New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority
Begin your New Zealand adventure with ease. Fast, secure, and straightforward online application for UK citizens. Approval typically within 24-48 hours.
Apply NowThe New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a modern travel permission system designed to streamline entry to New Zealand for eligible international travellers. For UK citizens, this electronic system has replaced the need for traditional visa stamps, making travel to New Zealand more convenient than ever before. The NZeTA is specifically designed for tourists, business visitors, and those visiting friends and family for short-term stays.
Most NZeTA applications for UK citizens are processed and approved within 24-48 hours, with some approved on the same day. This rapid turnaround means you can plan your trip with confidence and flexibility.
No need to visit embassies or consulates. The entire NZeTA application process is completed online from the comfort of your home or office, saving time and hassle.
Once approved, your NZeTA remains valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner), allowing you to make multiple trips to New Zealand without reapplying.
With your single NZeTA approval, you can visit New Zealand multiple times during its validity period, making it ideal for frequent travellers and those planning return visits.
The NZeTA system helps New Zealand authorities maintain robust border security while providing legitimate travellers with a seamless entry experience.
Clear pricing with no hidden fees. Choose between standard and urgent processing options depending on your travel timeline and budget.
As a UK citizen, you almost certainly qualify for the NZeTA system. Here are the specific eligibility requirements that UK nationals must meet:
These are the standard requirements. New Zealand immigration may request additional information based on individual circumstances.
The NZeTA application process for UK citizens is streamlined and requires only essential information and documents. Here's everything you need to prepare:
Understanding the full requirements helps ensure a smooth application process. New Zealand has specific entry requirements for all visitors, and the NZeTA is designed to pre-screen travellers against these standards.
UK citizens must not have any serious health conditions that could affect New Zealand's public health and safety. You should be in good physical and mental health to travel. If you have tuberculosis or other specified infectious diseases, you must disclose this and may be ineligible. It's recommended to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies.
New Zealand maintains strict character and conduct standards. You must not have serious criminal convictions, immigration violations, or any history of violence or dishonesty in your dealings with immigration authorities. The NZeTA application will ask about any criminal history, and dishonest answers could result in permanent exclusion from New Zealand.
While there are no specific minimum financial thresholds, you must be able to demonstrate that you can support yourself during your stay. This might include showing evidence of employment, savings, or sponsorship from a friend or family member in New Zealand. The amount depends on your length of stay and planned activities.
Your UK passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in New Zealand, plus at least 3 additional months. The passport must be in good condition with no damage to the biographical page or machine-readable zone. Digital passport images are required for the NZeTA application.
While not mandatory for NZeTA approval, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. New Zealand's healthcare system is excellent but can be expensive for visitors. Insurance should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and evacuation.
New Zealand immigration may ask for evidence that you have a return or onward ticket. This demonstrates your intention to leave New Zealand within the permitted timeframe. Airlines also typically require this before boarding flights to New Zealand.
The NZeTA application for UK citizens is remarkably straightforward. Here's exactly what to expect from start to finish:
Go to the official NZeTA application website. Ensure you're using the correct official portal to protect your personal information from scams.
Register with your email address and create a secure password. You'll use this account to track your application status and download your approved NZeTA.
Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your UK passport. Any discrepancies could delay or reject your application.
Enter your passport number, issue date, and expiry date. Upload a clear digital image of your passport's biographical page.
Specify your planned travel dates, purpose of visit, and accommodation details in New Zealand. Be as accurate as possible with these dates.
Answer questions about your health status and criminal history honestly. Providing false information is a serious offense that could result in permanent exclusion.
Carefully review all entered information for accuracy before submission. Errors could delay processing.
Select your processing option (Standard or Urgent) and pay securely using your credit or debit card.
You'll receive a confirmation email immediately. Your application is now in the processing queue.
Once approved, you'll receive an email with your electronic NZeTA. Screenshot or print it for your records when travelling.
For UK citizens, the NZeTA represents a significant improvement over traditional visa applications. Here's how they compare:
| Category | NZeTA | Traditional Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application Method | 100% online, 24/7 availability | In-person at embassy or postal applications |
| Processing Time | 24-48 hours (or same-day urgent option) | 5-10 business days or longer |
| Cost | Significantly lower cost | Higher visa application fees |
| Validity Period | 2 years with multiple entries | Typically single-entry visas |
| Required Documents | Minimal documentation required | Extensive documentation and evidence required |
| Approval Rate | High approval rate for eligible applicants | More subjective assessment process |
| Stay Duration | Up to 9 months per visit | Varies by visa type |
| Flexibility | Multiple visits within 2-year period | Limited by visa type and conditions |
Once you have your approved NZeTA, here are some valuable tips to ensure a smooth trip to New Zealand:
Take screenshots of your NZeTA approval email or print it. Airlines use this to verify your eligibility to board flights to New Zealand.
Ensure your passport will be valid for the entire duration of your stay plus 3 months beyond. New Zealand is strict about this requirement.
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and evacuation in New Zealand.
Although NZeTA approval is fast, it's wise to apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure to avoid any last-minute issues.
Ensure all details in your application are exactly as they appear on your passport. Even small discrepancies can cause issues.
Remember you can stay up to 9 months per visit. Plan accordingly and arrange your return ticket in advance.
Familiarize yourself with New Zealand's strict biosecurity and customs regulations before packing. Some items are prohibited or restricted.
New Zealand is popular, especially during peak seasons. Book your accommodation well in advance to ensure availability and better rates.
Most NZeTA applications are approved within 24-48 hours. With urgent processing, some approvals can happen within hours. You'll receive your approval via email.
You can apply, but must be honest about any convictions. Minor offences may not disqualify you, but serious crimes could. It's best to check with the authorities before applying.
You'll receive notification explaining the reason for rejection. You may be able to reapply after addressing the issues, or you could apply for a traditional visa instead.
You cannot extend the NZeTA itself, but you can apply for a visa extension once in New Zealand if you need to stay longer than 9 months.
Yes, each person, including children and infants, needs their own NZeTA. Minors can apply with parental consent and authority.
Your NZeTA is linked to your specific passport. If you renew your passport, you'll need a new NZeTA with the updated passport number.
Minor date changes typically don't require reapplication. However, significantly different dates may require a new application.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for NZeTA approval, but it's highly recommended to cover medical emergencies and unexpected situations.
The application accepts major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and other international payment methods.
NZeTA eligibility is based on citizenship, not residence. If you're not a UK citizen but live in the UK, check if your country of citizenship is eligible for NZeTA.
Apply for your NZeTA now and start planning your dream trip in minutes.
Apply for Your NZeTA