New Zealand ETA for Cruise Passengers

Planning a dream cruise to the land of the long white cloud? New Zealand’s breathtaking fjords, vibrant cities, and rich culture make it a top-tier cruise destination. But before you start packing, there’s a crucial pre-travel step every passenger needs to know about: the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, or NZ eTA.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, answering the most common questions and search queries to ensure your embarkation is as smooth as the seas you'll be sailing.

Do All Cruise Passengers Need an NZ eTA?

Yes, with very few exceptions. Unlike air travel, where the NZ eTA is limited to citizens of "visa-waiver" countries, the rule for cruise ships is much broader: All cruise ship passengers, regardless of their nationality, must hold a valid NZ eTA before their vessel enters New Zealand waters.

If you are from a country that would normally require a full Visitor Visa to fly to New Zealand (a "non-visa-waiver" country), you can still travel by cruise ship with just an NZ eTA.

Do Australian Citizens Need an NZ eTA?

No. If you are travelling on a valid Australian passport, you are exempt. You do not need an NZ eTA to travel to New Zealand.

What About Australian Permanent Residents?

This is a critical distinction that trips up many travellers. Yes, Australian Permanent Residents (PRs) do need an NZ eTA. While Australian citizens are exempt, Australian PRs (travelling on a non-Australian passport) must apply for NZ eTA just like other international passengers.

What is the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD)?

Here’s another essential step: The NZ eTA is not the only thing you need. All travellers, including cruise passengers (and even New Zealand and Australian citizens), must also complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD).

The NZTD is a free, separate online form. It collects customs, biosecurity, and immigration details. Think of it as the modern, digital version of the paper arrival card you used to fill out.

Do I Need Both an NZ eTA and an NZTD?

Yes. This is a key point of confusion. You need both.

• NZ eTA: This is your permission to travel to New Zealand. You pay a fee for it, and it's valid for two years.
• NZTD: This is your customs and biosecurity declaration for a specific trip. It's free, and you must complete it for every trip you take to New Zealand.

How to Apply for Your NZ eTA: App vs. Online

You have two options for your NZ eTA application, and the one you choose affects the price.

1. The Official NZ eTA Mobile App: This is the fastest and cheapest way. You can download the "NZ eTA" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. The Official Website: You can also apply online through the Immigration New Zealand website.

Both methods are secure, but the mobile app is recommended as it's specifically designed to be quick and easy.

How Much Does the NZ eTA for Cruise Passengers Cost?

The New Zealand ETA Cost is broken into two parts that you pay together in one transaction:

1. The NZ eTA Application Fee:

• NZD $17 if you use the official mobile app.
• NZD $23 if you use the website online form.

1. The International Visitor Levy (IVL): This is a separate levy charged at the same time.

What is the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)?

The IVL is a fee that most international visitors, including cruise passengers, must pay. The funds go directly into protecting New Zealand's natural environment and funding tourism infrastructure.

The cost of the IVL is NZD $100.

Total Cost: Your NZ eTA + IVL Bill

When you apply for your NZ eTA, you will pay for both the application and the IVL at the same time.

• Total cost via mobile app: NZD $117 (NZD $17 + NZD $100)
• Total cost via website: NZD $123 (NZD $23 + NZD $100)

When Should I Apply? How Long Does the NZ eTA Take?

Apply as early as possible. Immigration New Zealand states that it can take up to 72 hours (3 days) for your NZ eTA to be processed and approved.

While many applications are approved much faster (sometimes within an hour), you should not risk it. Apply at least a week before your cruise departs, or ideally, as soon as you book your trip.

How Long is the NZ eTA Valid For?

Once approved, your NZ eTA is valid for multiple entries for two years. This means if you have another cruise or trip to New Zealand planned within that two-year window, you will not need to apply for NZ Crew ETA (though you will still need to complete a new NZTD for that trip).

When Do I Complete the NZTD for My Cruise?

The timing for the NZTD is very specific. You can submit your New Zealand Traveller Declaration:

• Within 24 hours before your cruise ship departs its last international port before sailing to New Zealand.
• You must submit it by the time your ship berths at its first New Zealand port.

The official NZTD mobile app has an "offline mode," allowing you to complete the form on your device at sea (even without Wi-Fi) and then submit it once you get a brief internet connection or as you approach the port.

