Aug 2, 2019, 5:03 pm
Last edit by: Mwenenzi
Beware of non government 3rd party look-a-like web sites that charge more, often found with a browser web search. Only the New Zealand government web site (govt.nz) issues a visa/NZeTA. These other scam-deceptive web sites just send your data to the NZ Govt web site. Some of these sites may have a disclaimer in the fine print.
NZ Government link ---> Check if you need a visitor visa or an NZeTA
NZ Government link ---> Request an NZeTA {as at 05 Aug 2019} Please note that travellers from visa waiver or transit visa waiver countries who are in transit through New Zealand are required to hold an NZeTA.
NZ Government link --->NZ Traveller Declaration On line or phone app. An option to the paper arrival form.
NZ Government web sites. Note: Check for yourself. The requirements and links may change
Link---> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...a/visitor-visa
Link---> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...out-visa/nzeta
Link---> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...sa/visa-waiver
Link---> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...sit-passengers Transit passengers
Refer to post 23 below
Wikipedia --> Visa policy of New Zealand This may be accurate nor does it replace official NZ Government information
Other related FT threads
NZ Government link ---> Check if you need a visitor visa or an NZeTA
NZ Government link ---> Request an NZeTA {as at 05 Aug 2019} Please note that travellers from visa waiver or transit visa waiver countries who are in transit through New Zealand are required to hold an NZeTA.
- From 1 October 2019, if you are from a visa waiver country you must request an NZeTA before you travel. It costs NZD$9 on our free app, or NZD$12 if completed online.
- You must also pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). The IVL costs NZD $35 and is paid at the same time as the NZeTA.
NZ Government web sites. Note: Check for yourself. The requirements and links may change
Link---> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...a/visitor-visa
Link---> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...out-visa/nzeta
Link---> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...sa/visa-waiver
Link---> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...sit-passengers Transit passengers
Refer to post 23 below
Wikipedia --> Visa policy of New Zealand This may be accurate nor does it replace official NZ Government information
Other related FT threads
- New Zealand immigration & customs
- Smartgate at Australia & NZ immigration Click to open the wiki
NZeTA required from 1 October 2019 to visit or transit New Zealand
Nov 16, 2019, 10:19 pm
#91
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,759
1. When the application says "transit" - they mean transit in the form of staying airside between the flights? I.e. if I have a long transit (intl. to intl.) and want to get out of the airport (and thus go through immigration) - is this still transit, or is this a visit to NZ?
I don't know for sure but I bet you'll stopped at NZ border - the transit ETA only covers boarding at outport but not entry into NZ's borders (or else how is the IVL enforced?).
Is the case for AUS https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/a...a-4736608.html
Nov 16, 2019, 11:05 pm
#93
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,987
Two questions, if anyone knows:
1. When the application says "transit" - they mean transit in the form of staying airside between the flights? I.e. if I have a long transit (intl. to intl.) and want to get out of the airport (and thus go through immigration) - is this still transit, or is this a visit to NZ?
2. Wrt. APEC cards - does holding one (issued by the US) have any bearing on having to pay an IVL? (It's just that for a 3 hour jot into town I would prefer not to spend an extra $30, if possible).
1. When the application says "transit" - they mean transit in the form of staying airside between the flights? I.e. if I have a long transit (intl. to intl.) and want to get out of the airport (and thus go through immigration) - is this still transit, or is this a visit to NZ?
2. Wrt. APEC cards - does holding one (issued by the US) have any bearing on having to pay an IVL? (It's just that for a 3 hour jot into town I would prefer not to spend an extra $30, if possible).
- Yep: I to I airside would be considered transit, so the IVL is not payable. Just the NZeTA fee. Go landside for 30 minutes, 3 hours or 30 days or what ever: you pay the IVL fee. Technically there are extra fees to cross the border going in and out, which are included in tickets e.g. USA to NZ or NZ to USA ticket. Crossing the border at egates/desk when you have a I to I ticket, you may get asked for these {NZ passenger service charge - departure NZ$15.89 and others}. People going landside during and International to International transit is not unusual. Please report back if you get charged.
From what I see on the NZ gov web site, APEC means nothing for NZeTA - IVL.{refer to post 100} May be a little easier/quicker for immigration, but for people eligible to use e-gates, will not help much.
