New Zealand continues to welcome millions of short-term visitors each year, many of whom can travel without applying for a visitor visa before departure. This approach depends on a structured pre-travel screening system that maintains border security while preserving visa-free access for low-risk travellers.
Information released by Immigration New Zealand explains the role of the New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), why it was introduced, how it operates in practice, and what current approval data reveals about visitor travel patterns and border management.
Why the NZeTA was introduced
The NZeTA was introduced in August 2019 as a mandatory pre-travel authority for people who are otherwise eligible to visit New Zealand without applying for a visa in advance. Its purpose is to strengthen border security by allowing Immigration New Zealand to conduct character and security checks before a traveller boards a flight or vessel.
This approach aligns New Zealand’s border controls with international best practice, shifting assessment earlier in the travel journey while preserving visa-free access for low-risk visitors. The NZeTA does not replace visas. Instead, it determines whether a traveller can travel to New Zealand to be considered for a visa at the border.
Who the NZeTA applies to
The NZeTA is required for:
- Travellers from visa waiver countries arriving by air
- Cruise ship and cargo ship passengers
- Air, cruise, and cargo crew, through employer-based processes
Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport are not required to hold an NZeTA. Australian permanent residents, however, must obtain an NZeTA before travelling and are assessed for entry when they arrive in New Zealand.
Key approval statistics since 2019
Since August 2019, the NZeTA has become a central part of New Zealand’s visitor entry system. By December 2025:
- More than 7.2 million NZeTAs had been approved since its introduction
- Over 1.6 million approvals were granted in the 2024 to 2025 financial year alone
These figures illustrate the scale at which the NZeTA facilitates short-term visitor travel while enabling Immigration New Zealand to assess entry risks before travellers arrive.
Australia-based trial settings
From 3 November 2025, Immigration New Zealand introduced a 12-month trial allowing certain travellers who already hold valid Australian visas to use an NZeTA instead of applying for a New Zealand visitor visa.
Under this trial:
- Eligible Chinese passport holders travelling from Australia can visit New Zealand for up to three months on an NZeTA
- Eligible Pacific Islands Forum passport holders travelling from Australia are subject to the same arrangements
- Chinese nationals may also transit through New Zealand using an NZeTA rather than a transit visa
The trial aims to simplify regional travel while continuing to apply pre-travel screening requirements.
Early data from the trial
Immigration New Zealand has published early data indicating strong uptake and high approval rates under the trial settings. As at 20 January 2026:
- More than 40,800 NZeTA requests had been submitted by Chinese and Pacific nationals
- 40,495 requests were approved, with a small number declined or still in progress
- More than 24,800 travellers had already arrived in New Zealand using an NZeTA under the trial
These figures suggest that the NZeTA framework is operating as intended, supporting genuine visitor travel while allowing Immigration New Zealand to assess entry risks before arrival.
Why this matters for travellers and businesses
The updated NZeTA data highlights key practical points for travellers and businesses:
- Pre-travel screening is now a permanent part of New Zealand’s border system
- Holding an NZeTA does not guarantee entry or work rights
- Misunderstandings about visitor pathways can result in refused boarding or entry
Immigration New Zealand has also warned about NZeTA-related scams. An NZeTA cannot lawfully be used to work for a New Zealand employer, and claims suggesting otherwise are a strong indicator of fraudulent activity.
How Absolute Immigration NZ support you
Clear advice is essential when navigating New Zealand’s visitor entry settings. Absolute Immigration NZ helps travellers and businesses confirm the appropriate pathway, whether an NZeTA or a visa is required, and avoid unnecessary border or compliance issues.
Get in touch
For guidance on NZeTA eligibility, visitor entry rules, or the correct visa strategy for travel to New Zealand, contact Absolute Immigration NZ at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.
