The short answer
If you are travelling on the relevant qualifying passport for tourism, a family visit or another permitted short purpose, you generally need an NZeTA before departure rather than a visitor visa in advance.
Typical authority validity
2 years
Possible visitor stay
up to 3 months per visit
Time to allow
72 hours
What to check
The NZeTA is linked to the passport used in the request. If that passport changes, confirm what action is required before travel.
- Your passport qualifies under the current official visa-waiver rules.
- Your travel purpose fits the visitor or transit rules.
- You meet health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
- You have onward travel and sufficient funds.
- Your NZeTA details match the passport used at check-in.
Official charges
The government NZeTA request fee is NZD $17 through the official app or NZD $23 online. Most visitors also pay the NZD $100 IVL. Any Pacific Legacy Migration service fee is separate and optional.
Approval is not entry permission. An NZeTA lets an eligible traveller travel to New Zealand; border officers still consider entry permission on arrival.
Source checked 24 September 2026: Immigration New Zealand — NZeTA information ↗. Rules, fees and processing can change; confirm before travel.