New Zealand

Reminder: Electronic Travel Authority to take effect Oct. 1

16 Sep 19

NEW ZEALAND

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Travelers are reminded that New Zealand will introduce an Electronic Travel Authority system Oct. 1.

What does the change mean? Nationals of 60 visa-waiver countries will need to obtain an ETA before traveling to New Zealand. The ETA system is designed to provide security benefits and streamline the pre-screening process. 

  • Implementation time frame: Oct. 1.
  • Who is affected: The change will affect nationals of 60 visa-waiver countries who may wish to travel to New Zealand as a visitor, or else transit through New Zealand on their way to their final destination. Australian citizens will be exempt from the requirement but Australian permanent residents will need to obtain the authorization. The change will not affect travel procedures for nationals of visa-required countries.
  • Processing: Immigration New Zealand has stated that travellers should allow up to 72 hours when applying for an Electronic Travel Authority, although the process could take as little as 10 minutes in many cases.
  • Business impact: Businesses may wish to notify employees and business visitors of the new requirement.

Additional information: Those who will require an ETA will need to complete a short online form and pay a small processing fee. The form will request basic information, such as:

  • Birth date;
  • Passport details;
  • Contact information;
  • Declarations regarding purpose of travel and criminal history; and
  • Optional biometric information (passport photo).

ETAs will be valid for two years and will cost NZD $9 if applied for on INZ’s app, or NZD $12 if applied for online. An International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35 will also be payable.

Analysis & Comments: Travelers from visa-waiver countries should take note of the pending change, especially if they are planning travel to New Zealand on or after Oct. 1. The change will not affect travel procedures for New Zealand citizens, Australian citizens or holders of valid New Zealand visas.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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