The New Zealand government has set different visa policies for different nationality holders. While some foreign citizens enjoy visa-free travel to New Zealand, others must obtain a valid visa prior to entering the country.
Before you enter a foreign country, you need to know all about its entry requirements. In this article, we have discussed in detail about the New Zealand entry requirements for the citizens of Romania.
So, without further ado, let's get into it!
Do Romanian Citizens Need a New Zealand Visa?
Let's start with the most basic question: do Romanian passport holders even need a New Zealand visa?
Fortunately, Romania is on the list of the New Zealand visa waiver program. This means the citizens of Romania can enter New Zealand without applying for a visa beforehand. Instead, they will need an ETA!
What is an Electronic Travel Authority?
Did you know that New Zealand and the US have the same travel authorization system? While the United States of America offers an ESTA, the New Zealand ministry of foreign affairs offers an ETA.
An electronic travel authority (ETA) is an online travel document that permits holders to enter the country without a visa. It is valid for both tourism and business purposes, such as:
Visiting relatives
Meeting with business associates
Exploring the country
Attending conferences and seminars
Validity Period
A New Zealand eta is a multiple-entry travel authorization that allows holders to enter the country as many times as desired within a 2-year period. This means once you get an eta, it stays valid for 24 months!
International travelers staying in New Zealand are not allowed to renew their visa waiver once it expires. So, you must leave the country after the provided validity period. Alternatively, under some special circumstances, applicants can request an extension to immigration in writing. If you overstay in the country, you may have to face severe penalties!
Required Documents
Whether you are applying for a New Zealand eta for tourism purposes or business activities, there are some required documents that you must provide. These documents are also known as the New Zealand visa requirements: which are as follows:
Valid Passport - A copy of the applicant's original passport, valid for at least 6 more months. Also, make sure your passport has at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
E-mail Address - An active and valid email address. Your email will be linked electronically to your passport. Upon approval, you'll receive your travel documents via email!
Passport-Type Photograph - You need to provide a digital photograph taken in front of a light-colored, plain (not white) background, preferably taken within the last 6 months.
Means of Payment - To get an ETA, applicants are required to pay the embassy fee as well as the visa service fee. As this entire process is online, you can use online payment methods, such as a debit card, credit card, or PayPal account.
Applicants may need to answer some personal and security questions as well. Also, keep in mind that an eta does not guarantee your entry to the country. The final decision will be made by an immigration official. So, make sure to fulfill all of the New Zealand entry requirements as well!
How to Apply for a New Zealand ETA?
Citizens of a visa waiver country, such as Romania, must obtain an electronic travel authority prior to entering the country. However, applying for a New Zealand eta is a straightforward process.
No need to visit the New Zealand embassy or consulate office. No need to follow complicated procedures. You don’t even need to schedule an appointment for a visa interview. All you need to do is visit VisaHQ, select your citizenship, and follow the following steps:
Fill out the online application form
Pay the visa fee
Submit your application
Applicants can complete this entire process within 10 minutes. While filling out the eta application form, you need to be extra careful. You are required to provide personal, contact, travel, and passport details, such as:
Name and surname
Date of birth
Nationality
Phone number
Email address
Passport number
Passport validity period
Travel plans
Before you submit your application, make sure to double-check the provided information. If there are mistakes or errors in your application, your eta will most likely be delayed or denied by the New Zealand embassy.
Processing Time
The processing time for a New Zealand eta varies from applicant to applicant. The estimated processing time for an electronic travel authority is 1-3 business days. However, due to secondary checks and high demand, you may have to wait a little longer. Therefore, it's recommended to apply for an eta at least 2 weeks prior to the intended departure date.