New Zealand ETA for the citizens of Ireland: Expert tips

Irish citizens planning a visit to New Zealand must obtain the appropriate travel authorization before departure.

Let’s explore whether you need a New Zealand Visitor Visa or if the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the right option for you.

Do Irish citizens need a New Zealand visa or ETA?

As an Irish citizen, you are eligible for both the Visitor Visa and the New Zealand ETA.

About the New Zealand ETA for Irish passport holders

Irish citizens do NOT need a visa for visits of up to 3 months, but they do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). The NZeTA allows entry for tourism, business, and transit purposes.

This electronic travel authorization allows for short-term visits without needing a full visa. The ETA offers flexibility with multiple entries and remains valid for up to 2 years.

You can stay in New Zealand for a maximum of 90 days per visit. This makes it an ideal choice for tourism, short business visits, or transit.

About the New Zealand Visitor Visa for Irish passport holders

If you plan to stay beyond 3 months, you’ll need a Visitor Visa, Work Visa, or another long-term visa depending on your purpose. The visitor visa is extendable for stays up to 9 months.

Requirements for the New Zealand ETA for Irish citizens

To apply for your ETA, you’ll need:

• Irish Passport: It must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date.

• Digital photo: A recent passport photo is required for your application.

Upon arrival, immigration officials may request:

• Proof of financial support: You might need to present a bank statement as evidence of funds for your stay.

• Return flight ticket: Show proof of onward or return travel to confirm your intention to leave New Zealand after your visit.

How to apply for the New Zealand ETA with us

We take the complexity out of the application process by guiding you every step of the way. Here’s how it works:

Step 1:Visit our website or use the iVisa app to enter your personal and travel details.

Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert: "Our form takes just 6 minutes to complete on average, making iVisa one of the quickest ways to apply for a New Zealand ETA."

Step 2:Double-check your information for accuracy, then pay the ETA and service fees.

The fee for the ETA includes the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which contributes to preserving New Zealand’s natural beauty and supporting conservation efforts.

Step 3:Finish the application by uploading your passport photo and submitting the form.

Once it’s processed, you’ll receive your approved ETA directly via email.

"When entering your last name in the application, make sure it matches your passport exactly, including any hyphens or special characters. Take an extra minute to review this field before submitting your application," advises Femke.

More information can be found in this video:

Why choose us for your application?

When you apply with us, you’re in good hands.

Our customers experience a 99% approval rate, which means you can trust our process to get things right.

We’ve helped thousands of Irish travelers just like you, and we’re here to make your journey smooth from start to finish.

"I was really impressed with how well iVisa kept in touch throughout the whole process. They sent me regular updates, so I always knew what was happening, and I never felt left in the dark. Everything went smoothly, and I got my ETA without a hitch." - Declan M., Dublin

More tips for your arrival in New Zealand

Here are some extra tips for visiting New Zealand and a smooth arrival process.

Staying for longer than 3 months

You can visit New Zealand for up to 3 months with an ETA, but for anything beyond that, consider applying for the Visitor Visa instead.

With this visa, you can stay for up to 9 months in an 18-month period. We work with a licensed immigration lawyer to provide the Visitor Visa to eligible travelers. Contact us for more info via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.

Prepare for biosecurity checks

New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules to protect its unique environment. You’ll need to declare any food, plants, animal products, or outdoor equipment (like hiking boots).

Even small snacks (like fruit or nuts) must be declared. If you’re unsure, declare it to avoid fines.

Clean your hiking or camping gear thoroughly to ensure there’s no dirt or plant material. Michael Angelo from Project Kosmos explains:

"My arrival was smooth, but somewhat delayed because they had to double-check my hiking boots for soil and dirt and they hosed them down. I've never seen such strict measures when it comes to shoes!"

Australia Visa requirements

If you're visiting New Zealand with a visitor visa instead of an ETA, and you have provided an onward ticket to Australia as part of your documentation, you may need to show an Australian visa too for your application.

Time zone and jet lag

New Zealand is in NZST (New Zealand Standard Time) or NZDT (Daylight Time) during the summer months.

Jet lag can be tricky, especially if you’re arriving from Europe or the Americas, so hydrate and adjust your sleep gradually.

Need more information about traveling to New Zealand?

If you have any questions about traveling to New Zealand or the ETA application, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.