If you are planning to travel to New Zealand, you may be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA). This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about the New Zealand eTA form and how to complete it.
The eTA is an electronic visa waiver that allows you to travel to New Zealand for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It was introduced in 2019 as a security measure and is mandatory for citizens of visa waiver countries.
Who needs to apply for the New Zealand eTA?
Citizens of visa waiver countries need to apply for an eTA before traveling to New Zealand. This includes citizens of the following countries:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Vatican City
If you are a citizen of a non-visa waiver country, you will need to apply for a visitor visa.
How to apply for the New Zealand eTA?
You can apply for the eTA online through the New Zealand government website. The application process is simple and straightforward, and it should take you no more than 10 minutes to complete.
Here are the steps you need to follow to apply for the New Zealand eTA:
Step 1: Check if you are eligible
Before you start your application, make sure you are eligible for the eTA. You can check your eligibility on the New Zealand government website.
Step 2: Gather your documents
You will need the following documents to apply for the eTA:
- A valid passport
- A credit or debit card to pay the application fee
- A valid email address
Step 3: Fill out the application form
The eTA application form consists of several sections. You will need to provide the following information:
- Personal information (full name, date of birth, nationality, etc.)
- Passport information (passport number, expiration date, etc.)
- Contact details (email address, phone number, etc.)
- Travel plans (arrival and departure dates, reason for travel, etc.)
- Health and character questions
Make sure you answer all the questions truthfully and accurately. If you provide false information, your eTA may be denied, and you may be banned from traveling to New Zealand.
Step 4: Pay the application fee
The eTA application fee is NZD.You can pay the fee using a credit or debit card.
Step 5: Submit your application
Once you have completed the application form and paid the fee, you can submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email with your eTA reference number.
How long does it take to get the New Zealand eTA?
It usually takes up to 72 hours to process your eTA application. However, in some cases, it may take longer, so it is advisable to apply at least 72 hours before your travel date.
In some cases, you may need to provide additional documents or information to support your application. If this is the case, you will be notified by email.
Once your eTA is approved, it will be electronically linked to your passport, so you don’t need to print it out
If your eTA application is denied, you will not be able to travel to New Zealand. The most common reasons for eTA application denials are:
- Providing false or inaccurate information on the application form
- Failing to meet the eligibility criteria for the eTA
- Having a criminal record or a history of immigration violations
If your eTA application is denied, you can apply for a visitor visa instead. However, you will need to meet the visitor visa requirements and pay a higher application fee.
What are the benefits of the New Zealand eTA?
The eTA offers several benefits for travelers to New Zealand:
- Convenience: The eTA application process is quick and easy, and you can apply from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Cost-effective: The eTA application fee is lower than the visitor visa fee.
- Faster entry: With an eTA, you can bypass the paper landing card and customs declaration process, which can save you time at the border.
- Multiple entries: The eTA is valid for multiple entries within two years, which means you can travel to New Zealand multiple times without having to apply for a new visa each time.
What are the requirements for traveling to New Zealand with an eTA?
To travel to New Zealand with an eTA, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a valid passport from a visa waiver country
- Meet the health and character requirements
- Have a return or onward ticket
- Have enough money to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand (at least NZD $1,000 per month)
- Have a genuine reason for travel, such as tourism or business
If you are unsure if you meet the requirements for the eTA, you can check the New Zealand government website or contact the New Zealand immigration authorities for more information.
In conclusion, the New Zealand eTA is a mandatory requirement for citizens of visa waiver countries who want to travel to New Zealand for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The application process is simple and straightforward, and the eTA offers several benefits, including convenience, cost-effectiveness, and faster entry. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can complete your eTA application quickly and easily and ensure that you are ready to travel to New Zealand.
