Japan is one of the 60 countries to have a visa-exemption agreement with New Zealand. Since October 1st, 2019, Japanese nationals who wish to visit New Zealand have required an NZeTA.
The Electronic Travel Authorization is mandatory for travellers visiting from Japan for tourism or transit purposes. Japanese passport holders should apply online for an NZeTA if they wish to visit New Zealand for up to 90 consecutive days.
All visa-exempt nationals, including transit passengers as well as airline and cruise line crew, must obtain a New Zealand eTA before departure.
Cruise line and airline crew will have to carry an approved New Zealand eTA which has a validity of up to 5 years. In the case of travel to New Zealand for tourism or recreation purposes, airline and cruise line crew would have to apply for the NZeTA with a 2-year validity.
Benefits of New Zealand eTA for Japanese nationals
The implementation of NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR JAPANESE CITIZENS offers Japanese citizens great benefits such as improving border controls and aiding in the overall national security by allowing a thorough screening of visitors to eliminate any security risks to the country.
The application process for the New Zealand eTA form Japan can be completed online hassle-free, fast and simple.
Do Japanese Citizens Need an eTA for New Zealand?
Japanese citizens can visit New Zealand for stays of up to 90 days with the new New Zealand visa waiver.
The 2 countries share strong political ties, with common views and interests in developing and growing the Asia Pacific region. Additionally, Japanese visitors are a strong source of tourism in New Zealand.
From October 1st, 2019, Japanese travellers visiting New Zealand are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) as well as pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (New Zealand IVL).
The IVL is collected in order for visitors to contribute to the infrastructure and protection of the New Zealand environment.
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority for Japanese citizens is valid for 2 years and permits multiple entries throughout its validity.
Travellers have to pay for the IVL only once for the duration of the validity of the eTA.
In case of transit, Japanese nationals still need to obtain the NZeTA.
eTA New Zealand Document Requirements for Citizens of Japan
To apply for the NZeTA from Japan, applicants must have the following at hand:
- An eligible passport with a validity of at least 3 months after the date of departure from New Zealand
- Credit or debit card to pay for the NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR MEXICAN CITIZENS and IVL
- Valid email address to receive the NZeTA and updates on your application
Japanese applicants holding dual-citizenship must travel with the same passport used to complete the NZeTA online application form.
Minors and other family members travelling together must apply for individual New Zealand eTAs from Japan before the intended trip. More information in the article “eTA New Zealand for children“.
Applying on behalf of other family members is permitted, so long as you make sure to fill out the NZeTA application form with their passport and personal information.
New Zealand eTA Application for Japanese Citizens
The eTA NZ online application form is straightforward and encompasses a range of basic personal questions to be answered by applicants, such as the following:
- Personal info – full name, date of birth
- Passport details – passport number, expiry date
- Contact details – valid email address
- Security questions – criminal conviction history
- Health and medical – intention of receiving medical consultation or treatment in NZ
Japanese applicants should make sure that the information provided is correct and complete before submitting the application form. Any mistakes or inaccuracies can result in undesirable delays or even an NZ eTA application rejection.
How Long Does It Take to Get a New Zealand eTA from Japan?
After submitting the application and required documents, New Zealand authorities usually take one business day to thoroughly screen the request and provide a response.
Though it is expected that most applications will be processed within this time frame. It is advisable to submit applications at least 3 business days before the intended date of departure in order to allow sufficient time in case it is required to submit additional documents.
When granted, the applicant will receive an email containing the approved New Zealand eTA for citizens of Japan in PDF format, as well as the corresponding conditions.
It is advisable to bring a printout of the eTA for New Zealand border control. However, there will be no stamps upon arrival on travellers’ passports as the visa waiver will remain electronically linked to the traveller’s passport.