended departure date from New Zealand. Check every minor’s passport validity before starting the NZeTA application for families.
| Passport type | Validity | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Child (under 16) | 5 years | ≥ 3 months beyond NZ departure |
| Adult | 10 years | ≥ 3 months beyond NZ departure |
New Zealand ETA Application for Family: Fees and the IVL
Each traveller pays the NZeTA fee (NZ$17 app / NZ$23 web) plus NZ$100 IVL. A family of four pays NZ$68-NZ$92 in fees plus NZ$400 IVL. The IVL helps pay for tourism infrastructure and conservation in New Zealand .
| Item | Per person (App) | Per person (Web) | Family of 4 (App) | Family of 4 (Web) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZeTA fee | NZ$17 | NZ$23 | NZ$68 | NZ$92 |
| IVL | NZ$100 | NZ$100 | NZ$400 | NZ$400 |
| Total | NZ$117 | NZ$123 | NZ$468 | NZ$492 |
IVL is NZ$100 per person with no documented child exemptions . Verify current policies before payment. Payment requires a debit card (Visa or Mastercard).
Documents You Need for a Family NZeTA Application
Each family member requires a valid passport, a compliant facial photo, and an email address for confirmation. Passport details must match precisely – incorrect details may prevent travel. For minors, also prepare a birth certificate and parental consent documentation.
- Valid passport for each traveller
- Email address for confirmation
- Biometric photo of the face
- Nationality exactly as shown on the passport
- Debit card (Visa or Mastercard) for payment
For minors (children under 18), additional documents include:
- Child’s birth certificate (evidence of relationship)
- Parental consent documentation
- Custody decree, if applicable
Photo Requirements for Each Traveller
The NZeTA application classifies the traveller photo as biometric information, used to assist in deciding each request. Infants need the same compliant biometric photo as adults. Baby photo tips: open eyes, no props, no supporting hands visible, and a white background.
New Zealand ETA Application for Family: Step-by-Step Guide
The NZeTA application has five steps: traveller info, photo, review, declaration, and payment. Steps can be repeated per member or batched via the mobile app.
Traveller information
Enter passport details, nationality as shown on the passport, and contact email. Use one email address for all family NZeTA applications – each approval will be sent to that address.
Traveller photo
Upload a biometric photo of face for each person. Prepare all children’s passport photos before starting the application.
Review and confirm details
Verify every passport number against the physical document. Incorrect details may prevent travel.
Declaration
Complete the declaration; parents or guardians file on behalf of minors as a third-party application.
Pay and submit
Pay NZ$17 (app) or NZ$23 (web) per person plus NZ$100 IVL using a Visa or Mastercard debit card.
Mobile App vs Web Form – Choosing the Right Submission Method
The NZeTA application for families supports two submission channels. The mobile app enables batch submission of up to 10 NZeTAs in one transaction with a single payment. The web form requires a separate electronic travel authorisation application per person.
Using the NZeTA Mobile App – Submitting for Up to 10 Travellers
The NZeTA mobile app allows parents to add up to 10 family members in a single transaction and pay once for the entire group. The app supports payment card scanning and is available at Google Play. A shared contact email can receive all family NZeTA approvals.
Using the Online Web Form – One Application Per Traveller
The online web form at requires a separate submission and separate payment for each individual traveller. The portal also offers Simplified Chinese (简体中文) in addition to English.
Applying on Behalf of a Minor – Third-Party Applications
The NZeTA application for families allows a parent, legal guardian, or authorised third party, such as a tour organiser or agent, to submit a request on behalf of children under 18. The filer must complete a third-party application declaration within the submission process, confirming parental consent to act on the minor’s behalf.
- Child’s birth certificate (evidence of relationship to the applying adult)
- Custody decree, if applicable
- Notarised consent letter from any non-accompanying parent
Incorrect passport details can block travel . Match every field to the minor’s passport.
Solo-Parent Travel – Consent Requirements
The NZeTA application for families requires solo parents travelling with a child to carry a custody decree or notarised consent letter plus the child’s birth certificate in hand luggage. Digital copies stored on a phone provide a practical backup, but original physical documents should accompany the traveller through New Zealand border entry.
NZeTA Processing Times, Status Checks, and Common Family Mistakes
Processing takes up to 72 hours (longer for complex cases); families should apply at least one week before travel.
How Long Does NZeTA Processing Take?
Standard processing completes within 72 hours of submission. Each approved NZeTA remains valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
Checking Your Family’s NZeTA Status
A single email address can receive approval confirmations for all family members, but each NZeTA status must be verified individually before departure. There is no shared reference number – every application carries its own. The NZeTA portal offers an “Update your NZeTA” feature to review or amend details after submission.
Common Mistakes When Applying for NZeTA for a Family
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Wrong passport numbers | Double-check every field against the passport before submitting |
| Expired children’s passports | Renew each child’s passport before starting the family application |
| Non-compliant infant photos | Follow biometric photo guidelines – open eyes, no props, white background |
| Missed IVL payments | Ensure NZ$100 per person is included at checkout |
FAQ: New Zealand ETA Application for Family
Do babies need their own NZeTA for New Zealand?
Yes. Every child, including newborns, must hold their own individual NZeTA linked to their personal passport. There is no family NZeTA covering multiple travellers.
Can one NZeTA cover my whole family?
No. Each traveller, regardless of age, needs a separate NZeTA linked to their own passport. The mobile app allows up to 10 NZeTAs in a single transaction with one payment.
How much does an NZeTA cost for a family of four?
A family of four pays NZ$68 in NZeTA fees via the app (NZ$17 per person) or NZ$92 via the web (NZ$23 per person), plus NZ$400 for the IVL. Total: NZ$468 to NZ$492.
Can I apply for my child’s NZeTA as a parent or guardian?
Yes. Parents or legal guardians can file NZeTA applications on behalf of minors by completing a third-party declaration. Supporting documents include the child’s birth certificate and, for solo-parent travel, a custody decree or notarised consent letter.
What documents do I need for my child’s NZeTA application?
Each child requires a valid passport, a compliant biometric facial photo, and an email address. For third-party applications, a birth certificate and parental consent documentation are also needed.
How long does NZeTA processing take for a family?
Standard NZeTA processing completes within 72 hours, though complex cases may take longer. Families should apply at least one week before departure. Each approved NZeTA remains valid for 2 years.
Can I use one email address for all my family’s NZeTA applications?
Yes. A single email address can receive approval confirmations for all family members. However, each NZeTA’s status must be verified individually before departure, as every application carries its own reference number.
Do children pay the NZ$100 IVL when entering New Zealand?
The IVL is NZ$100 per person with no documented exemptions for children or infants . Families should verify current exemption policies before paying, as rules may change.
What if my family has different passport nationalities, who needs an NZeTA?
NZeTA eligibility depends on passport nationality and visa-waiver status. Family members holding visa-waiver passports need an NZeTA; those from non-waiver countries may need a Visitor Visa instead. Check each member’s requirements individually.
How do I track my family’s NZeTA applications after submitting?
Each family member’s NZeTA status must be checked individually, even if submitted together via the mobile app. The NZeTA portal offers an update feature for existing applications. Approval confirmations are sent to the contact email provided.
