New Zealand Visa: Validity period and travel time

Do you want to know how long you are allowed to travel in New Zealand? Find out here.

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NZeTA validity period

A trip to New Zealand is a dream for many British travellers. But when is the best time to apply for a visa for this country? On this page, we'll show you the deadlines and validity periods of the visa and NZeTA for New Zealand.

Length of validity of the NZeTA visa for New Zealand: key points

  • The New Zealand tourist visa is valid for 9 months
  • The NZeTA visa for New Zealand is valid for two years
  • It is not possible to extend the validity of the New Zealand NZeTA visa.
  • It is possible to make several trips to New Zealand during the period of validity of the visa.

How long are traditional visas valid for New Zealand?

The length of validity of a New Zealand visa depends on the type of visa you apply for. There are several types of New Zealand visas, each with different validity periods.

Here are some examples of validity periods for the most commonly requested visas:

  • Tourist visa: usually valid for 9 months from the date of issue.
  • Temporary work visa: the period of validity depends on the duration of the job for which you have been hired. It can range from a few months to several years.
  • Permanent work visa: valid for life, you must renew every year.
  • Student visa: The length of validity depends on the length of the course for which you have been accepted. It can range from a few months to several years.

It is important to note that the period of validity of a visa does not necessarily correspond to the length of your stay in New Zealand. For some types of visas, you may be able to enter and leave the country more than once during the validity of your visa. It is therefore important to check your visa requirements with the New Zealand travel authorities and to respect the validity dates of your visa to avoid problems when entering and leaving the country.

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How long is the NZeTA valid for New Zealand?

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is an online system that allows travellers to apply for an electronic travel authorisation for travel to New Zealand. It is valid for two years from the date of issue.

It is important to note that the NZeTA does not guarantee entry into New Zealand: this will depend on decisions made by immigration authorities on arrival. It is therefore important to keep up to date with the latest pandemic travel information and to be prepared to meet entry requirements before travelling.

This is a multiple-entry visa, which means that people who obtain it can enter and leave New Zealand multiple times during a two-year validity period.

 

How long can I stay in New Zealand on a visa or NZeTA?

With a New Zealand tourist visa, you can usually stay in the country for up to 6 months. This period of time is known as the 'authorised period of stay'. However, it is important to note that the permitted length of stay is not necessarily the same as the actual length of your stay. It will depend on the dates of entry and exit that you indicate in your visa application and your ability to provide evidence that you have sufficient resources to support yourself during your stay and return tickets or a travel itinerary. It is also possible to extend your stay in New Zealand by applying for a visa extension before the end of your authorised stay.

With an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) you can generally stay in New Zealand for up to 90 days. This is the standard length of stay allowed for travellers entering the country with an NZeTA.

It is important to note that the NZeTA is a multiple-entry e-visa, which means that you can enter and leave New Zealand multiple times during a two-year validity period, but each stay must not exceed 90 days. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for a temporary stay visa from the New Zealand authorities.

It is important to plan your trip accordingly and ensure that you have all the necessary documents for your stay, including sufficient evidence that you can afford to pay for your stay, return tickets or a travel itinerary. It is also important to respect the authorised length of stay to avoid problems with the immigration authorities.

 

How long does it take to get a visa or NZeTA for New Zealand?

The time taken to obtain a New Zealand visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the circumstances of your application.

For standard tourist visa applications, the processing time can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the country you are applying to. It is therefore advisable to apply well in advance to avoid delays in your travel plans.

For work visa applications, it may take longer to obtain, as they require additional verification and medical examinations for certain types of visa.

For temporary and permanent visa applications, the time taken to obtain a visa can vary from a few months to several years, depending on the circumstances of your application.

The NZeTA is an electronic visa application system, and is often faster than the standard visa application process, with applications being processed within days or hours. However, it is important to check the official website for processing times to be sure.

It is important to note that visa processing times can vary depending on the workload of the immigration authorities and the circumstances of each individual application, so it is best to check the processing times with the New Zealand authorities before applying.

Apply for your New Zealand e-visa!

Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.

 

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get an NZeTA for New Zealand?

The time it takes to obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) varies depending on how and when you apply and the site through which you apply. If you apply through the service provider we recommend, you will be able to obtain this permission to stay within a few hours to a few days at most. This is much shorter than the time it takes to obtain a regular visa.

When to apply for a New Zealand NzeTA?

It is advisable to apply for your NZeTA for New Zealand well in advance to avoid delays in your travel plans. It is important to note that the NZeTA is an electronic visa, so you must have it before travelling to New Zealand. It is recommended that you submit your NZeTA application at least 72 hours before your intended departure date to New Zealand. This will allow you sufficient time to submit all the required documents and receive a response to your application before you travel.

Is it possible to get an NZeTA in a hurry?

It is possible to obtain an NZeTA on an emergency basis if you need to travel to New Zealand immediately and cannot wait for the normal timeframe to obtain an NZeTA. However, it is important to note that there are additional fees for emergency applications. It is therefore important to check with the New Zealand authorities about the requirements and associated costs.