On 25 February 2019, the Government confirmed details of the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is a new security and facilitation measure that will help to speed things up at the border.
The ETA aims to:
- enhance security and reduce immigration risks
- address smuggling and biosecurity risks
- improve the traveller experience
- support New Zealand’s international relationships and agreements
- adapt to the changing needs and requirements of the government, stakeholders and travellers over time.
From July 2019 travellers will be able to request an ETA, and it will become mandatory for travel from 1 October 2019 onwards.
Who needs an ETA
From 1 October 2019, all air travellers from 60 visa waiver countries, and all cruise travellers, will need to hold an ETA before travelling to New Zealand. An ETA will last up to 2 years and cost NZD $9.00 for mobile application requests and NZD $12.00 for web browser requests.
All airline crew and cruise line crew will need to hold a Crew ETA before travelling to New Zealand. A Crew ETA will last up to 5 years and cost NZD $9.00.
New Zealand citizens (provided they travel on their New Zealand passports) and holders of valid New Zealand visas (both resident visas and temporary visas) will continue to be able to enter New Zealand without an ETA.
Passengers from a visa waiver country or a transit visa waiver country, who are transiting through New Zealand, are also required to hold an ETA from 1 October 2019, even if New Zealand is not their final destination.
Exemptions
Australian citizens will be exempt, however Australian permanent residents will need to hold an ETA but will not be required to pay for an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
Other exemptions include:
- crew and passengers on a non-cruise vessel
- crew on a foreign ship carrying cargo
- guests of the government
- people travelling under The Antarctic Treaty
- members of a visiting force and associated crew members.
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy
The IVL will be introduced alongside the ETA and will cost NZD $35.00. Once paid, the IVL will last as long as the ETA is valid.
Any queries about the ETA should be directed to:
Cabinet paper: Further policy decisions | Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
