At a glance

  • South Korean passport holders are on the visa waiver list, but need an NZeTA before departure even for visits under 3 months.
  • An NZTD does not replace an NZeTA. For air travel, you can submit it from 24 hours before your journey to New Zealand begins.
  • Every person entering the country, including children and infants, must submit an NZTD and declare risk items such as food and outdoor equipment.

Day by day

Suggested itinerary

See each day's route, highlights, background and stay together in one place.

As soon as you book

Check with Immigration New Zealand whether you need an NZeTA or visa based on your passport nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay.

From 24 hours before departure

Enter your passport, flight, recent travel history, and items to declare on the official NZTD site.

At the arrivals hall

Keep items to declare easy to reach. If you're unsure about an item, show it to a biosecurity officer and ask for a decision.

How to fit it in

Check your entry requirements as soon as you book. During the week before departure, verify your approval status and passport details. Complete the declaration when submissions open.

Reality check

Transport

You can’t predict how long arrival processing and biosecurity checks will take, so leave plenty of time between your flight and any connection or shuttle.

Time

The government advises allowing 72 hours for NZeTA processing, so don’t apply just before departure. Complete your NZTD from 24 hours before your flight journey begins, and submit it before landing and immigration checks. Leave time for baggage and biosecurity checks on your first day; don’t schedule a car pickup or tour too close to your flight’s landing time.

Cost

The NZeTA costs NZD17 through the government app or NZD23 online. Visitors subject to the IVL pay an additional NZD100, bringing the totals to NZD117 or NZD123, respectively. Check whether you’re exempt based on your passport and travel conditions. The NZTD is free, so beware of agency pages that ask you to pay to submit the declaration.

Safety

Match your approval details to your passport, and don’t enter personal information on unofficial websites. If you’re unsure whether an item needs to be declared, declare it and ask for an assessment on arrival.

If plans change

If your approval is still pending

Don’t assume a payment receipt means you can board. Check your application status with Immigration New Zealand and the airline’s check-in requirements. If you need to change your flight, check the fare rules.

If you need to update your declaration

If your flight or the items you’re bringing change after you submit, update your NZTD through the official process. Follow airport or airline guidance if you can’t access the internet.

Small tip

Rather than memorizing fees and processing times, check the official information on the day you apply. If you’ve replaced your passport, check whether your existing approval is still linked to it.

Final check before departure

  • Use Immigration New Zealand’s checker with the nationality of the passport you’ll actually travel on and your visit or transit purpose, then confirm the passport number linked to your approval.
  • Set a reminder for 24 hours before your flight journey begins. Use your accommodation address, flight details, and list of items you’re bringing to complete the NZTD.
  • Add airport transport and pickup location hours to your arrival plan, but don’t assume a specific time for clearing immigration.

Verified as of 2026-07-30. For air travel, you can submit an NZTD from 24 hours before your journey begins, and must complete it before reaching passport control. Follow the official application page on the day you apply for approval, fees, and exemption conditions.

Information checked: 2026-07-30

Google Maps

Check the location on the map

Use Google Maps to review the location and nearby route. Recheck opening hours and prices with the official source before visiting.

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