Flying to New Zealand to Join Your Cruise?

This is a vital scenario. If your travel involves flying into Auckland or another New Zealand airport to then board your cruise ship, the rules change slightly.

• If you are from a visa-waiver country (like the USA, UK, Canada, or European countries), your NZ eTA covers you for both flying in and for the cruise.
• If you are from a non-visa-waiver country, an NZ eTA is not enough to let you board a flight. You will need to apply for a full Visitor Visa or a Transit Visa before you travel.

NZ eTA vs. Crew ETA: What's the Difference?

If you see "Crew ETA" mentioned, do not get confused.

• NZ eTA: This is for passengers (tourists).
• Crew ETA: This is a separate type of authority for working crew members on the cruise ship. Your cruise line's employer will handle this for their staff. As a passenger, you only need to worry about the NZ eTA.

What Do I Need for the NZ eTA Application?

The process is simple. Have these items ready:

1. Your valid passport.
2. A high-quality photo of your face. The app lets you take a selfie, or you can upload one.
3. An email address. This is where your approval confirmation will be sent.
4. A credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard) to pay the fees.

Do My Children or Infants Need Their Own NZ eTA?

Yes. Every traveller, regardless of age, must have their own individual NZ eTA. This includes infants and children. If you are travelling as a family, you must submit a separate application and pay the fees for each person, including your children.

Do I Need to Print My NZ eTA Confirmation?

No. You do not need a physical, printed copy. The NZ eTA is linked electronically to the passport you used in your application. When you check in for your cruise, the staff will scan your passport, and their system will electronically verify that you have a valid NZ eTA.

However, it is highly recommended to have a digital copy of your NZ eTA confirmation email saved on your phone, just in case there are any system issues.

What If I Get a New Passport or My Details Change?

Your NZ eTA is linked to a specific passport.

• If you get a new passport (due to expiry, loss, or theft), your current NZ eTA is no longer valid for travel. You must request to have your NZ eTA details updated to your new passport using the "Request a change to your NZ eTA" form on the official Immigration New Zealand website.
• If you change your name or need to correct a small spelling error, you can also use this same form.
• Important: You cannot use this form to change your nationality. If you are now a citizen of a different country, you must apply for a new NZ eTA.

How Does the NZTD "Offline Mode" Work on a Cruise Ship?

This is a common question, as cruise ship internet can be unreliable or expensive. The NZTD app is designed for this:

1. BEFORE YOU LOSE INTERNET: You must open the app and start your declaration while you have a Wi-Fi or data connection (e.g., before your cruise leaves its last foreign port).
2. AT SEA (OFFLINE): Once started, the app will switch to "offline mode." You can now fill in all your customs and biosecurity information without an internet connection.
3. BEFORE YOU ARRIVE IN NZ: You must find an internet connection to submit the completed form. This must be done before your ship berths at its first New Zealand port.

What Happens if My NZ eTA Application is Refused?

A refusal is rare and usually happens for character or security reasons. If your NZ eTA application is refused, you cannot travel to New Zealand on your cruise. You will be denied boarding.

Your only option would be to apply for a full Visitor Visa, which is a much longer, more complex, and more expensive process that is not guaranteed to be approved. This is why it is critical to apply for your NZ eTA well in advance of your trip.

What Happens if I Don't Have an NZ eTA for My Cruise?

The consequences are serious: You will be denied boarding. Your cruise line is required by law to check that all passengers have a valid NZ eTA (or are exempt) before you are allowed on the ship at your departure port. You will not be given a refund.

Your Final Checklist for a Smooth New Zealand Cruise

Don't let this simple step cause a last-minute panic. Here is your action plan:

1. Check Your Passport: Ensure it's valid for your entire trip.
2. Apply for NZ eTA + Pay IVL: As soon as you book your cruise (or at least 72 hours before departure), use the official NZ eTA app to apply and pay for every member of your group, including children.
3. Get the NZTD App: Download the official NZTD app to your phone before you leave home.
4. Complete Your NZTD: In the 24-hour window before your ship leaves its last foreign port, start your declaration, fill it out (offline is fine), and find a moment of internet to submit it.
5. Enjoy Your Cruise! Sail with peace of mind, knowing all your paperwork is in order.