Published: 11 September 2026 | Last verified: 11 September 2026 | Editorial note: This content is editorially independent and not sponsored by Immigration New Zealand or any other organisation.
An NZeTA scam website impersonates the genuine government application portal to steal payments and data from UK travellers. The only genuine portal is and official fees in 2026 total NZD $52 to $58. Any site charging more is fraudulent.
Fraudsters clone New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority branding to harvest payments, using non-.govt.nz domains and bogus payment methods. An NZeTA scam website frequently purchases Google Ads targeting “NZeTA application” queries, impersonating online services to deceive tourists. Domain verification is essential before submitting any personal details.
How to Spot an NZeTA Scam Website: Red Flags Checklist
An NZeTA scam website uses non-.govt.nz domains, misspelt URLs, and pushes unauthorised payment methods like PayPal or cryptocurrency. Use this checklist to audit any suspicious page:
- 1. Domain suffix – ❌ Fake:
.com,.org,.travel,.net(e.g.) · ✅ Genuine:.govt.nzonly - 2. HTTPS padlock – ❌ Fake: HTTPS alone is NOT proof; scammers buy SSL certificates cheaply · ✅ Genuine: HTTPS plus correct
.govt.nzdomain - 3. Spelling & URL structure – ❌ Fake:
nzetapermit,nzeta-immigration,nzepta, added words like “permit” or “express” · ✅ Genuine: exact - 4. Design quality – ❌ Fake: low-resolution logos, broken footer links, generic stock imagery · ✅ Genuine: Crown copyright © 2026 notice, NZ Government emblem
- 5. Disclaimers & footers – ❌ Fake: vague terms pages, no physical address · ✅ Genuine: verifiable contact information, government copyright notices
- 6. Payment method – ❌ Fake: PayPal, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards · ✅ Genuine: credit/debit card only through government payment gateway
If a site fails any check above, it is likely an NZeTA scam website. Always confirm the .govt.nz domain hallmark before entering passport data.
Genuine NZeTA Portal and Authorised Fees in 2026
The only authorised NZeTA application portal is , operated by Immigration New Zealand (parent site: ). The NZeTA Mobile App – What to Look For: The genuine app is published by Immigration New Zealand on the App Store and Google Play. Verify the publisher name, app icon, download count, and review patterns before installing; copycat apps harvest personal and payment data.
| Fee Component | Via Mobile App | Via Web Browser |
|---|---|---|
| NZeTA processing fee | NZD $17 | NZD $23 |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) | NZD $35 | NZD $35 |
| Total | NZD $52 (~£25) | NZD $58 (~£28) |
Source: Immigration New Zealand fee schedule 2026. GBP figures approximate, subject to exchange rate. Processing takes up to 72 hours for most applicants. Any site promising faster approval for an extra fee is fabricating an upsell. The most common tactic an NZeTA scam website uses to profit is inflating the fee; checking official fees is the fastest way to identify an NZeTA scam website before entering payment details.
How to Recognise NZeTA Phishing Emails and Unauthorised Agents
NZeTA scam emails redirect victims to fraudulent sites; rogue agents charge NZD $150-$300+ for a NZD $52-$58 self-service application in 2026. Most NZeTA phishing emails exist to redirect victims to an NZeTA scam website.
| Indicator | ❌ Fake / Phishing | ✅ Genuine (Immigration NZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Sender address | , generic webmail | @immigration.govt.nz |
| Subject line | “Your NZeTA has expired”, “Action required – application suspended” | Transactional confirmation with your NZeTA number |
| Links | domains (hover to inspect) | Point to |
| Requests | Gift cards, wire transfer, passwords, card details via email | None. INZ will NEVER ask for these via email |
Scam Search Ads: Scammers buy Google Ads targeting “NZeTA application” queries. Look for the “Sponsored” label and scroll to the organic .govt.nz result. Hovering over links reveals whether the destination is an NZeTA scam website rather than the genuine portal.
Verify Agents: Go to to search the Immigration Advisers Authority register. Enter the adviser’s name or company and confirm their licence status is “Licensed.” Unlicensed immigration advice is illegal in New Zealand. Some unauthorised agents operate their own NZeTA scam website, so verifying an adviser reduces the risk of being funnelled to fraudulent pages.
NZeTA vs Visitor Visa – Don’t Get Confused: UK citizens need an NZeTA (visa-waiver e-Visa authorisation, NZD $52-$58, online self-service, up to 72 hours processing). A Visitor Visa is a separate formal application allowing stays of up to 6 months or up to 9 months, where work is not permitted but study is permitted. Transit visas apply only when transiting through Auckland International Airport. Scammers exploit this confusion by offering fake visas or “visa services” when only an NZeTA is required.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed: A UK Recovery Plan
UK travellers scammed by a fake NZeTA site should contact their bank for a chargeback under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act and report the incident to Action Fraud UK without delay.
Contact your bank immediately
Request a chargeback. For credit card payments over £100, invoke Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which makes the card provider jointly liable for the fraudulent charge.
Cancel or replace compromised cards
If full card details were entered on an NZeTA scam website.
Report to Action Fraud UK
The UK’s national fraud reporting centre.
Report to CERT NZ
New Zealand’s cybersecurity incident response team.
Notify Immigration New Zealand
If passport or personal data was exposed on an NZeTA scam website.
Monitor your credit report
Through Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion UK for signs of identity theft.
Do not re-apply on the same scam site
Expecting a refund; any NZeTA scam website that has already taken payment will not return it voluntarily.
Where to Report NZeTA Scams – Key Contacts:
| Organisation | URL |
|---|---|
| Action Fraud UK | |
| CERT NZ | |
| Immigration New Zealand |
FAQ
What is the genuine website for the NZeTA?
The genuine portal is , operated by Immigration New Zealand. The portal uses .govt.nz – no other domain is authorised to process NZeTA applications.
Which is the real NZeTA app?
The real NZeTA app is published by Immigration New Zealand on the App Store and Google Play. Verify the publisher name, app icon, and review patterns before installing; copycat apps harvest personal and payment data.
What is the NZeTA application fee in 2026?
NZeTA costs NZD $52 (app) or NZD $58 (web) in 2026, comprising a NZD $17/$23 processing fee plus a NZD $35 IVL levy. Higher charges indicate an NZeTA scam website or overcharging agent.
What should I do if I already paid money to a fake NZeTA website?
Contact your bank immediately to request a chargeback (invoke Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act for UK credit card payments over £100). Report to Action Fraud UK and CERT NZ . Cancel compromised cards and monitor your credit report.
Can a fake NZeTA website show up as a top Google result?
Yes – scammers purchase Google Ads targeting “NZeTA application” queries. Always check for the “Sponsored” label and scroll to the organic result. Verify the URL matches before entering any data.
How can I tell if an NZeTA website is fake before paying?
Check the domain suffix – genuine sites only use .govt.nz. Look for misspelt URLs, low-resolution logos, or broken footer links. Avoid sites requesting PayPal, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency; the genuine government portal only accepts credit or debit card payments.
How do I verify if an NZeTA agent is legitimate?
Go to to search the Immigration Advisers Authority register. Enter the adviser’s name or company and confirm their licence status is “Licensed.” Providing unlicensed immigration advice on New Zealand matters is illegal.
How long does NZeTA processing take?
Processing takes up to 72 hours for most applicants. No service can guarantee instant approval for an extra fee; promises of express processing or priority queues are fabricated upsells used by fraudulent agents.
