Visiting New Zealand: NZeTA, the tourist levy and arrival rules
Getting into New Zealand is simple if you sort a few things out before you fly. Most visitors need either an NZeTA (an electronic travel authority) or a visa, they pay a tourist levy at the same time, and everyone makes an arrival declaration. Then there is the border check, which is stricter about food and outdoor gear than most countries. Here is what to do, in the order you will do it.
Quick facts
- Visitors from visa-waiver countries need an NZeTA before they travel. Everyone else needs a visitor visa.
- The NZeTA costs from NZ$17 when you use the official app. It costs more on the website.
- Most visitors also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZ$100, at the same time as the NZeTA or visa.
- An NZeTA is valid for 2 years and many visits.
- Allow up to 72 hours for an NZeTA to be processed.
- Australian citizens do not need an NZeTA or a visa.
NZeTA or visa: which one do you need?
If you are a citizen of one of New Zealand's visa-waiver countries (this includes the UK, the USA, Canada, most of Europe, Japan, Singapore and many others), you can visit without a visa, but you must hold an NZeTA before you board. If your country is not on the visa-waiver list, you apply for a visitor visa instead.
Australian citizens are the exception: they can travel to New Zealand on their passport alone. Australian permanent residents need an NZeTA.
The list of visa-waiver countries changes from time to time, so check it on the Immigration New Zealand website before you book: immigration.govt.nz.
How to get an NZeTA
- Use the official NZeTA app (Apple or Android) or the Immigration New Zealand website. The app is the cheaper option. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra to fill in the same form.
- Have your passport and a card ready. The app scans your passport and takes a photo of you.
- Pay the NZeTA fee and the IVL together.
- Apply well before you fly. Most are approved quickly, but allow 72 hours.
Once you have it, an NZeTA lasts 2 years. You can usually stay up to 3 months a visit (6 months for UK citizens), and no more than 6 months in any 12-month period.
The tourist levy (IVL)
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, usually called the IVL, is NZ$100 for most international visitors. You pay it when you request your NZeTA or apply for your visa. The money goes to conservation and tourism infrastructure: tracks, huts, toilets and the places visitors use. Both the NZeTA fee and the IVL are non-refundable.
Passport and tickets
- Passport: it must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand.
- Onward ticket: you need a ticket out of New Zealand (or proof you can buy one), and enough money for your stay.
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Everyone arriving by air or sea makes a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. It replaced the old paper arrival card. You can fill it in online or in the app before you fly, which saves time at the airport. It is free: the official site is travellerdeclaration.govt.nz.
Biosecurity: declare it or bin it
New Zealand's farms, forests and native birds have no defence against many pests and diseases that are common elsewhere, so the border is strict. You must declare:
- all food, including snacks from the plane
- plants, seeds, fruit and flowers
- animal products, including honey, eggs and dairy
- outdoor gear that has been used: hiking boots, tents, bikes, fishing gear
Declaring something is not a problem: officers may check it, clean it or take it, and you go on your way. Not declaring it can mean an instant fine (NZ$400 at the time of writing). Clean your boots and tent before you pack them and you will get through faster. The Ministry for Primary Industries explains the rules at mpi.govt.nz.
After you land
- Money: cards and contactless phone payments work almost everywhere. Prices include 15% GST.
- Phone: local SIM and eSIM cards are sold at the airport.
- Driving: read our guide to driving in New Zealand before you pick up a car.
- Emergencies: call 111 for police, fire or ambulance.
- Accidents: ACC, New Zealand's accident compensation scheme, covers treatment for injuries to visitors too. It does not replace travel insurance, which you still need for illness, cancellations and lost bags.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on an NZeTA?
No. An NZeTA is for visits, holidays and some business meetings. If you want to work, look at a working holiday visa or the other options in our guide to moving to New Zealand.
Do children need an NZeTA?
Yes. Every traveller from a visa-waiver country needs their own NZeTA, including children.
I'm only changing planes in Auckland. Do I need anything?
Many transit passengers need an NZeTA (or a transit visa, depending on their passport). Check before you fly.
Rules and fees change. Everything here was checked in October 2026; always confirm on immigration.govt.nz before you travel.
