E12.1 Requirement to hold an electronic travel authority (ETA)

E12.1.1 Who must hold an ETA

1. A person described at N2.1(a)(iii) to (vii) who is transiting through New Zealand is required to hold a transit ETA or traveller ETA before travelling to New Zealand.
2. A person who is visa waiver (see E2.1) and a crew member on a cruise ship or aircraft that is travelling in the ordinary course of the business of the ship or a scheduled international service, or positioning into New Zealand, is required to hold a crew ETA before travelling to New Zealand.
3. A person who is visa waiver (see E2.1) and not described at (b) above is required to hold a traveller ETA before travelling to New Zealand.
4. From 1 April 2025, a person who is visa waiver (see E2.1) and a cargo ship passenger travelling between any foreign port and New Zealand, is required to hold a traveller ETA before travelling to New Zealand.
5. From 1 April 2025, a person who is visa waiver (see E2.1) and a cargo ship crew member travelling in the ordinary course of business of the ship between any foreign port and New Zealand, or positioning into New Zealand, is required to hold a crew ETA before travelling to New Zealand.
6. From 1 April 2025, a person who is visa waiver (see E2.1) and a crew member on a foreign ship authorised by the Minister of Transport under section 198(2) of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 to carry coastal cargo (within the meaning of section 198(6) of that Act), or positioning into New Zealand, is required to hold a crew ETA before travelling to New Zealand.
7. From 1 April 2025, a person who is visa waiver (see E2.1) and a positioning cargo ship crew member, is required to hold a crew ETA before travelling to New Zealand.

E12.1.5 Exceptions to requirement to hold ETA

The following people are not required to hold an ETA before travelling to New Zealand:

1. citizens of Australia; or
2. members of, or any person associated with, a scientific programme or expedition under the auspices of a Contracting Party to the Antarctic Treaty; or
3. members of a visiting force (including civilian components) travelling in the ordinary course of their employment or duty.

Effective 03/02/2025