If You’re Planning To Travel To New Zealand, This Is The New ETA Form You’ll Need

Main image via Stuff.co + eTA New Zealand

Planning your next holiday? Is New Zealand a part of that list? It definitely should be.

From Lord of the Rings to The Chronicles of Narnia, a huge selection of movies have taken place with the beautifully scenic views of New Zealand in the background. And according to many sources, the trip to see these views for yourselves is definitely worth every penny.

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From beaches to adventures to food, New Zealand seems to have it all! However, travelling to the South Pacific paradise may not be as easy as it used to be.

Starting 1^st October 2019, travellers to the country will have to complete a “Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)” form and pay for it before entering the country.

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As New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world that experiences nearly as many travellers as it has citizens, the country is taking steps to enhance security and reduce immigration risks while improving the traveller experience.

The ETA also aims to address smuggling and biosecurity risks while supporting New Zealand’s international relationships and agreements.  The ETA was also established to adapt to the changing needs and requirements of the government, stakeholders and travellers over time.

Here’s a little help with the new documents.

What is an ETA?

An ETA is an Electronic Travel Autorisation documents that allows you to travel within the country for tourism purposes. In other words, it works exactly like a visa. In an effort to make tourist directly contribute to replenishing the resources they drain, the New Zealand government has established its own ETA policy.

When does it start?

For tourists planning to travel to New Zealand from 1^st October 2019, you’ll definitely need an ETA to enter. From July 2019 onwards, tourists will be able to request an ETA form that will become mandatory for travel from 1^st October.

New Zealand ETA Cost

To enter New Zealand on an ETA, travellers will have to fork out $9NZD (RM24.83) if you use the New Zealand tourism mobile app. Applying for an ETA online with your browser will cost you $12NZD (RM33.10).

You will also have to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) fee that costs $35NZD (RM96.55) which covers tourism infrastructure of the country.

All in all, applying for an ETA will cost you $44NZD (RM121) - $47NZD (RM129).

As the ETA is fully electronic, you won’t have to wait in long queues as long as your passport doesn’t change. An ETA will apply for two whole years, allowing you to enter and exit the country during the period of time.

When do you need to apply for an ETA?

ETAs and visas usually take about 72 hours to process. We highly recommend applying for one at least three days before your travel date. Most ETA’s should be approved in a matter of hours, but you won’t be able to board a plane to New Zealand until you get an official approval. Even with an ETA, you must be able to show your arrival and departure tickets.

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So if you’re planning on travelling to New Zealand, do take notes of these steps!

Info via GodSaveThePoints and New Zealand Immigration