From today,
people who visit from 60 “visa waiver” countries will need to obtain a New Zealand electronic travel authority — NZeTA — before being allowed to board a plane or cruise bound for New Zealand.
We are going on a cruise in December and were advised by the Princess line that new visa requirements were coming in from October. What is it? We haven’t seen anything published about it. We are both New Zealand passport holders. Regards, June
These new measures are designed to tighten our borders and national security, Immigration NZ told The Herald earlier this month.
From October 1, people who visit from 60 “visa waiver” countries will need to obtain a New Zealand electronic travel authority — NZeTA — before being allowed to board a plane or cruise bound for New Zealand.
The good news is that it won’t cost Kiwi passport holders, but Immigration NZ’s Nick Aldous hopes Kiwis will help spread the word.
Visa waiver countries include the UK, the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia and most European countries. The new requirement — which costs either $9 or $12 — excludes New Zealand and Australian citizens and those who already hold a valid visa for New Zealand.
Currently, visitors flying to New Zealand only receive light-touch screening at check-in, while cruise ship passengers and crew are not screened at all. The measure will reduce the number of those who are denied entry on arrival — 1173 last year alone — because authorities will be alerted to suspect travellers earlier.
An NZeTA would be valid for two years and visitors could come and go as often as they liked within that period. Aldous said the form could take up to 72 hours to process.
Princess Cruises have this to add: “Most visitors to New Zealand will also be subject to a $35 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). This fee enables multiple entries into New Zealand and is payable at the time you obtain your visa or ETA.”
“Guests are required to obtain a New Zealand visa or ETA independently in advance of their cruise and bring a printed copy to cruise checkin or risk being denied boarding.”