The Electronic Travel Authority is Required By
- Australian permanent residents
- Passport holder of a visa waiver country, including UK, traveling (in transit) through Auckland Airport, whether New Zealand is the final destination or not
- Any citizen of any visa waiver country, including UK
- Any passenger arriving on a cruise ship irrespective of nationality
- Cruise ship crew and Commercial Airline crew: Electronic Travel Authority linked to employment will be valid for up to 5 years. Employers are required to request the eTA on behalf of all positioning crew and working crew travelling to New Zealand in the scope of their employment
British citizens and citizens of visa waiver countries do not require a visa to travel in New Zealand if:
- they are British citizens visiting for 6 months or less
- they are non-British citizens visiting for up to 3 months or less
- they are not visiting for the purpose of medical consultation or treatment
Passport requirements of British Citizen Passport Holders with Regards eTA
The United Kingdom has a Visa Waiver Agreement with New Zealand, and as such British passport holders can enter New Zealand for up to 6 months visa-free, for tourist or business purposes.
Under New Zealand’s stringent immigration rules, UK visitors are not allowed to work in New Zealand. British passport holders must comply with the immigration rules, and may have to satisfy the Immigration Officer as such. They therefore require:
- a passport that is not defaced
- a passport that is not damaged
- a passport valid for at least one month from the date of exit from New Zealand
- a wish to visit for the time granted on arrival
- return air tickets or valid onwards ticket to a country with permission/right to enter
- proof of sufficient funds for the full length of stay
United Kingdom Travelers who must apply for the Electronic Travel Authority
The following groups of travellers must have the eTA:
- Travelers in transit through Auckland Airport whether New Zealand is their intended final destination or not
- When arriving on a cruise ship, irrespective of nationality
- Australian permanent residents
UK citizens do not require a visa to travel to New Zealand when:
- staying for 6 months or less as a British citizen
- not travelling for medical consultation or treatment
Visa waiver countries:
European Union Countries, including United Kingdom:
Other Countries:
No need for visas for transit passengers through Auckland, New Zealand for transit time under 24 hours:
Travelers NOT requiring the Electronic Travel Authority
- Any citizen who is already in possession of a visa or must apply for a visa
- Australian citizens travelling on Australian passports
- New Zealand citizens traveling on a New Zealand passport
- New Zealand citizens traveling with a foreign passport which recognizes the passport holder as a New Zealand citizen
- Guests of the New Zealand Government
- Members of a visiting force and linked crew members Foreign citizens travelling under The Antarctic Treaty
- Crew and passengers of a non-cruise vessel
- Crew on any foreign cargo ship
The Visa Waiver Program and New Zealand
The United Kingdom is among many countries who have treaties which allow their citizens entry into New Zealand without the need to apply for a Visitor visa. These citizens do however have to comply with certain entry conditions, and they must furthermore complete a New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card on arrival. The Visitor visa for visa-waiver-nationals permits entry into New Zealand for stays of up to 3 months (6 months for United Kingdom citizens).
The eligibility requirements are:
- a valid passport
- valid travel documents
- a completed New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card declaring the holder to be in good health and of good character
- a return or onward-travel ticket before embarking on travel to New Zealand. While applicants for a Visitor visa must prove sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket, visa-waiver travellers must already have the ticket before arrival
- proof of sufficient funds for the length of stay in New Zealand
New Zealand’s Passenger Arrival Card is available at New Zealand airports.