NZeTA visa rules bid to tighten security

AUCKLAND: Immigration New Zealand has already received more than 200,000 electronic visa applications from travellers ahead of new and tighter border control measures which started yesterday.

Keeping tabs on people entering the country with criminal convictions, as well as tightening national security, were key factors in the introduction of the New Zealand electronic travel authority [NZeTA] which is set to affect about 1.5 million people from 60 ‘‘visa waiver’’ countries.

Those affected will now have to fill out a form — which takes up to 72 hours to process — before boarding a plane or ship bound for New Zealand.

The NZeTA costs either $9 or $12 and excludes New Zealand and Australian citizens and those who already hold a valid visa for New Zealand

The move is designed to prevent people travelling here who are considered a risk to the country’s safety by identifying them well before checkin.

Authorities are looking to identify anyone previously sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 12 months or longer, those considered a threat to national security or who are members of a terrorist group.

Travellers coming by air or cruise ship will be required to answer questions about any criminal convictions and the purpose of their trip.

INZ policy director Nick Aldous said yesterday visa waiver countries — those whose citizens do not need a visa to come to New Zealand — include the UK, the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia and most European countries.

More than 30 staff in 21 different locations around the world would also be on hand to help travellers and carriers manage any issues should they arise.

Now, visitors flying to New Zealand receive only lighttouch screening at checkin, while cruise ship passengers and crew are not screened at all. But the NZeTA will give authorities early warning of individuals who potentially pose a risk.

People who do not hold an NZeTA would be denied boarding.

An NZeTA would be valid for two years and visitors could come and go as often as they liked within that period.

The measure will reduce the number of those who are denied entry on arrival — 1173 last year — because authorities will be alerted to suspect travellers earlier. — The New Zealand Herald