New Zealand eTA for Hong Kong Citizens

Updated on Nov 14, 2023 | New Zealand eTA

Hong Kong citizens who possess a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or a British Overseas passport can now enjoy the privilege of entering New Zealand for a duration of up to 90 days using New Zealand eTA.

New Zealand Visa Application Form now allows visitors from all nationalities to obtain New Zealand eTA (NZETA) by email without visiting New Zealand Embassy. Government of New Zealand now officially recommends New Zealand Visa or New Zealand ETA online rather than sending paper documents. You can obtain NZETA by filling out a form in under three minutes on this website. The only requirement is to have a Debit or Credit Card and email id. You do not need to send your passport for Visa stamping. If you are arriving to New Zealand by the Cruise Ship route, you should check the New Zealand ETA eligibility conditions for Cruise Ship arrival to New Zealand.

Requirements for New Zealand Visa Waiver from Hong Kong

Hong Kong citizens who possess a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or a British Overseas passport can now enjoy the privilege of entering New Zealand for a duration of up to 90 days. To facilitate this process, they are required to obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), which became mandatory for Hong Kong citizens starting from 2019.

It's crucial to understand that the NZeTA is not considered a visa, but rather an essential travel authorization. To provide comprehensive guidance on New Zealand's entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders and to offer valuable travel information, we have prepared a dedicated page.

You may find comprehensive instructions on this page apply for the NZeTA. We understand that navigating through travel procedures can be complicated, thus our objective is to process and ensure a smooth experience for Hong Kong citizens. Additionally, we have included other relevant and practical information that will assist you during your trip to New Zealand.

Entry Requirements for Hong Kong Citizens Traveling to New Zealand

Hong Kong citizens planning to travel to New Zealand should be aware of the entry requirements based on the purpose and duration of their visit.

Visa Waiver for Tourism and Business

For trips to New Zealand lasting Hong Kong residents are permitted to travel or conduct business for up to 90 days and take advantage of the online application process for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). This electronic travel authority serves as a visa waiver, removing the requirement for a conventional visa.

Advantages of the NZeTA

The NZeTA offers several advantages over the traditional visa application process. It is a faster and more convenient option, allowing Hong Kong citizens to apply online without having to visit a New Zealand Embassy. The application process is streamlined, simplifying the steps required to obtain travel authorization.

Obtaining the NZeTA

To obtain the NZeTA, Hong Kong citizens can complete the online application, providing the necessary information and paying the associated fee. The application usually takes a short processing time, and upon approval, the NZeTA will be electronically linked to their passport.

Traveling with the NZeTA

Once the NZeTA is approved, Hong Kong citizens can travel to New Zealand for tourism or business purposes within the permitted 90-day duration. It is important to carry a valid passport, which should match the passport number provided during the NZeTA application process.

Key Information about NZeTA for Hong Kong Citizens

Convenient travel permission is offered by the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)for Hong Kong citizens visiting New Zealand. Here are some essential details regarding the NZeTA:

Validity and Multiple Entries

Hong Kong citizens who obtain the NZeTA can enjoy its benefits for a total duration of 2 years. Within this period, they can make multiple entries to New Zealand, with each stay allowing for a consecutive period of up to 90 days. This flexibility enables Hong Kong travelers to explore the country's attractions or engage in business activities during multiple visits.

Transit through Auckland International Airport

It is important to note that Hong Kong citizens who intend to travel and transit at Auckland International Airport on their way to another destination are also required to apply for an NZeTA specifically for transit purposes. This ensures a seamless travel experience and compliance with New Zealand's entry regulations.

Visa Requirements for Extended Stays or Other Purposes

If Hong Kong citizens wish to continue stay in New Zealand for longer than 90 days or have specific purposes such as work, study, or family visits, they will need to obtain an appropriate visa.  To meet the various needs of tourists from throughout the world, New Zealand provides a variety of visa choices from Hong Kong. These visas provide the necessary permissions and ensure compliance with New Zealand immigration regulations.

Understanding the available visa types and their specific requirements is crucial for longer stays or visits with specialized purposes. It is advised to visit the organization's official website. New Zealand immigration authorities or seek guidance from relevant consulates or embassies for accurate and up-to-date information.

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For short stays, vacations, or professional visitor activities, New Zealand now has a new entrance requirement known as the eTA New Zealand Visa. All non-citizens must possess a current visa or digital travel authorization to enter New Zealand. Apply For NZ eTA with the Online New Zealand Visa Application.

