New Zealand runs two separate systems for short visits, and picking the wrong one is the most common mistake travellers make. Most nationalities from visa-waiver countries only need the cheap, fast NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). Everyone else needs a full Visitor Visa, which costs more and takes longer. This guide covers both, plus the near-universal International Visitor Levy (IVL) that catches people off guard because it’s charged separately from the visa or NZeTA fee itself.
NZeTA vs Visitor Visa: which one do you need
- NZeTA — for citizens of visa-waiver countries (most of Europe, the US, Canada, and dozens of others) visiting for tourism, business, or transit for up to 3 months (6 months for UK passport holders). It’s an online pre-clearance, not a visa.
- Visitor Visa — required if your country isn’t on the visa-waiver list, or if you want to stay longer than the NZeTA-eligible period, are visiting for purposes outside NZeTA scope, or have certain health/character issues that need to be assessed in advance.
Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport need neither — they can simply turn up.
2026 fees
Per Immigration New Zealand’s fees information and the Visitor Visa page:
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NZeTA (mobile app) | NZD $17 | Cheaper option — apply via the official NZeTA app |
| NZeTA (web browser) | NZD $23 | Same product, higher fee for the browser channel |
| Visitor Visa | From NZD $441 | Full application fee; varies by where you apply from |
| International Visitor Levy (IVL) | NZD $100 | Charged on top of both the NZeTA and most Visitor Visas |
The IVL is easy to miss because it’s billed as a separate line item during the NZeTA or visa application, not folded into the headline fee. Most short-term visitors pay it once and it covers multiple entries within the visa or NZeTA’s validity window — check your specific product’s terms before assuming a second trip needs a second payment.
Financial requirement
Immigration New Zealand expects visitors to show they can support themselves without working illegally or relying on public funds. The published guidance is:
- NZD $1,000 per month of your stay, or
- NZD $400 per month if your accommodation is already paid for in full
This isn’t usually a fixed document checklist — bank statements, a sponsor’s letter, or prepaid accommodation and tour bookings can all serve as evidence, similar to the funds evidence expected for student visa applications.
Processing time and duration
NZeTA requests are typically processed within about 72 hours, though INZ recommends applying at least 72 hours before you travel to leave room for delays. Visitor Visa applications move slower — Immigration New Zealand reports around 80% of applications are decided within roughly 1.5 weeks, but this varies by season and where you apply from, and it can take considerably longer during peak travel periods.
A Visitor Visa is generally issued for up to 6 or 9 months depending on the visa product and your circumstances, while NZeTA-based entry is capped at 3 months per visit (6 months for UK passport holders) regardless of the NZeTA’s own multi-year validity.
How to apply
- Check which product you need using Immigration New Zealand’s online tool — don’t assume; waiver eligibility depends on citizenship, not on where you currently live.
- NZeTA route: apply through the official NZeTA mobile app or immigration.govt.nz, providing passport details and answering health/character questions. Pay the fee plus the IVL in the same transaction.
- Visitor Visa route: apply online, uploading passport bio-page, passport photo, evidence of funds, a travel itinerary or invitation letter if visiting family, and any required health or character documentation. Pay the visa fee plus the IVL.
- Wait for a decision — approved applications are issued digitally; New Zealand does not use passport stickers.
FAQ
Do I need both an NZeTA and pay the IVL? Yes — the IVL is a separate NZD $100 charge added during the NZeTA (or Visitor Visa) application, not an alternative to it.
Can I convert an NZeTA into a longer stay once I’m in New Zealand? Generally no. If you know you’ll need more than 3 months (6 for UK citizens), apply for a Visitor Visa before you travel rather than relying on an in-country extension.
Does the Visitor Visa fee vary by nationality? Yes, INZ publishes different fee bands depending on your country of application — the figures above reflect the general online fee; always confirm your exact fee using INZ’s fee-lookup tool before paying.
Can I work on a Visitor Visa or NZeTA? No. Both are strictly non-work entry categories; working illegally risks a ban on future travel to New Zealand.
This is general preparation guidance, not immigration advice — fees, waiver lists and levy amounts change, so confirm current details on immigration.govt.nz before you apply. If you want help organising your funds evidence and application timeline, join the VisaMet waitlist.