What you need to enter New Zealand: NZETA, NZTD, and visa requirements explained

Last update: July 2025

Before you fly to New Zealand, you’ll need to get your travel documents sorted. Without the right paperwork, you might not be allowed to board your flight or enter the country.

Most travelers need to apply for an NZETA or Visitor Visa, fill out the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), and bring a valid passport. Depending on where you’re from, you may also need to show proof of your travel plans and funds for your stay.

With iVisa, getting these documents is quick and simple. You can apply online and get help from real people if you have questions along the way.

What are the entry requirements for New Zealand?

Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need before you travel:

✔ NZETA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) or

✔ Visitor Visa (depending on your nationality)

✔ New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD)

✔ Valid passport (with at least 3 months' validity after your departure date)

✔ Proof of onward travel (such as a return ticket or itinerary)

✔ Proof of funds to cover your stay

✔ Travel insurance (recommended, though not mandatory)

Do I need an NZETA or Visitor Visa to travel to New Zealand?

Travelers heading to New Zealand will need either an NZETA or a Visitor Visa, depending on their nationality and reason for travel.

The NZETA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is required for people from visa waiver countries. It’s a digital document that allows short visits for tourism, business, or transit.

The Visitor Visa is for travelers from countries that don’t qualify for the NZETA. It allows visits for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends, but generally involves more paperwork and a longer approval time.

Here’s a simple comparison to help you understand which document applies to your trip:

What is the NZTD and when do I need to submit it?

The New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) is a form that everyone must fill out before flying to New Zealand. It doesn’t matter where you’re coming from or what visa you’re using. The NZTD is required for all travelers.

In this form, you’ll give basic details about yourself, your trip, and anything you’re carrying that could be a risk to New Zealand’s environment, like food, plants, or outdoor gear. New Zealand uses this information to protect its land and manage border checks.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW ZEALAND TRAVELLER DECLARATION

How to apply for New Zealand travel documents online

What happens when you arrive in New Zealand?

When your flight arrives, you will go through border control. Officers will scan your passport to check your NZeTA or Visitor Visa. They will also check your New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), which is automatically linked to your passport once submitted. You are not required to show a QR code, although you will receive one after submitting the form. It can be helpful to keep the QR code as a backup for your records.

At the border, you might be asked questions about your trip or about anything you are bringing with you, like food, plants, or outdoor equipment. New Zealand has strict rules to protect its environment.

If your passport is from a country that can use eGates, you might be able to go through the self-service lanes. Otherwise, you will go through the usual passport control process.

Why do travelers trust iVisa for their New Zealand visa applications?

We’re not the New Zealand government; we’re a private visa service provider trusted by over 1 million travelers from more than 100 countries. From frequent flyers to first-time visitors, people choose us for clear guidance and reliable service.

We’ve maintained a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot. You'll get regular updates as your application progresses, plus access to 24/7 human support whenever you need help.

“I didn’t realize I needed more than just a visa to visit New Zealand. Between the visa, the declaration form, and everything else, it felt like too much to manage. iVisa made it simple. They explained what I needed, helped me fix a mistake in my application, and got everything processed quickly.” — Mark R, South Africa

FAQs about entering New Zealand

1. Do I need both an NZETA and NZTD to enter New Zealand?

Yes. If you are from a visa waiver country, you need to apply for an NZETA before your trip. You also need to fill out the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). Both documents are required, but they serve different purposes. The NZETA is your travel approval, and the NZTD is your customs and biosecurity declaration.

2. When should I complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration?

You should complete the NZTD between 24 and 96 hours before your flight. This gives border officers enough time to process your information before you arrive.

3. Do transit passengers need an NZETA for New Zealand?

Many transit passengers do. Even if you are not entering New Zealand and are only passing through, you may still need to apply for an NZETA before your flight. Whether you need one depends on your nationality.

4. Do Australians need a visa or NZETA for New Zealand?

No. If you have an Australian passport, you do not need a visa or NZETA to enter New Zealand. You just need to carry your valid Australian passport.

5. Can I submit the NZTD at the airport?

No. You must complete the NZTD before your flight. The form is linked to your passport and checked when you arrive. If you do not submit it in time, you may be delayed or refused entry.

6. Is it safe to apply for New Zealand travel documents through iVisa?

Yes, it’s safe. We take your privacy and security seriously at every step. When you apply for a New Zealand visa, NZeTA, or NZTD through our platform, your personal details are protected with strong encryption, both when they are sent and when they are stored. Our servers are housed in secure, professionally managed data centers that are monitored around the clock and regularly updated.

We do not share or sell your information. We follow strict data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), to keep your data safe.