New Zealand is an easy country to travel in and one of the most popular places to visit in the world, being ranked at the top of the world by travel and leisure magazine. However, New Zealand’s immigration laws are very strict and require NEW ZEALAND ETA or Visas to be able to enter the country legally. This article goes through what are the requirements to get an ETA or Visa and how long they will last once they have been granted by the immigration authorities in New Zealand.
What is an ETA?
An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an online pre-authorization that U.S. citizens are required to complete before they arrive in Canada. With an eTA, you can fly to or transit through Canada without having a physical Canadian visa in your passport, but you will need proper travel documents and identification such as a valid passport and proof of citizenship at every port of entry into Canada. Applying for an eTA is quick, easy, and costs just $7. Once approved, it’s valid for up to five years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. NEW ZEALAND VISA
What is the process for getting an ETA?
To be eligible for an ETA, you must hold a passport from one of a range of specified countries. You are only eligible to apply for an eVisitor or eVisitor Child visa if you hold one of these passports: United Kingdom (includes British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies), European Union countries, Canada, Ireland, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. If your country isn’t on that list you will need to arrange a visitor visa prior to your departure.
What do I need to apply for an ETA?
The following documents are required to apply for an ETA: A passport that is valid for at least three months after your date of entry into New Zealand. A recent passport-sized photo. Evidence of your bank balance or proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your trip to NZ, eg a bank statement and/or a copy of your credit card. Evidence that you intend to leave New Zealand before your current visa expires (usually 60 days after arrival), eg employment letter, rental agreement, return ticket, or booking confirmation. If working in New Zealand, you must be registered with Immigration New Zealand prior to applying for an ETA.
How long does it take to get approval?
It may take up to five working days for your New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to be processed. You can only submit an application four months in advance of travel. In order to travel sooner, you must apply for a Visitor’s Visa. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to six months depending on where you’re traveling from and what type of visa you need.
Are there any downsides to getting an ETA?
Unlike a visa, an ETA only allows you to visit New Zealand for three months, so if you’re thinking of staying for longer than that you’ll need to apply for a work visa. Some people choose to do one trip as an ETA and then another one later on with a work visa; it just depends on your plans. You can also get another type of visa (such as a Student or Working Holiday) instead if an ETA isn’t right for you.
Where can I find more information about ETAs?
After applying for an ETA you should receive an email with further instructions. This email will also contain a PDF document titled ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation’. This is a PDF that contains information on how to apply for a visa, what documents you will need to provide, and details about life in New Zealand. It also includes information about getting your birth certificate, which is necessary to make a visa application. If you haven’t received your electronic travel authorization within three days of applying for it, don’t worry as it takes up to five working days and all valid applications will be approved.