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New Zealand Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

UK citizens visiting New Zealand must obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and IVL; apply online at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas; total fees are NZD 9 for the NZeTA plus IVL NZD 35 (approx. NZD 44 total); processing is usually instant to 72 hours.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from New Zealand, and you should have at least 1 blank page in your passport.
  • Specific forms: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is applied online; there is no DS-160 or similar form. You may need to use a RealMe identity account to access the online service.
  • Financial proof: There is no mandatory bank statement requirement for the NZeTA; you should have enough funds to cover your stay and any onward travel, but no fixed amount is published as a requirement for the ETA.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: It is advisable to have your accommodation details and evidence of onward or return travel, but not formally required for the ETA application.
  • Photo spec: No separate passport photo upload is required for the NZeTA itself; your passport photo and identity data are taken from the passport. If you apply for other visa routes, you may be asked for a passport photo (common sizes are 35x45 mm with a white background).
  • Biometrics: No biometric appointment is required to apply for the NZeTA; biometrics may be collected at the border if applicable for other visa routes.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory for the ETA, but strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel medical insurance during your stay.

Visa types

  • New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) – eTA for visa-exempt travellers (official name: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). Official duration: multiple entries, stays up to 6 months per visit; validity: 2 years. Approximate fee: NZD 9 online + IVL NZD 35 = NZD 44 total.
  • Visitor visa – for UK citizens who need a visa for purposes not covered by visa-exemption or who intend to stay longer than the NZeTA allows. Official duration varies; common stay up to 9 months per visit; multiple entries may be granted depending on grant. Approximate fee: NZD 245.
  • Working Holiday Visitor (Working Holiday Scheme) – if eligible (UK citizens aged 18–30). Official duration: 12 months; usually multiple entries during that period. Approximate fee: NZD 245.
  • Student visa – for study longer than a short course. Official duration: length of the course with possible extensions; multiple entries allowed depending on grant. Approximate fee: NZD 350–NZD 490 (depends on course length).
  • Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – for migrants with a job offer from an accredited employer. Official duration: initial grant up to 3 years (renewable); multiple entries allowed. Approximate fee: NZD 490–NZD 550.
  • Essential Skills Work Visa – for temporary work with a job offer where an occupation is on the Essential Skills list. Official duration: up to 3 years (subject to job offer); multiple entries allowed. Approximate fee: NZD 490–NZD 550.
  • Note: Fees vary by visa subclass and may change. Always check the official site for the current schedule.

How to apply online (application process for eTA)

  • How to apply online: Go to https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas and select New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Create or log in with RealMe, fill in passport and personal details, answer travel and health questions, pay the NZeTA fee and IVL, and submit.
  • Steps: 1) Check eligibility 2) Create RealMe account (if not already) 3) Complete NZeTA application 4) Pay NZD 9 NZeTA fee + NZD 35 IVL 5) Receive approval digitally (usually within minutes to 72 hours) 6) Travel to NZ with approved NZeTA and IVL
  • Fee and timing: NZeTA online fee NZD 9; IVL NZD 35; total NZD 44; processing is usually instant but may take up to 72 hours in some cases.
  • How approval arrives: Approval is delivered electronically, linked to the passport in your RealMe account or via email depending on how you applied; no stamp or visa label is placed in your passport.

Visa on arrival

  • Visa on arrival: Not available for New Zealand. UK citizens must either have a valid NZeTA (for visa-exempt stays) or obtain a visa before travel for other purposes. There is no on-arrival visa stamping by default.

Sticker visa

  • Sticker visa: New Zealand primarily uses electronic travel authorizations (NZeTA) and online visa grants; there is no common process for a passport sticker visa for UK travellers. If a visa is required for your situation, it will typically be granted as an electronic approval linked to your passport, not a physical sticker.

Visa free

  • Entry conditions: UK citizens are visa-exempt for short visits but must obtain an NZeTA before travel. You can stay up to 6 months per visit (for most visa-exempt travellers). Work is not allowed unless you hold a valid visa for work; on arrival you should have your NZeTA approval ready and be prepared to show evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds, and a valid passport.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.