NZeTA costs NZD 117 and lasts 2 years, while Australian ETA costs AUD 20 and lasts 12 months. Fees range from 7 CAD (Canadian eTA) to 90 EUR (Schengen visa); validity ranges from 12 months (Australian ETA) to 5 years (Canadian eTA). UK travellers need separate authorisations for each destination, including US ESTA, UK ETA, Canadian eTA, and Schengen visa.
NZeTA vs Australian ETA: Quick Comparison (2026): NZeTA costs NZD 117 (NZD 17 fee + NZD 100 IVL), is valid for 2 years, and takes up to 72 hours to process. Australian ETA costs AUD 20, is valid for 12 months, and is approved within minutes. Both allow multiple entries and a 3-month stay per visit. UK citizens need both if visiting New Zealand and Australia.
All costs listed are sourced from each country’s government website as of 2026. For NZeTA, check Immigration New Zealand; for Australian ETA, see the Australian Border Force. Published 2026. Last updated 2026.
NZeTA vs Australian ETA: Cost and Validity
The NZeTA costs NZD 117 online (NZD 17 application fee + NZD 100 IVL) or NZD 123 via mobile app (NZD 23 fee + NZD 100 IVL), and remains valid for 2 years for visitors or 12 months for crew. The Australian ETA (subclass 601) costs AUD 20 as a single all-in fee and is valid for 12 months. Both authorisations permit a maximum stay of 3 months per entry and allow multiple entries.
NZeTA processing takes up to 72 hours; Australian ETA is approved in minutes via its mobile app. The IVL (NZD 100) funds conservation and tourism infrastructure. Australian citizens are exempt from NZeTA and IVL; non-citizen Australian residents may still need NZeTA. UK travellers need both NZeTA and Australian ETA separately: no combined document exists.
NZeTA also covers transit through Auckland International Airport for up to 24 hours. Work is not permitted; study is allowed for a limited duration. Cruise ship travellers must also hold an NZeTA. Holders of an eligible passport from 60+ visa waiver scheme countries, including the UK, can apply online at or via the NZeTA mobile app. Apply at least 72 hours before departure to avoid delays.
US ESTA, UK ETA, and Canadian eTA for UK Travellers
The US ESTA costs USD 21 as a single fee with no separate levy, unlike the NZeTA’s two-part cost structure. It is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry and permits stays of up to 90 days per entry. Processing takes up to 72 hours. Applicants submit passport details, personal information, and security questions via esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Holders of an eligible passport under the visa waiver scheme can apply for this electronic travel authorisation.
The UK ETA costs £10 and is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry. It allows stays of up to 6 months per entry with multiple entries permitted. Processing takes 3 working days. Introduced in 2025 for non-UK nationals, the UK ETA serves as a comparison benchmark for UK citizens travelling on their own passports.
The Canadian eTA is the cheapest and fastest in this NZeTA vs Australian ETA comparison. At 7 CAD, it is valid for 5 years or until passport expiry: the longest validity among the six. It permits 6-month stays per entry. Processing takes minutes. Applications are submitted online via, requiring a valid passport, security questions, and no criminal record.
Schengen Visa vs Electronic Travel Authorisations
The Schengen visa costs 90 EUR, requires a consular application with a biometric passport, and takes up to 45 days to process. The short-stay visa (Type C) permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, with multiple-entry visas available. Processing takes 15 calendar days, extending to 45 days in exceptional cases.
Unlike the NZeTA, which UK travellers complete online in minutes, the Schengen visa demands an in-person visit to a consulate or visa application centre. Required documents include a visa application form, biometrics, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial means. UK citizens have needed a Schengen visa since 2021 following Brexit. Transit without visa (TWOV) rules do not apply to UK citizens entering the Schengen area post-Brexit.
Side-by-Side Comparison and Multi-Destination Travel
| System | Cost | Validity | Max Stay | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZeTA | NZD 117 (NZD 17 fee + NZD 100 IVL) | 2 years | 3 months | Up to 72 hours |
| Australian ETA | AUD 20 | 12 months | 3 months | Minutes |
| US ESTA | USD 21 | 2 years | 90 days | Up to 72 hours |
| UK ETA | £10 | 2 years | 6 months | 3 working days |
| Canadian eTA | 7 CAD | 5 years | 6 months | Minutes |
| Schengen visa | 90 EUR | 90 days within 180-day period | 90 days | 15-45 days |
This side-by-side comparison shows that for a multi-destination itinerary such as London to Auckland to Sydney to Los Angeles to Toronto to Paris, UK travellers need five separate authorisations: NZeTA, Australian ETA, US ESTA, Canadian eTA, and Schengen visa. No single document covers multiple regions.
Hidden costs also vary across the six systems. NZ’s NZD 100 IVL is the highest separate destination fee. Australia imposes a Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) of AUD 60, typically embedded in ticket prices. US ESTA (USD 21), Canada eTA (7 CAD), UK ETA (£10), and Schengen visa (90 EUR) bundle all costs into the application fee with no separate levy. Understanding these travel authorisation costs helps UK travellers budget accurately for multi-destination trips.
FAQ
Do UK citizens need a visa or ETA for Australia, USA, Canada, Europe, or New Zealand?
UK citizens need NZeTA for New Zealand, Australian ETA for Australia, US ESTA for the USA, Canadian eTA for Canada, and Schengen visa for Europe. Each is a separate system.
Can I use NZeTA to enter Australia?
No. NZeTA is for New Zealand only. Australian ETA is a separate system. You need both if visiting both countries.
What is the cheapest travel authorisation for UK travellers in 2026?
Canadian eTA at 7 CAD is the cheapest, followed by UK ETA at £10 and Australian ETA at AUD 20. NZeTA is most expensive at NZD 117 total due to the mandatory NZD 100 IVL.
How long is NZeTA valid for UK passport holders?
NZeTA is valid for 2 years, allows multiple entries, and permits stays of up to 3 months per entry.
Do I need an NZeTA if I am an Australian citizen?
No. Australian citizens are exempt from the NZeTA requirement due to the trans-Tasman travel arrangement. They are also exempt from paying the IVL. Non-citizen Australian residents may need to apply.
What happens if my NZeTA application is denied?
You can reapply with corrected information or apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa. There is no formal appeal process for NZeTA denials.
Which travel authorisation is best for UK travellers visiting multiple countries?
You need a separate authorisation for each country; for New Zealand and Australia, that means both NZeTA and Australian ETA.
What is the IVL and why do I have to pay it?
The IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) costs NZD 100 and funds conservation and tourism infrastructure in New Zealand. It is mandatory for most visitors except Australian citizens and certain Pacific Island nationals.
How does Brexit affect UK citizens’ travel authorisation requirements?
Since 2021, UK citizens need a Schengen visa for Europe; NZeTA (2019), Australian ETA (2023), and UK ETA (2025) are the other new systems.
What documents do I need to apply for each travel authorisation?
All eTAs require a valid passport, personal information, and travel details. The Schengen visa additionally requires biometrics, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial means.
