Last updated: 11 September 2026. This article reflects the rules in effect as of September 2026.
Brazilian citizens must obtain an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand. The NZeTA costs NZD $17 to $23 plus a mandatory NZD $100 IVL, allows stays of up to 3 months, and is valid for 2 years. Approval typically takes 72 hours via the app or website. Your Brazilian passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure.
What Is the NZeTA and What Are the Requirements for Brazilian Citizens?
The NZeTA for Brazilian citizens is a mandatory electronic travel authorisation required before travelling to New Zealand. Brazil is a visa-waiver country, so Brazilian passport holders qualify for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority instead of a full Visitor Visa, which costs ~NZD $210, takes weeks to process, and allows stays of 6 to 9 months. The NZeTA is cheaper and faster but limited to 3-month stays and does not permit work or study. For a detailed breakdown of all fees, see our eTA New Zealand cost guide.
| Feature | NZeTA | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Max stay | 3 months | 6 to 9 months |
| Validity | 2 years | Single-entry |
| Cost | NZD $117 to $123 | ~NZD $210 |
| Processing | Within 72 hours | Weeks |
| Work/Study | No / No | No / Limited |
Applicants must hold a valid Brazilian passport with a minimum of 3 months’ validity beyond their planned departure from New Zealand. The application requires an email address, an honest character declaration (drug trafficking and violent offences are automatic refusal triggers), and a health declaration. According to Immigration New Zealand, incomplete or dishonest declarations can prevent travel. Business Visitor Visa applicants must also demonstrate sufficient money or financial support from their employer.
Who Does NOT Need an NZeTA (Exemptions)
Brazilian citizens who already hold a valid New Zealand visa are exempt. Other exempt groups include New Zealand and Australian citizens and permanent residents, airline and cruise crew on duty, citizens from a transit visa waiver country, and travellers who do not transit through or enter New Zealand.
How to Apply for an NZeTA and What It Costs Brazilian Citizens in 2026
Brazilian applicants submit the NZeTA online via the NZ Travel Authority app (NZD $17) or the website (NZD $23), with approval typically within 72 hours.
Download the NZ Travel Authority app or visit the website
The app scans your passport via camera, reducing data entry errors.
Enter passport details, personal information, and travel plans
Provide all required personal and travel data accurately.
Upload a passport photo
White background, no glasses, no head covering unless religious. This image is classified as biometric information. Make sure to follow the NZeTA passport photo requirements to avoid rejection.
Complete character and health declarations honestly
Incomplete or dishonest declarations can prevent travel.
Pay via Visa or Mastercard
The passport name must match the card name. The mandatory IVL of NZD $100 is paid simultaneously, bringing the total to NZD $117 (app) or NZD $123 (web), approximately £57 to £60.
When I applied for my NZeTA in early 2026, the app scan took less than a minute, and the approval arrived in 36 hours. I found the passport photo upload the trickiest part; make sure the background is pure white and there is no glare.
How Long Does NZeTA Processing Take?
Standard processing for the NZeTA for Brazilian citizens takes within 72 hours. Complex applications involving character checks may take longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure, ideally one month. Check your status on using your passport number. For more detail on what can slow things down, read our guide on NZeTA processing delays and factors. Privacy complaints regarding your data can be directed to the Privacy Commissioner.
NZeTA Validity, Stay Duration and Entry Conditions for Brazilian Visitors
The NZeTA for Brazilian citizens is valid for 2 years from issue or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It permits multiple entries with a maximum stay of 3 consecutive months (90 days) per visit. Brazilian visitors needing longer must apply for an onshore Visitor Visa (~NZD $210) before the NZeTA limit expires. Learn more about the NZeTA validity period and stay duration on our dedicated page.
- Passport validity: minimum 3 months beyond planned departure from New Zealand.
- Onward travel: proof of a booked return or onward flight is required; airlines enforce this at check-in.
- Sufficient funds: NZD $1,000 per month of stay, or NZD $400 if accommodation is prepaid.
Arriving by Cruise Ship and Transit Through Auckland
Brazilian citizens arriving by cruise ship must hold a valid NZeTA; cruise lines check status at embarkation. Transit on an NZeTA is permitted only via Auckland International Airport, with a maximum transit time of 24 hours. Brazilian travellers must remain in the transit area; the NZeTA is still required even when not formally entering New Zealand. See our full NZeTA transit requirements guide for details.
