Travel between Australia and New Zealand is seamless thanks to strong ties between the two countries. However, depending on your travel purpose and duration, you may need to apply for New Zealand ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) or choose another suitable visa option. This guide breaks down everything Australians should know before planning their trip, from eligibility and application steps to requirements and travel tips.
Not everyone traveling from Australia to New Zealand has the same requirements. Here’s how it works depending on your status:
Traveler Type |
Need NZeTA? |
What You Get on Arrival |
Australian Citizens |
No |
Resident visa granted automatically. |
Australian Permanent Residents |
Yes |
Visitor entry allowed with approved NZeTA. |
Other Foreign Passport Holders in Australia |
Yes (in most cases) |
NZeTA required unless exempt. |
When applying online, travelers can choose from the following types of NZeTA:
Intro: If you’re traveling for leisure or short visits, the NZeTA will be enough. For long-term stays or work, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa.
Before you start your application, make sure you have the following:
New Zealand offers flexible processing times depending on how soon you need your travel authorization.
Processing Option |
Estimated Time |
When to Choose |
Normal Processing |
1 - 2 Days |
For travelers applying early. |
Rush |
6 - 12 Hours |
For those needing quicker approval. |
Super Rush |
Within 1 Hour |
For urgent last-minute travel. |
Applying online is quick and user-friendly. Just follow these three steps:
Apply online by entering your passport details, personal information, and travel plans. Double-check that everything matches your passport to avoid delays.
Submit the NZeTA fee, which includes the IVL (tourism levy), using a secure online payment method such as a credit or debit card.
Your NZeTA will be emailed to you once processed and is electronically linked to your passport. Simply travel with the same passport you applied with—no paper copy is needed.
When applying for the NZeTA, you’ll need to cover a small government fee, which also includes the tourism levy, plus a service fee for processing support. If you’re in a hurry, you can choose a faster Rush or Super Rush option at an extra cost. Important: Fees may change, so always check the New Zealand ETA Fee website before submitting your application to confirm the current costs.
Even though applying is easy, your NZeTA can be rejected if something’s off. Common reasons include:
We make the NZeTA process stress-free by offering:
Easy online application support
Fast processing with real-time updates
24/7 customer assistance
Guidance to avoid rejections
Yes. Australian citizens do not require an NZeTA or visa and will automatically receive a resident visa on arrival.
Yes. Permanent residents must apply for an NZeTA before traveling.
No. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in New Zealand.
No. NZeTA allows only short-term visits. For longer stays, apply for a visitor visa or another appropriate visa.
No. All eligible travelers must apply online before traveling.
Yes. Every traveler, including children, must have their own NZeTA or entry authorization.
Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in August 2025, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.
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