The NZeTA costs NZ$117 once the IVL is included
Most guides quote NZ$17. That is only the request fee — the NZ$100 visitor levy is taken at the same time. Here is what you actually pay, and how to apply through the official channels.
Independent guide · not affiliated with the New Zealand Government · updated 17 August 2026
NZ$117
What you pay
NZ$17 request fee + NZ$100 IVL
2 years
Valid for
Multiple entries allowed
3 months
Stay per visit
6 months on a UK passport
72 hours
Processing time
Often approved in minutes
What is the NZeTA?
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is a pre-travel authorisation, not a visa. If you hold a passport from a visa-waiver country or territory, you need it before you board. It is also required for cruise passengers and for most transit passengers.
It is linked to the passport you apply with, lasts 2 years, and allows multiple entries. Most visitors may stay up to three months per visit; holders of a UK passport may stay up to 6 months. The border officer decides how long you may stay on arrival.
It is not a visa
It is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-waiver passports. If your country is not on the waiver list, you need a visitor visa instead.
Checked before you board
Airlines and cruise lines check it electronically against your passport, so there is nothing to print and nothing to carry.
Two charges, one payment
The request fee (NZ$17 in the app, NZ$23 online) and the NZ$100 IVL are taken in one transaction — about NZ$117 in total.
What it actually costs
Two separate charges are taken in a single transaction, which is where most people go wrong.
| How you apply | Request fee | IVL | You pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official app | NZ$17 | NZ$100 | NZ$117 |
| Website | NZ$23 | NZ$100 | NZ$123 |
The IVL — the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy — is a separate charge from the NZeTA itself. It rose from NZ$35 to NZ$100 in October 2024 and is still NZ$100 as of 17 August 2026. Sites that advertise only NZ$17 are quoting the request fee alone.
How to apply
STEP 1
Use the official app or website
The NZeTA app costs NZ$17; applying through the Immigration New Zealand website costs NZ$23. Same authorisation — the app is simply cheaper.
STEP 2
Scan your passport and take a photo
The app reads your passport chip, then asks you to take a photo of your face. Your details must match your passport exactly.
STEP 3
Pay the request fee and the IVL together
Both are charged in the same transaction, so the amount you actually see is about NZ$117 (app) or NZ$123 (website).
STEP 4
Wait for the decision by email
Many are approved within minutes, but allow up to 72 hours. Apply before booking anything non-refundable.
At the border
There is nothing to print. Just carry the same passport you applied with — your authorisation is held against it electronically. You will also need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration before you arrive, which is separate from the NZeTA and free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it NZ$117 when the NZeTA is only NZ$17?
Because two charges are collected together: the NZeTA request fee (NZ$17 in the app, NZ$23 on the website) and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, or IVL, of NZ$100. The IVL is not part of the NZeTA fee — it is a separate levy that funds conservation and tourism infrastructure. Most travellers pay NZ$117–NZ$123 in total.
Is the app really cheaper than the website?
Yes. The request fee is NZ$17 in the official app versus NZ$23 through the website — NZ$6 cheaper for exactly the same authorisation. If you can install the app, use it.
How long does the NZeTA last?
2 years from the date it is issued, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries.
How long can I stay in New Zealand?
Up to three months per visit for most travellers. If you hold a UK passport, the limit is 6 months. The NZeTA does not guarantee entry — the border officer decides how long you may stay.
Do I need a new NZeTA if I get a new passport?
Yes. The authorisation is linked to the passport you applied with, so a new passport means a new application.
Do children need their own NZeTA?
Yes. Everyone travelling, including infants, needs their own authorisation.
Is the NZeTA a visa?
No. It is a travel authorisation for people from visa-waiver countries and territories, and for cruise passengers and transit passengers. If you are not from a visa-waiver country, you need a visitor visa instead.
Start your NZeTA application
Applications are made through Immigration New Zealand's own app and website. We are an independent guide and cannot submit an application on your behalf.