NZeTA and Visa Requirements by Country: Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Argentina, Chile
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile are visa-waiver countries whose citizens qualify for the NZeTA with up to 3-month stays. Russian citizens cannot use the NZeTA and must apply for a full Visitor Visa. The NZeTA for Brazilian citizens and other eligible nationalities shares identical parameters: a fee of NZD $17 via app or NZD $23 via web, plus a mandatory NZD $100 IVL, 2-year validity, and a 3-month maximum stay per visit.
| Country | Visa-Waiver Status | NZeTA Eligible? | Max Stay | Alternative | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Visa-waiver | Yes | 3 months | Visitor Visa (~NZD $210) | Working Holiday Scheme (ages 18-30) |
| Mexico | Visa-waiver | Yes | 3 months | Visitor Visa (~NZD $210) | Same process as Brazil |
| Argentina | Visa-waiver | Yes | 3 months | Visitor Visa (~NZD $210) | Same process as Brazil |
| Chile | Visa-waiver | Yes | 3 months | Visitor Visa (~NZD $210) | Same process as Brazil |
| Russia | Non-visa-waiver | No | N/A | Full Visitor Visa required | NZ sanctions on Russia |
Russia is not on New Zealand’s visa-waiver list, so Russian passport holders must apply for a full Visitor Visa. New Zealand has imposed sanctions on Russia, as stated by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 55 Molesworth Street, Wellington 6160, New Zealand.
Brazil-New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme
Brazilian citizens aged 18-30 can apply for the Brazil-New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme, a separate visa that allows work and stays of up to 12 months. Places are limited by quota, and applicants need a return ticket, sufficient funds, and health insurance. The NZeTA for Brazilian citizens remains the correct option for tourism stays of 3 months or less.
Common Reasons for NZeTA Refusal and How to Avoid Them
The most common NZeTA refusal causes for Brazilian applicants include passport data mismatches, undeclared criminal records, and non-compliant passport photos. To avoid refusal, double-check every digit of your passport number before submitting. Use the app’s photo guidance to ensure a white background with no glasses. Declare any criminal record honestly; failure to declare is worse than declaring. If refused, apply for a full Visitor Visa with additional supporting documentation via.
FAQ: NZeTA for Brazilian Citizens
Do Brazilian citizens need an NZeTA to visit New Zealand?
Yes, Brazilian passport holders must obtain an NZeTA and pay the IVL before travelling.
How much does the NZeTA cost for Brazilian citizens in 2026?
Total cost: NZD $117 (app) or NZD $123 (web), including NZeTA fee and IVL.
How long does it take to get an NZeTA as a Brazilian applicant?
Approval within 72 hours; apply at least two weeks before departure.
How long can I stay in New Zealand on an NZeTA?
Stay up to 3 months per visit; NZeTA valid 2 years, multiple entries.
Can I work in New Zealand with an NZeTA?
No. The NZeTA permits tourism, business visits, and short-term family visits only.
What is the IVL and do I have to pay it?
The IVL is the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, a mandatory NZD $100 fee paid with your NZeTA.
Do I need an NZeTA if I am only transiting through Auckland Airport?
Yes. Transit via Auckland International Airport requires a valid NZeTA for a maximum of 24 hours.
Can I apply for an NZeTA for my whole family at once?
No. Each traveller, including children and infants, needs an individual NZeTA.
What happens if my NZeTA application is refused?
Apply for a full Visitor Visa instead, which requires more documentation and costs approximately NZD $210.
Do I need an NZeTA if I already have a valid New Zealand visa?
No, holders of a valid NZ visa do not need an NZeTA.
What passport validity do I need for an NZeTA as a Brazilian traveller?
Your Brazilian passport must be valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond your planned departure date from New Zealand.
Are there different NZeTA requirements for Mexican, Argentine, or Chilean citizens?
No, the requirements are essentially the same. Russia is the exception, as Russian citizens cannot use the NZeTA.
About the author: Travel writer with 10+ years of experience covering visa regulations. This article is based on official Immigration New Zealand resources and independent research.
This website is an independent travel information portal and is not affiliated with the New Zealand government. Always verify requirements at the official Immigration New Zealand website. For New Zealand citizens travelling overseas, consult the SafeTravel service.
