The New Zealand eTA is Now Available to Citizens of 60 Eligible Countries

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, August 7, 2019 (Newswire.com) - ​​​​​​​The new Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) for New Zealand was implemented at the beginning of August, and by Oct. 1, 2019, it will be obligatory for eligible citizens to register an online application before traveling to New Zealand for short stays. 

The government of New Zealand has implemented the new eTA system in order to allow travelers to obtain travel authorization exclusively online, eliminating the need to apply from an embassy or consulate. 

The New Zealand eTA application form is already available online and grants travelers from eligible countries multiple entries to visit NZ. The electronic travel authorization for NZ has a two-year validity period from approval and allows visitors to stay for up to 90 days in New Zealand for tourism. 

Applicants for the eTA New Zealand must have a valid passport from one of the 60 visa waiver countries. All airline crew and cruise line crew, no matter their nationality, will also need to apply for an eTA before traveling to New Zealand, starting Oct. 1, 2019. The Crew eTA is valid for up to five years.

Applying for a New Zealand eTA is quick and easy. The first step is to complete the eTA New Zealand online application, which involves entering a range of basic information such as the applicant’s name, date of birth, passport details and travel dates. There are also some security-related questions.

After the application form has been completed it is necessary to pay a small processing fee using a credit or debit card, as well as a tourist tax, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), to obtain the NZ eTA.

The IVL has been introduced as a way for travellers to contribute directly to the tourism infrastructure and help protect the natural environment they enjoy during their stay in New Zealand. 

When filling in the New Zealand eTA application, it is necessary to make sure that all of the data provided on the form is correct. Any inaccurate information may result in a delay in receiving an approved eTA, or in the rejection of the application.

Arriving in New Zealand with the eTA

Although a relatively small island nation, New Zealand is a diverse and exciting country that boasts a wide range of incredible natural phenomena and cultural heritage. Visitors to the country can explore otherworldly geothermal activity such as hot springs and geysers, visit the cosmopolitan cities of Wellington and Auckland, witness one of the unique Haka Maori war dances made famous by the All Blacks rugby team, and much more. 

The new Electronic Travel Authorization system makes it even easier to travel to New Zealand for tourism. Not only does it save time during the application process, but as travelers have already been pre-screened by the authorities, it also saves time at the border.

Once an application has been approved, the eTA is sent to the applicant electronically. Visitors can enter New Zealand by presenting their eTA, and the same passport used to complete the application, on arrival at the border. 

Applicants with two passports should bear in mind that the passport used to enter New Zealand must be the same as the one used for the visa application.

It should be noted that Australian citizens are exempt from applying for the eTA New Zealand. Australian permanent residents, however, are required to apply for an eTA, but exempt from paying the associated tourist levy.

For more information: contact@etanewzealand.com

Source: eTA New Zealand