If you want to experience any of the below adventure sports, untouched nature, pristine beaches, and a vibrant culinary culture, visit NZ. With its natural heritage and modern culture, New Zealand has it all.
Visiting New Zealand is now easy with an ETA.
The New Zealand eTA Visa Application
With increasing risks of illegal immigration, border security is a cause for concern for almost every country. By introducing the New Zealand eTA, the government created a pre-travel document that is meant for all, i.e., new visa applicants and those exempted from getting a visa.
Further, by opting for an online New Zealand eVisa application, you can simplify your travel process and have quick approval for entry.
When Should You Apply for the New Zealand eTA?
Make sure to apply early for an ETA to New Zealand for a hassle-free travel experience:
- While arriving via a flight/ cruise
- Holding the passport of a country whose visa needs have been waived
- Passing via Auckland
- Traveling via Auckland from a country that does not need a transit visa
- Having an Australian permanent resident visa
Exempted Countries
New Zealand has an extensive list of countries whose citizens are allowed to travel visa-free. However, if you are from one such country, you will still need to file a New Zealand eTA application.
Eligible Countries
Citizens of almost every country can file a New Zealand eVisa application and start planning their itinerary. However, your travel plans may come to a halt if you do not hold the right documents.
Various countries are eligible to travel and have their corresponding visa categories. The immigration website of the New Zealand government lets people know what they are eligible for. Look into the documents that you have and may need before getting started on your visa form.
Do You Have an Entry Restriction?
Citizens from almost every country can travel to New Zealand. However, there are only two exemptions to the norm:
- Federal Republic of Somalia
- Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
However, if you have a passport from Afghanistan that was issued between 2004 – 2021, you may be eligible for travel.
Further, the New Zealand government does not allow travel with a certain list of unacceptable documents. To learn more, go through New Zealand Immigration’s Operation Manual.
When Not to Apply for a New Zealand eTA Visa?
You need not apply if you fall into one of the below categories:
- Holding a permanent residence visa from New Zealand
- Have a foreign passport with New Zealand citizen sponsorship
- Australian citizen with a valid passport
- Already hold a visa to New Zealand
- Associated with expeditions under the Contracting Party to the Antarctic Treaty
Visa Categories Available
While there are multiple options when opting for the New Zealand eTA visa, some are more commonly availed than others. The top visa categories include:
Visitor Visa
By opting for this visa route, you can do the following:
- Spend a holiday traveling through New Zealand
- Study for up to 90 days
- Visit family and friends
It is available as:
- Single entry visa with a 9-month stay
- Multiple entry visa with a 6-month stay
Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
If you looking to seek medical treatment at one of New Zealand’s hospitals, you will have to opt for this visa type. It allows for 6-month stay under medical grounds. However, when applying, you will have to provide proof of funds to show that you can afford the procedure.
Student Visa
This is meant for those opting to study in New Zealand beyond the 3 months that is allowed by the Visitor visa. Some allow a stay of up to 5 years while taking up a maximum of 3 courses.
Work Visa
Multiple specific work visa routes are available if you want to stay and work in New Zealand. Further, you may get an extension on your current visa and even apply for a visa for your family.
Applying for a New Zealand eTA Visa
The New Zealand government ensures easy travel by making the New Zealand eVisa application simple and user-friendly. The same is true for the eTA as well. Log on to the website of the New Zealand Immigration Department and opt for one of the many visa categories, as per your needs.
By opting for the right category and supplying the correct information, you can receive your eVisa right on time.
Essential Documents
Keep the below papers on hand when working on the New Zealand eVisa application:
- Your passport should be valid for another 3 months after the date of leaving the country.
- A recently taken valid photograph, as per the government’s directions.
- A payment option, i.e., a bank card
- An email address for receiving your ETA or visa
- Your travel documents, tickets, and itinerary
- A character certificate
- Documents in support of the purpose of your visit
Added Papers That You May Need
This is something that varies as per the purpose of travel. In case you are traveling on medical grounds to seek treatment, you may be asked to furnish medical records and proof of funds to show that you can afford said procedure.
For those requesting a student visa with a validity that goes beyond that of the regular Visitor visa, documents from the college/ university may be requested. Further, those requesting a work visa or an extension on the same may be asked for appointment letters and similar supporting documents from their employer.
The same is true for most visa categories that the New Zealand government lets you opt for.
Processing Cost and Time
The New Zealand ETA visa has one of the shortest processing times. Barring any delays, most receive their visa within 72 hours of filing for the eTA. For an on-time delivery of your eTA, it is better to apply 4 – 7 days prior.
Further, the New Zealand eVisa application can take up to 4 weeks to get processed as per the official website. This is due to the time taken by the officials to verify all necessary documents that are submitted in support of the application.
Further, the charges will vary as per the visa category, and options availed. You may also have to pay for a Tourism Levy and an International Visitor Conservation, a tax that is targeted to preserve the natural heritage of the country.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
An early and accurate New Zealand eTA visa application is the key to a seamless travel experience when visiting New Zealand. Further, to avoid any delays or the chances of getting the form rejected, make a note of the following:
- Your name entered should be as per your passport
- Make sure all your personal information is correct and can be verified
- Go for the right visa category
- Submit all necessary documents
- Make sure to provide proof of funds
- Pay the right application fees
Cross-check your application before submitting and retain a copy.
Further, some visa options may take a while to get approved. Make sure that when opting for any of these, you have enough time before you need the visa.
Start Planning Your Trip With the New Zealand eTA Visa
Visiting New Zealand is now easy with an ETA. Apply online via the right channels and start working on your travel plans. With its short approval time, your New Zealand eTA Visa will be in your hands long before you have to set out on your journey.
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