The New Zealand eTA costs NZD $17 when applied for through the official mobile app or NZD $23 through the immigration website. Most visitors also pay the NZD $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), bringing the total to NZD $117-$123 per adult traveler. Transit passengers and certain nationalities are exempt from the IVL.
NZeTA Application Fee
The NZeTA fee itself is relatively modest compared to traditional visa fees:
| Application Method | NZeTA Fee | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| ——————- | ———– | ———- |
| Official NZeTA App | NZD $17 | New Zealand Dollars |
| Immigration Website | NZD $23 | New Zealand Dollars |
The NZD $6 price difference between the app and website is intentional – the app’s automated photo capture and streamlined interface reduce processing costs. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your application is approved or declined.
Currency note: NZD $17 is approximately USD $10-11, EUR €9-10, or GBP £8-9 at typical exchange rates (rates vary). Your card issuer may apply a foreign transaction fee on top of the NZD amount.
IVL – International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy
The IVL is a separate fee that funds New Zealand’s tourism infrastructure and nature conservation projects. It was introduced in 2019 and increased to NZD $100 in October 2024.
| IVL Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ———— | ————- |
| Amount | NZD $100 per person |
| Paid with | NZeTA application (single payment) |
| Purpose | Tourism infrastructure and conservation |
| Validity | Duration of NZeTA (2 years) |
Who Is Exempt from the IVL
Certain travelers do not need to pay the IVL:
- Australian citizens (do not need NZeTA at all)
- Australian permanent residents (pay NZeTA fee only)
- Citizens of most Pacific Islands Forum countries
- Transit passengers passing through Auckland Airport
- Children under 2 years old at the time of travel
- Diplomatic and consular staff on official business
- Crew members of airlines and cruise ships
Total Cost Breakdown by Traveler Type
| Traveler Type | NZeTA (App) | IVL | Total (App) | NZeTA (Web) | Total (Web) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ————— | ————- | —– | ————- | ————- | ————- |
| Adult (most nationalities) | NZD $17 | NZD $100 | NZD $117 | NZD $23 | NZD $123 |
| Child (2-17 years) | NZD $17 | NZD $100 | NZD $117 | NZD $23 | NZD $123 |
| Child (under 2) | NZD $17 | Free | NZD $17 | NZD $23 | NZD $23 |
| Transit passenger | NZD $17 | Free | NZD $17 | NZD $23 | NZD $23 |
| Australian permanent resident | NZD $17 | Free | NZD $17 | NZD $23 | NZD $23 |
| Pacific Islands citizen | NZD $17 | Free | NZD $17 | NZD $23 | NZD $23 |
| Airline crew | NZD $17 | N/A | NZD $17 | NZD $23 | NZD $23 |
For a family of four (2 adults, 2 children aged 5 and 8) applying via the app: NZD $468 total (4 × NZD $117).
Payment Methods Accepted
Immigration New Zealand accepts the following payment methods for NZeTA applications:
- Visa credit or debit card
- Mastercard credit or debit card
No other payment methods are accepted – not PayPal, bank transfer, cash, American Express, or cryptocurrency. The card does not need to be in the applicant’s name, so one family member can pay for the entire group’s applications.
Foreign transaction fees: Your bank may charge 1-3% extra for international transactions. Check with your card issuer before paying.
NZeTA Fees vs Visitor Visa Fees
The NZeTA is significantly cheaper than a traditional visitor visa:
| Document | Cost | Processing | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| ———- | —— | ———— | ———- |
| NZeTA (app) + IVL | NZD $117 | Minutes to 72 hours | 2 years |
| NZeTA (website) + IVL | NZD $123 | Minutes to 72 hours | 2 years |
| Visitor Visa | NZD $211-$246 | 4 days to 8 weeks | Up to 9 months |
The NZeTA costs roughly half of a visitor visa and processes much faster. However, the visitor visa allows a longer stay per visit (up to 9 months vs 3 months for NZeTA).
Refund Policy
The NZeTA fee and IVL are non-refundable in most circumstances:
- Application declined: No refund
- Duplicate application: No refund for the second application
- Changed travel plans: No refund
- Passport expired after payment: No refund – apply again with new passport
The only exception is if Immigration New Zealand made a processing error. In that case, contact them directly at 0508 558 855 (NZ toll-free) or +64 9 914 4100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the app cost less than the website?
The NZeTA app is NZD $6 cheaper (NZD $17 vs NZD $23) because the app uses automated photo capture and streamlined data processing, reducing administrative costs for Immigration New Zealand.
Is the IVL included in the NZeTA fee?
No, the IVL is a separate fee paid alongside the NZeTA application. For most adult travelers, the total is NZD $117 via the app (NZD $17 NZeTA + NZD $100 IVL) or NZD $123 via the website.
Do I pay IVL every time I enter New Zealand?
No. The IVL is paid once with your NZeTA application and covers the entire 2-year validity period. You can enter New Zealand multiple times without paying the IVL again.
Can someone else pay for my NZeTA?
Yes. The payment card does not need to be in the applicant’s name. A family member, friend, or travel agent can pay using their Visa or Mastercard.
What currency will I be charged in?
The fee is in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Your card issuer will convert to your local currency at their exchange rate, and may add a foreign transaction fee of 1-3%.
Is there a cheaper way to get an NZeTA?
The official NZeTA app at NZD $17 is the cheapest legitimate option. Third-party websites that offer NZeTA services charge USD $60-$135 in additional service fees. Always use the official app or nzeta.immigration.govt.nz.
Last updated: June 2026. Fee information sourced from Immigration New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz). Fees are subject to change – verify current amounts before applying.
The etanewzealand.info editorial team tracks official fee changes from Immigration New Zealand.