It can take some time to get into/back from the city centre depending on traffic, time of day etc
Do not rely on sites like FT for visa - impartation advice. Seek advise from official sources
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Nov 17, 2019 at 11:30 am
Nov 17, 2019, 1:30 am
#94
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: Alaska
Posts: 2,188
I think NZ Immigration wise, there is no allowance for you to go landside (c.f. PRC's 144-hour's virtual travel-free "TWOV" visa).
I don't know for sure but I bet you'll stopped at NZ border - the transit ETA only covers boarding at outport but not entry into NZ's borders (or else how is the IVL enforced?).
I think having APEC card with NZL designation negates the need to have ETA
Is the case for AUS https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/a...a-4736608.html
I don't know for sure but I bet you'll stopped at NZ border - the transit ETA only covers boarding at outport but not entry into NZ's borders (or else how is the IVL enforced?).
I think having APEC card with NZL designation negates the need to have ETA
Is the case for AUS https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/a...a-4736608.html
Nov 17, 2019, 1:46 am
#95
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,759
Nov 17, 2019, 1:55 am
#96
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,759
I believe PRC and Indonesian nationals were not previously visa-free but acquired visa-free status if they acquired APEC cards with NZL designation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_po...ss_Travel_Card.
They're not going to have to acquire an ETA now (I checked Timatic on this).
If Indonesian and PRC APEC cardholders don't, then why would visa waiver country/territory cardholders like Singapore, Japan or South Korea be subject to ETA when PRC and Indonesian cardholders can enter visa- and ETA-free?
But US and Canadian cardholders don't acquire visa free anywhere merely by acquiring APEC card.
They're not going to have to acquire an ETA now (I checked Timatic on this).
If Indonesian and PRC APEC cardholders don't, then why would visa waiver country/territory cardholders like Singapore, Japan or South Korea be subject to ETA when PRC and Indonesian cardholders can enter visa- and ETA-free?
But US and Canadian cardholders don't acquire visa free anywhere merely by acquiring APEC card.
Nov 17, 2019, 2:24 am
#97
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: Alaska
Posts: 2,188
I believe PRC and Indonesian nationals were not previously visa-free but acquired visa-free status if they acquired APEC cards with NZL designation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_po...ss_Travel_Card.
They're not going to have to acquire an ETA now (I checked Timatic on this).
If Indonesian and PRC APEC cardholders don't, then why would visa waiver country/territory cardholders like Singapore, Japan or South Korea be subject to ETA when PRC and Indonesian cardholders can enter visa- and ETA-free?
But US and Canadian cardholders don't acquire visa free anywhere merely by acquiring APEC card.
They're not going to have to acquire an ETA now (I checked Timatic on this).
If Indonesian and PRC APEC cardholders don't, then why would visa waiver country/territory cardholders like Singapore, Japan or South Korea be subject to ETA when PRC and Indonesian cardholders can enter visa- and ETA-free?
But US and Canadian cardholders don't acquire visa free anywhere merely by acquiring APEC card.
before NZETA, maybe APEC card holders from certain country are exempted from acquiring a Visa. NZETA is not a Visa per se. it is required for Visa-waiver countries.
Nov 17, 2019, 2:32 am
#98
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,759
Nov 17, 2019, 11:23 am
#100
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,987
Looking again APEC holders may be exempt from IVL. Does not say you have to be travelling for business purposes on the trip. (Or a source of post 94 comment?)
IVL link--> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...and/paying-ivl
Who does not need to pay an IVL
You do not pay an IVL if you:
There are some other visa holders who do not need to pay the IVL. Use our online tool, Fees, decision times and where to apply, to confirm what applies to you.
You do not pay an IVL if you:
- travel to New Zealand on:
- an Australian or New Zealand passport
- a passport from many Pacific Island nations
- are a transit passenger arriving at and leaving from Auckland International Airport
- have a New Zealand resident visa
- hold a Business Visitor Visa or APEC business travel card.
There are some other visa holders who do not need to pay the IVL. Use our online tool, Fees, decision times and where to apply, to confirm what applies to you.
- https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/ap...vel-card-abtc/
- https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...ss-travel-card
You need to stay airside at AKL to be considered a transit passenger.
