The New Zealand government has introduced an electronic travel authorization called NZeTA, mandatory for entry into and transit through New Zealand (via Auckland only). It is valid for two years for stays of up to 90 days in tourism. eTA has different times and durations according to the visa, but sometimes, it takes 5 to 7 hours to complete the process. But the government takes an average of 48–72 hours to obtain it.
Requirements for arriving by cruise ship
Are you going backpacking in New Zealand soon? Applying for an eTA for your trip to New Zealand on the Cruise is mandatory. You can easily apply for travel authorization online and receive an almost immediate message about whether you have been granted access to New Zealand. Here are the requirements for cruise passenger who wants to travel candidates need:
- Valid passport for at least six months before departure
- Payment of the NZeTA fee is made through a credit or debit card.
- Get email and receive visa confirmations.
Conditions Apply for Cruise passengers.
To submit an online application for a cruise visa, a visitor must have a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months, with the issue and expiry date before departure from New Zealand. They must provide a valid email ID to receive important emails regarding the eTA application. With the help of an online option and using a phone, tablet, or laptop, you can even apply for NZeTA. The cruise ship online application form can be completed in just a few minutes. Candidates must duly fill out the form with their personal information and those mentioned in the passport. In addition, the following applies:
- A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
- You are required to provide all your requested information.
- The document is valid for two years if your passport is valid during that period.
- According to visa, eTA has different times and durations, but sometimes it takes 5 to 7 hours to complete. But the government takes an average of 48–72 hours to obtain it.
Valid credit or debit card details are also required to pay the tourism fee and NZeTA charges. Suppose an applicant needs to provide the purpose for their visit. Anyone who wants medical treatment won't get the eTA approved for the Cruise. They must provide all the details accurately to avoid mishaps or rejection.
The approval for a cruise will be sent to the provided email address. They must also carry a passport (similar to the one used for the application) and valid documents when entering New Zealand.
In addition, it has also decided to introduce a tourist tax known as the Tourism Levy. You arrange this at the same time as applying for it. Once the payment has been made, you must wait for the approval process to be completed. Australian permanent residents from different countries need to submit an NZeTA application so that they can travel on a cruise. But they do not ask for the IVL taxes. One thing to be mentioned here is that the crew and passengers of a non-cruise vessel or the visitors on a foreign ship carrying a shipload don't need to apply for New Zealand eTA.
Application Process
Applying for the New Zealand eTA is quick and easy. It just involves three simple steps to complete the process.
- Provide all the information, such as personal details, contact information, address, and travel information, while filling out the form.
- Review all the information carefully before submission.
- Pay NZeTA application fees as well as IVL charges fees with a valid credit or debit card.
Countries eligible for Cruise
Several countries have citizens who need to apply for NZeTA when they travel there on a cruise. eTA New Zealand for a cruise ship can also complete the application online. It must be noted that visitors who fly to catch a cruise for further journeys need to obtain NZeTA if they are from other countries mentioned below. Applicants with a passport from a non-eligible country are required to have a Tourist Visa before they depart on their trip. A traveler from Australia must also apply for NZeTA, but they are exempted from paying IVL. The crew from the Cruise line needs to ensure their company has requested the relevant Crew NZeTA before departure. This eTA remains valid for five years.
The best time for coming to New Zealand by Cruise Ship for NZeTA holders
Most travel lines visit New Zealand during the summer travel season from October to April. A shorter winter travel season runs from April to July. The majority of the world's travel organizations offer travel administrations to New Zealand.
In a run-of-the-mill year, in excess of 25 unique boats visit New Zealand's coast. Travels between Australia and New Zealand offer the chance to venture to every part of the length of both the North and South Islands.
Most withdraw from Auckland in New Zealand or Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane in Australia. Ordinarily, they visit New Zealand's target cities, such as the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Fiordland. The Marlborough Sounds and Stewart Island are likewise famous ports of call. Ensure that if you are arriving by a cruise ship to New Zealand, you have already applied for a New Zealand eTA (NZeTA). You can be a national of any country, you can apply for NZeTA online.
List of Cruise Ships for NZeTA visitors
Expedition cruises visit both the large city ports and exotic scenic sights, as well as less traveled and more remote places, which are overlooked by the large cruise liners.
These expedition cruises take routes that include Stewart Island or Kaikoura en route to New Zealand. Another popular route is the South Island, which leads to sub-Antarctic islands.
If you are coming on one of the cruise lines below to New Zealand, you are required to have a New Zealand eTA (NZeTA) regardless of your nationality. You must, however, apply for a visa if you are not from a Visa Waiver country and are coming by air.
| Carnival Cruise Lines | Celebrity Cruises | Costa Cruises | Crystal Cruises | Cunard Line | Fred Olsen Cruises |
| Hapag Lloyd | Holland America | Oceania | Orion Expeditions | P&O Cruises | Princess |
| Royal Caribbean | Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Seabourn | Silversea | Spirit of Adventure | Saga |