Travel disrupted by
the Middle East
situation
Issued: Monday 02 Mar 2026, 07:10 pm NZDT
We have established a priority phone line from Monday to Friday for people to contact us about this specific situation. Call 0508 558 855 (toll free from NZ landlines) or +64 9 914 4100 and press option 7. For information about what options are available to you, check:
Middle East: advice for temporary visa holders in New Zealand affected by travel disruptions
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
Some people can use an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand without applying for a visa first. This depends on your passport, how you are travelling and if you are visiting or only transiting.
From
NZD $17 or NZD $23
Up to
72 hours
To apply you must:
- be from a visa waiver country or territory
- be travelling to New Zealand for a short visit or transit
- have a valid passport that you will use to travel to New Zealand.
This NZeTA lets you:
- travel to New Zealand without applying for a visa first
- enter New Zealand as many times as you want for up to 2 years
- transit through Auckland International Airport on your way to another country.
Request an NZeTA
The fastest and easiest way to request your NZeTA is through our free mobile app.
Check if you need an NZeTA
You must request an NZeTA before you travel to New Zealand if you are:
- travelling on a passport from a visa waiver country
- an Australian permanent resident (you do not need an NZeTA if you are an Australian citizen)
- a cruise ship passenger, regardless of your nationality
- transiting through Auckland International Airport if you are from a transit visa waiver country.
Note
If you are a citizen of a country that is not on the visa waiver list, you must apply for a Visitor Visa instead of an NZeTA.
Visitor VisaHow to request an NZeTA
There are 2 ways to request an NZeTA. It takes about 5 minutes to complete.
Download the free NZeTA app
Download the free NZeTA app to your mobile phone to request your NZeTA. This is the fastest way to request your NZeTA and is also cheaper.
Scan your passport
Use the app to scan your passport. It will automatically fill in your details for you.
Take a photo
Use the app to take a photo of your face. Make sure you follow the photo requirements.
NZeTA photo requirementsPay the fee and levy
Pay the cost of the NZeTA and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
If you use the app, it costs **NZD $17** for the NZeTA. If you request online, it costs **NZD $23**.
The IVL costs **NZD $35** for each person and is paid at the same time as your NZeTA.
When to request an NZeTA
You should request your NZeTA well in advance of your travel to New Zealand. It can take up to 72 hours for an NZeTA to be processed.
If you do not have an NZeTA when you check in for your flight or cruise, you will not be allowed to board.
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
The IVL is a way for you to contribute directly to the tourism infrastructure you use and help protect the natural environment you enjoy during your stay in New Zealand.
Most people who request an NZeTA must also pay the IVL, which costs **NZD $35**. You pay the IVL at the same time as you request your NZeTA.
Travelling on a cruise ship
If you are visiting New Zealand on a cruise ship, you must have an NZeTA regardless of your nationality.
If you are a citizen of a visa waiver country, you can travel to New Zealand by cruise ship with an NZeTA. If you are not from a visa waiver country, you can only travel to New Zealand by cruise ship if you have an NZeTA.
If you are flying into New Zealand to join a cruise ship, you must have an NZeTA if you are from a visa waiver country. If you are not from a visa waiver country, you must have a Visitor Visa.
Information for transiting
Transit passengers must have an NZeTA if they are from a transit visa waiver country or a visa waiver country.
A transit passenger is someone who passes through Auckland International Airport on their way to another country. You must stay in the transit area of the airport and your stay cannot be longer than 24 hours.
Transit through New ZealandCheck your NZeTA status
You can check the status of your NZeTA request online. You will need your NZeTA reference number or your passport details.
Update details on your NZeTA
If you have a new passport or your email address has changed, you must update the details on your NZeTA.
- If you have a new passport, you must request a new NZeTA.
- If your email address or other small details have changed, you can update them online.