The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) system is for visitors to New Zealand. In a nutshell, the NZeTA is a digital travel permit required for visa-exempt travellers like Canadians. It’s similar to systems already used in other countries and is designed to streamline border entry. The NZeTA is not a visa – it’s simply a digital authorization linked to your passport. You will need an NZeTA to join our Epic New Zealand tour.
Here’s everything you need to know to apply for your NZeTA:
Do I need an NZeTA for my trip?
Yes, for the Epic New Zealand tour, Canadians will to aquire a NZeTA.
Some Key Facts
- Cost: An NZeTA request costs NZD $17 in the NZeTA iOS/Andriod App, or NZD $23 if completed online.
- Processing time: Exect the applicaiton approved in up to 72 hours, but it’s normal in some cases for it to take longer.
- Validity: 2 years from the date of issue. However, each individual visit to New Zealand is limited to a maximum of 3 months, or up to 6 months for certain travellers.
- Group applications: Each person in your party has to apply separately.
- Important reminder: You must have an approved NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand
What You Need
Applying for an NZeTA is straightforward! You’ll need:
- Your valid physical passport (not a photocopy)
- Access to your email
- Payment method (credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay)
- Device with a camera for photos and face verification, or a photo of your face (similar to a passport photo)
Application Process
The NZeTA application takes about 5 minutes to complete if you have everything ready:
Step 1: Start Your Application
- Choose your application method:
- Download the official NZeTA app (recommended for faster processing and available on the App Store and Google Play)
- OR visit the official website (by clicking here)
- There are the only two official places to get a NZeTA. DO NOT purchase from other apps or websites, as they may be a scam!
- Select “Begin” (app) or “Request your NZeTA” (website) and follow the initial prompts
- The application will ask you to scan your passport
- The website will begin asking you questions like “Select your nationality as shown on the passport you will be travelling on”
Step 2: Passport Upload
- In the application: take a clear photo of your passport barcode on the information page:
- Use good lighting without shadows
- Place passport on a flat surface
- Ensure the entire page is visible
- Take in landscape (horizontal) orientation
- On the website: fill in the requested details from your passport (including nationality, date of birth, etc.)
Step 3: Traveller Photo
- Face scan option:
- Allow camera access if prompted
- Follow on-screen instructions for positioning your face
- Look directly at the camera
- Stay still until the scan completes
Note: If you are applying for someone else, you need to scan their face, not yours!
- OR Photo upload option (if you’ve chosen not to scan your face):
- Take a new photo against a plain light background
- Ensure your head, shoulders, and upper body are visible
- Upload in portrait (vertical) orientation
- This must be different from your passport photo
Step 4: Personal Information
- You will then answer a series of questions about if you are staying in New Zealand, if you are from Australia, and if you have ever been convicted of an offense.
Note: Answer all questions truthfully – incorrect information can result in denial!
Step 5: Review & Payment
- Double-check all information for accuracy
- Submit payment of NZD $17-23. You may also be asked to pay a he International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100.
- Credit/debit card
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Confirmation – You’ll receive a reference number upon completion
- Decision notification – Check your email within 3 business days for the decision
Common Questions
How do I apply for the NZeTA?
The easiest way is through the official NZeTA app (available on the App Store and through Google Play). Or you can apply through the official website. We recommend you only use these official sources! DO NOT purchase from other apps or websites, as they may be a scam!
Can I apply for an NZeTA on behalf of someone else?
Yes! You’ll need their personal information and either skip the face scan or have a recent photo of them ready to upload.
What information do I need to provide?
Passport details and some personal background information.
What happens if my NZeTA is denied?
If your application is denied, you should carefully review the reasons for rejection in the decision letter, correct any mistakes, gather updated supporting documents, and then reapply.
I’m a Canadian with a NZ passport. Do I need a NZeTA?
Lucky you! New Zealand citizens are exempt from the NZeTA requirement.
We’re here to help! If you have any questions about the NZeTA process for your upcoming trip, don’t hesitate to contact us!
