New travel rules for NZ coming soon

From 1 October, some international visitors and transit passengers must have an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travelling to New Zealand.

The NZeTA is a new border security measure. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry to New Zealand.

From 1 October 2019, travellers must have authority to travel to New Zealand. This means they must hold one of the following:

• An NZeTA (or an NZeTA exemption)
• A visa                                                                                                      
• Citizenship of New Zealand or Australia.

What does this mean for international students?

People who are planning to come to New Zealand to complete a short-term course will need to apply for an NZeTA if they are coming from a visa waiver country. Friends and family planning to visit students in New Zealand will also need one, as well as education agents visiting on business.

International students who require a visa to study will not need an NZeTA. 

Travel agents, student agents and schools can assist international students with applying for the NZeTA by downloading the NZeTA mobile app or visiting the Immigration New Zealand website.

There is a small fee attached: NZD$9 for mobile app requests and NZD$12 for website requests.

The only official way to request an NZeTA is through Immigration New Zealand. Travellers should be advised not to request an NZeTA through any unauthorised third party.

Visit the Immigration New Zealand website here for more information. 

See a factsheet on the NZeTA here.