What you must know about the New Zealand ETA and visa waiver countries
What is an ETA for New Zealand?
An ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is an electronic travel authorization that allows travelers from certain countries to enter New Zealand without a visa. It is issued by the Immigration New Zealand and is valid for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. With an ETA, you can stay in New Zealand for up to three months at a time.
The ETA is available to citizens of visa waiver countries, which include Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United States. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you do not need to apply for a visa before traveling to New Zealand. Instead, you can apply for an ETA online through the eTA New Zealand website.
Visa Waiver Countries
Citizens of the following countries are eligible for an ETA: Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, you do not need to apply for a visa before traveling to New Zealand. Instead, you can apply for an ETA online through the eTA New Zealand website.
The visa waiver program allows citizens of these countries to travel to New Zealand without having to obtain a visa beforehand. However, it is important to note that this does not guarantee entry into New Zealand; travelers must still meet all other entry requirements such as providing proof of sufficient funds and having a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining upon arrival in New Zealand.
Requirements for Obtaining an ETA
In order to obtain an ETA for travel to New Zealand, applicants must meet certain requirements including:
- A valid passport from one of the eligible countries.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- No criminal convictions.
- No health issues that would prevent entry into New Zealand.
Applicants must also provide personal information such as their name, date of birth and address as well as contact information such as email address and phone number when applying for an ETA online through the eTA New Zealand website. Once approved, applicants will receive their ETA via email within 24 hours.
Validity Period
The validity period of an ETA depends on the country from which it was issued and the type of passport held by the applicant. For most countries, ETAs are valid for up to two years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first – but some countries may have different validity periods depending on their agreements with New Zealand immigration authorities. It is important to check with your local embassy or consulate before applying for an ETA if you are unsure about its validity period or any other requirements related to obtaining one.
Once approved, ETAs are linked electronically with your passport so there is no need to carry any physical documents when traveling with an ETA; however it is always advisable to keep a copy of your application form and any other relevant documents in case they are requested by immigration officials upon arrival in New Zealand.