Due to its unmatchable beauty, New Zealand is one of the most popular tourist spots all around the globe. The country is known for its connection to the Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton. Therefore, millions of international travelers visit New Zealand to spend their holidays!
Before you travel to a foreign country, you need to learn all about its visa policies. In this article, we have mentioned in detail about New Zealand visa options for UK passport holders.
So, without further ado, let's get into it!
Do UK Citizens Need a New Zealand Visa?
Did you know that New Zealand and the US have the same travel authorization system? Both countries offer a visa waiver program, allowing citizens of selected countries to enter the country without applying for a visa beforehand.
Fortunately, the United Kingdom is a part of the visa waiver program, started by the New Zealand government. This means UK nationals are not required to apply for a traditional paper or stamp visa. That being said, UK nationals still need to have an electronic travel authority (NZeTA)!
A New Zealand eta is an electronic visa that allows holders to enter the country legally. The best thing about an eta is that you don’t need to visit the New Zealand embassy. You can get this travel document from the comfort of your home!
UK passport holders can apply for an eta for the following purposes:
Tourism
Business
Transit
An eta is a multiple-entry travel document that allows holders to stay in the country for 90 consecutive days within a 2-year period. This means applicants can use a single travel document multiple times for 2 years. Afterward, you'll need to leave the country or get an extension - issued under some special occasions!
ETA Visa Requirements
To get an ETA, applicants are required to provide some necessary documents, also known as the New Zealand visa requirements. To start the visa application process, you need 3 of the most basic documents, including:
Valid Passport - Your original passport that has at least 6 more months of validity remaining with 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
E-mail Address - You need to have a valid and active email address. Your email will be linked electronically to your passport, and you'll receive your approved visa via email.
Online Payment Methods - As this process is done entirely online, you'll need to use online payment methods to pay the embassy fee and visa service fee. You can use a PayPal account or credit or debit card.
Besides these, applicants are required to provide some supporting documents as well! The supporting documents for a New Zealand visa depend upon the purpose of your visit. These documents include the following:
Bank statement
Itinerary
Proof of funds
Proof of accommodation
Health documents
Visit VisaHQ to check out all of the New Zealand eta requirements prior to submitting your application online!
How to Apply for a New Zealand Visa Online?
Compared to a traditional paper or stamp visa, applying for a New Zealand eta is a piece of cake. No need to visit the New Zealand embassy. No need to schedule a visa interview. Also, you don’t even have to follow complicated steps.
To apply online for a New Zealand visitor visa, all you need is a stable internet connection and a laptop or mobile device. To get your eta, you need to follow this step-by-step guide:
Visit VisaHQ
Select "United Kingdom" as your citizenship
Select "New Zealand" as your travel destination
Fill out the New Zealand visa application form
Pay the eta fee
Submit your application
That's it! Once you submit your visa application, the New Zealand authorities will process your documents, and you'll receive your approved eta via email!
Visa Application Form
To get the New Zealand electronic travel authority, the most important thing that you need is a visa application form. To fill out your visa application form, you need to provide personal, contact, travel, and passport details, such as:
Name and surname
Place of birth
Date of birth
Email address
Phone number
Passport nationality
Passport issue and expiry date
Intended date of departure
Travel plans
Before you submit your application, make sure to double-check the provided data. If there are mistakes or errors in your application, the embassy will either delay or deny your New Zealand visa!
Processing Time
The estimated processing time for a New Zealand eta is 1-3 business days. That being said, it's recommended to apply for an eta at least 2 weeks prior to the intended entry date to avoid problems.
Once you get your New Zealand visa via email, you can download it on your mobile device or print it out, as you'll need to present it at the border crossing. Also, all international travelers are required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to enter New Zealand!