Short answer: Most visitors to New Zealand need either an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) or a visa before they travel, and most also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy with it. Requirements depend on the passport, so confirm current rules on the official Immigration New Zealand site at quotation.
Entry rules are the one part of a New Zealand programme that the client cannot fix on arrival. A missing NZeTA can stop a passenger at check-in. This guide sets out what agents should check, in what order, and where the responsibility sits. It deliberately gives no fees or country lists: both change, and the only source to rely on is Immigration New Zealand.
NZeTA or visa: the first question
Every passenger falls into one of three groups, decided by passport and purpose of travel:
- NZeTA. Travellers from visa-waiver countries, and some others, apply for an NZeTA instead of a visa before they travel. It is requested online through the official Immigration New Zealand app or website.
- Visitor visa. Travellers from countries without visa-waiver status need a visitor visa, applied for in advance. Groups can use Immigration New Zealand's group visa routes; see our note on group visitor visas moving online.
- No NZeTA or visa needed. A small number of travellers, such as New Zealand citizens, are exempt.
Transit passengers have their own rules. Check them for any itinerary that connects through Auckland to another country.
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy
Most travellers who need an NZeTA or a visitor visa also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). It is charged at the same time as the NZeTA or visa application, not on arrival, and it funds conservation and tourism infrastructure. Some travellers are exempt. We do not quote the amount here because it is set by the New Zealand Government and can change: confirm the current figure on the Immigration New Zealand site when you advise the client.
A checklist for each booking
Run through this for every passenger at quotation, and again before final documents:
- Passport validity. Check the passport meets Immigration New Zealand's validity rule for the planned departure date, and that it is in good condition.
- Passport and nationality. Use the passport the client will actually travel on. Dual nationals must apply with that passport.
- NZeTA or visa. Confirm which one applies, and that it is approved before the client flies. Allow processing time; Immigration New Zealand advises applying well ahead rather than at the airport.
- The IVL. Confirm whether it applies and that it was paid with the application.
- Onward or return travel. Visitors are generally expected to hold onward or return travel.
- Purpose of travel. Business events, study and work have their own conditions. A MICE delegate attending a conference is not the same case as a holidaymaker. Check the rules for the purpose stated.
Biosecurity on arrival
New Zealand applies strict biosecurity at the border to protect its farming and native species. Brief clients that:
- Food, plant material and animal products must be declared on arrival, and some items are not allowed in at all.
- Outdoor equipment such as hiking boots, tents and fishing gear should be clean and may be inspected.
- Undeclared items can lead to fines at the airport.
The simple rule for clients: if in doubt, declare it.
Who does what
- The client (or their agent, or a licensed immigration adviser) applies for the NZeTA or visa. Explera does not lodge applications.
- The agent checks which rule applies, reminds the client in good time, and confirms approval before ticketing is finalised.
- Explera DMC New Zealand confirms entry requirements for each passport at quotation, and supplies the itinerary and accommodation confirmations that a visa application commonly draws on.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the NZeTA is issued on arrival. It must be approved before travel.
- Applying with a different passport from the one used to travel.
- Forgetting the transit rules for a passenger connecting through New Zealand.
- Waiting until the last week. Leave time for any request for more information.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We plan FIT and tailor-made programmes and group tours with entry requirements checked at quotation for every passport on the rooming list. For conference and incentive delegates, our MICE team flags purpose-of-travel questions early. See how we work.
FAQ
Do most visitors need an NZeTA or a visa for New Zealand? Yes. Most visitors need either an NZeTA or a visitor visa before travel, depending on their passport. Confirm current requirements on the official Immigration New Zealand site at quotation.
When is the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy paid? For most travellers it is charged at the same time as the NZeTA or visa application, not on arrival. Some travellers are exempt.
Does Explera apply for the NZeTA or visa? No. The client, their agent or a licensed adviser applies. Explera confirms the requirements for each passport at quotation and supplies itinerary and accommodation confirmations.
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
