Cruise passengers of all nationalities can apply for an NZeTA instead of a visa when arriving in NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR CRUISE SHIP VISITORS.
Different rules apply to visitors who fly into New Zealand to join a cruise. More information can be found below.
Do you need a visa to visit New Zealand on a cruise?
Foreign citizens do not need a visa if they will arrive in New Zealand on board a cruise ship. Instead, passengers must apply for an NZeTA. Therefore, you can go to New Zealand in a cruise without a visa.
When checking in for the cruise, travellers need to show the NZeTA confirmation letter, in printed or digital format.
This policy makes it easier for cruise passengers to visit New Zealand. It is quick and straightforward to apply for the electronic travel authority for New Zealand online.
Citizens of Australia can arrive in New Zealand on a cruise ship without a visa or NZeTA. Australian permanent residents, however, need an eTA.
Cruise ship NZeTA requirements
Cruise passengers must meet the NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR TOURISTS to travel without a visa. Applicants need a:
- Passport valid for 3 months beyond the intended date of departure
- Credit or debit card to pay the NZeTA fee and IVL tourism levy
- Email address to receive the NZeTA confirmation
Cruise passengers must also meet New Zealand’s health and safety requirements.
Passport requirements to travel to New Zealand by cruise ship
The same passport must be used to apply for the NZeTA and travel to New Zealand aboard the cruise ship.
The permit is linked to a specific passport and cannot be transferred: a new eTA is required when the passport expires.
NZeTA applicants with dual nationality must use the same passport to apply for the visa waiver and board the cruise ship.
Restrictions on travelling to New Zealand by cruise during COVID-19
Cruise ship arrivals into New Zealand are currently suspended. Foreign tourists are not permitted to enter by cruise ship under New Zealand’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Fully vaccinated travellers with a valid NZeTA or visitor visa can fly to New Zealand. Required documents include:
- Certificate of full vaccination
- COVID-19 medical test certificate
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration
International cruises to New Zealand will resume when restrictions are eased.
Applying for the eTA New Zealand for a cruise
Visitors can apply for the eTA New Zealand for a cruise ship from their smartphone, laptop, or other electronic device. The application process is 100% online.
It takes just a few minutes to fill out the NZeTA application for a cruise.
Applicants need to provide the following basic information:
- First name
- Surname
- Date of Birth
- Passport number
- Passport issue/expiry date
Cruise passengers also need to state the reason for their visit and declare any past criminal convictions.
Applicants need to check all the information they provide is accurate. Mistakes could delay processing and, if the cruise is scheduled for departure soon, disrupt travel plans.
Steps to apply for an NZeTA for a cruise ship
Travellers can apply for the NZeTA for a cruise ship in 3 steps:
- Fill out the eTA for NZ application form with personal, contact, and travel information
- Carefully review all the data before continuing to the next step
- Pay the NZeTA application fees and IVL by debit or credit card IVL by debit or credit card
Applicants receive the NZeTA approval by email. They will be required to present confirmation of the approved travel authority when checking in for the cruise.
The IVL is not required with every NZeTA application. When applicable, it is automatically added to the application fee at step 3.
Flying into New Zealand to join a cruise
Different rules apply to travellers who will fly into New Zealand to join a cruise.
Passengers arriving by aeroplane need to apply for a visitor visa before departure if they are not from a visa waiver country.
The NZeTA can only be used to arrive by cruise, not by plane, unless the passport holder is from a visa waiver nation.
Passengers who wish to leave the cruise ship to fly home or stay on in New Zealand also need to obtain a visa and entry permission if they are not from a visa-exempt country.
When should I apply for a New Zealand visa if I’m going on a cruise?
People who need a New Zealand visa to enter the country by plane should apply several months in advance. Processing times vary depending on demand and where the application is submitted.
Citizens of visa waiver countries can fly to New Zealand and join the cruise with the NZeTA. Visa waiver applications are processed in 1 to 3 business days.
Countries eligible for NZeTA for cruise
As explained above, foreigners can go to New Zealand on a cruise without a visa by applying for an NZeTA.
Tourists who will fly to New Zealand to join a cruise can travel with an eTA if they are from one of the visa waiver countries listed below.
– All European Union citizens:
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
– Other countries:
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Bahrain
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Israel
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Liechtenstein
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Norway
- Oman
- Qatar
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Republic of South Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
Foreign nationals with a permanent residence in Australia can apply for an NZeTA, regardless of whether their country appears within the list of eligible countries or not. However, they are exempt from paying the IVL.
Citizens who carry a passport from a non-eligible country will be required to apply for a traditional New Zealand tourist visa at a New Zealand embassy or consulate before taking a flight to New Zealand.
Cruise line crew need to make sure their employer has requested the appropriate Crew NZeTA on their behalf prior to departure.