Most travellers only need to answer one question: does my passport qualify for the visa waiver, and does my trip fit inside what a visitor stay allows? If both are yes, the NZeTA is the right route.
An NZeTA is enough when
- You hold a passport from a visa-waiver country or territory.
- You are visiting for up to 3 months at a time (up to 6 months for United Kingdom passport holders).
- You will not work, and any study is within 3 months.
You need a Visitor Visa instead when
- Your passport is not on the visa-waiver list.
- You want to stay longer than the visa waiver allows.
- You have already used up 6 months in the last 12 months.
- You are travelling for medical treatment.
- You are transiting through an airport other than Auckland.
The cost difference is large
An NZeTA costs NZ$17 through the official app plus the NZ$100 levy, so NZ$117 in total. A Visitor Visa starts well above that and takes longer to decide. That is a reason to check which one applies before you pay for anything.
Immigration New Zealand publishes a checker tool that answers this for your exact passport and trip. Use it rather than guessing from a summary, including this one.
Source: Immigration New Zealand — Check if you need a visa or an NZeTA
More on the NZeTA
Which one do I need?
Similar names, very different rules. Which scheme applies to which destination, what each one costs, and the mistakes that come from mixing them up.
Arriving in New Zealand
Your NZeTA gets you on the plane. What comes after: eGates, biosecurity, money, driving, phones, health, safety and holidays — from official sources.
eGate at the border
eGates at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown take ePassports from 59 countries and territories, age 10 and over. The NZTD is still required.
Liquids at airport security
International flights from New Zealand: liquids in carry-on in 100 ml containers, one 1-litre bag. Domestic flights have no liquid limits.
Money, cards and tipping
New Zealand uses the NZ dollar. Prices include 15% GST or must say they don't, tipping is not expected, and cash of NZD $10,000 or more must be declared.
GST refund for tourists
New Zealand has no GST refund for visitors. You can only avoid the 15% GST when you buy: duty-free shops, export by the retailer, or airside delivery.