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Nov 17, 2019 at 11:43 am
Nov 17, 2019, 1:03 pm
#101
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 1,470
Data point: Applied for NZeTA via app yesterday at noon (NYC time). Still showing as pending 27 hours later.
ETA: Received an approval email 6 minutes after this post. Given it's just after 9am Monday morning in New Zealand guess it's safe to say these applications are reviewed manually. Guess if one is travelling over a weekend they sure better be aware of this new requirement. FYI I'm travelling with friends and I only learned of this requirement from one of them. He found out via email from NZ. I searched my emails and didn't see anything regarding NZeTA from NZ. We both booked our flights back in January.
ETA: Received an approval email 6 minutes after this post. Given it's just after 9am Monday morning in New Zealand guess it's safe to say these applications are reviewed manually. Guess if one is travelling over a weekend they sure better be aware of this new requirement. FYI I'm travelling with friends and I only learned of this requirement from one of them. He found out via email from NZ. I searched my emails and didn't see anything regarding NZeTA from NZ. We both booked our flights back in January.
Last edited by greendx; Nov 17, 2019 at 1:13 pm
Nov 17, 2019, 6:39 pm
#102
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: Alaska
Posts: 2,188
NZeTA is not a visa.
Looking again APEC holders may be exempt from IVL. Does not say you have to be travelling for business purposes on the trip. (Or a source of post 94 comment?)
IVL link--> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...and/paying-ivl
NZ Gov links (APEC)
You need to stay airside at AKL to be considered a transit passenger.
Looking again APEC holders may be exempt from IVL. Does not say you have to be travelling for business purposes on the trip. (Or a source of post 94 comment?)
IVL link--> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...and/paying-ivl
NZ Gov links (APEC)
- https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/ap...vel-card-abtc/
- https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...ss-travel-card
You need to stay airside at AKL to be considered a transit passenger.
How was NZETA? Does APEC card holder need NZETA? I applied it only because it costs NZ$9 and I was in transit AKL.
My passport expires next year. Good to know for future.
Nov 17, 2019, 7:48 pm
#103
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,649
I saw those links as well. But when applying for NZeTA, there seems to be no option to specify APEC status and avoid IVL fee.
I emailed the NZ immigration authorities, but not holding my breath for an answer.
I emailed the NZ immigration authorities, but not holding my breath for an answer.
NZeTA is not a visa.
Looking again APEC holders may be exempt from IVL. Does not say you have to be travelling for business purposes on the trip. (Or a source of post 94 comment?)
IVL link--> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...and/paying-ivl
Looking again APEC holders may be exempt from IVL. Does not say you have to be travelling for business purposes on the trip. (Or a source of post 94 comment?)
IVL link--> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...and/paying-ivl
Nov 17, 2019, 8:03 pm
#104
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: Alaska
Posts: 2,188
I don't know exactly whether APEC business card is allowed for personal use. It is not mentioned. For Australia ETA, it is stated that no ETA with APEC card. I tried to apply Australia ETA, it says I already have one.
However, IVL can be paid separately when entering NZ.
I applied NZeTA without IVL because I won't enter NZ anyway. I can inquire tomorrow(Nov 19th, NZ time) after I arrive AKL.
Nov 17, 2019, 8:12 pm
#105
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,987
- APEC holders need an NZeTA
- APEC holders do not need an IVL
----> https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...to-new-zealand
An NZeTA is not a visa. Is supplemental to visa/visa waiver.
IMHO the NZeTA and especially the IVL are a very political targeted money grab (~slush fund) by the NZ Government.
.
When going through immigration (egates/desk) the system will know if you have a APEC authorisation.
But seek your own advice from official sources
I don't know exactly whether APEC business card is allowed for personal use. It is not mentioned. For Australia ETA, it is stated that no ETA with APEC card. I tried to apply Australia ETA, it says I already have one.
However, IVL can be paid separately when entering NZ.
I applied NZeTA without IVL because I won't enter NZ anyway. I can inquire tomorrow(Nov 19th, NZ time) after I arrive AKL.
However, IVL can be paid separately when entering NZ.
I applied NZeTA without IVL because I won't enter NZ anyway. I can inquire tomorrow(Nov 19th, NZ time) after I arrive AKL.
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Nov 17, 2019 at 8:22 pm