NZeTA Application Process for Hong Kong Citizens

To successfully apply for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) as a citizen of Hong Kong, it is important to follow the application process accurately.The essential steps are as follows: 

Complete the NZeTA Application Form

Hong Kong citizens need to fill out the NZeTA application form, which requires providing the following information:

  1. Full name, date of birth, and nationality
  2. It is advised to visit the organization's official website. 
  3. lInformation on how to get in touch, such as a phone number, address, and email.
  4. Travel plans, including intended dates of arrival and departure, accommodation details, and purpose of visit
  5. Health and security-related information as required by the application

Thoroughly Review the Application:

To minimize the risk of delays or potential rejection, it is crucial to carefully review all the information entered on the application form. Ensure that all details are accurate and properly spelled. Even small errors or unanswered questions can cause complications during the review process.

Submit the Application

Once all the required fields are completed and reviewed, submit the NZeTA application online. It is important to ensure that the provided contact information is valid and regularly monitored since communication regarding the application will be sent to the email address you supplied, 

Await Processing and Approval

After submission, the NZeTA application will undergo processing. This procedure can take a variety of times, but it typically takes a short time. It is advisable to apply for the NZeTA far before the dates of the anticipated travel to give enough time for processing.

Notification of Approval

Once the NZeTA application is approved, an electronic notification will be sent to the provided email address. The applicant's NZeTA will be electronically connected to passport. It is crucial to carry the valid passport used during the application process while traveling to New Zealand.

Processing Time for NZeTA from Hong Kong

The processing time for obtaining a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) from Hong Kong is typically swift and efficient. Here is some key information regarding the processing time:

Processing Duration

In most cases, the NZeTA application is processed and approved within one business day. This efficient turnaround time ensures that travellers can receive their travel authorization promptly.

Recommended Application Timeframe

To avoid any last-minute complications or delays, it is strongly advised to complete the NZeTA application at least three business days prior to the intended departure date. This timeframe allows for ample processing time and ensures that travellers have their NZeTA in hand before their scheduled travel.

Approval Notification

Once the NZeTA application is approved, applicants will receive their electronic travel authorization via email. It is important to provide a valid and regularly monitored email address during the application process to receive this notification in a timely manner.

Carrying the NZeTA

Upon approval, the applicant's NZeTA will be electronically connected to passport. It is essential to carry the valid passport used during the application process while traveling to New Zealand. The NZeTA status can be verified by immigration authorities through passport checks.

Requirements for NZeTA Visa Waiver for Hong Kong Citizens

Before initiating the application process for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), it is essential for Hong Kong citizens to meet specific requirements. These requirements are outlined below:

Valid Passport

Applicants must possess a valid passport issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or a British National Overseas (BNO) passport. The passport should remain valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from New Zealand.

Service Fee and IVL Tourist Levy

To complete the NZeTA application, applicants are required to pay the designated service fee and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) if applicable. These payments can be made using a credit or debit card.

Accurate and Complete Application

Applicants must complete the NZeTA online application form accurately and comprehensively. It is crucial to provide all the required information, such as personal details, travel plans, and relevant health and security information. Any inaccuracies or missing information may delay the processing of the application.

Valid Email Address

Applicants must provide a valid and active email address during the application process. This email address will be used to send the approved NZeTA and other communication related to the application.

Eligible Passport Type

For Hong Kong citizens applying for the NZeTA, it is important to note that the passport used for a successful application must be either an HKSAR passport or a British National Overseas (BNO) passport.

Once the NZeTA application is approved, the travel authorization will be sent to the email address provided on the application form. It is essential to have a copy of the approved NZeTA while traveling to New Zealand.

Traveling to New Zealand from Hong Kong

Hong Kong citizens who have obtained the approved New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) can commence their journey to New Zealand from Hong Kong. Here is important information regarding travel arrangements:

Modes of Travel

Travellers from Hong Kong can reach New Zealand through international airports or cruise ships. Notably, there are direct flights available from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Auckland International Airport (AKL). Additionally, there are flights with one or more stops connecting Hong Kong to popular New Zealand destinations such as Christchurch, Hamilton, and Queenstown.

Required Documents on Arrival

Upon arrival in New Zealand, passengers originating from Hong Kong are required to present the following documents:

Passport Used for NZeTA Application

Travellers need to present the passport that was used during the NZeTA application process. This is essential as the NZeTA is electronically linked to the specific passport provided during the application.

Return or Onward Flight Tickets

Passengers must have proof of return or onward flight tickets to demonstrate their travel plans beyond New Zealand.

Completed New Zealand Arrival Card

Travellers need to complete the New Zealand arrival card, which is usually provided during the flight or at immigration checkpoints upon arrival. The arrival card collects necessary information for immigration purposes.

Dual Nationality and Passport Usage

For individuals holding dual nationality and possessing multiple passports, it is important to note that the NZeTA is valid only when used in conjunction with the specific passport used during the application process. Hence, travellers must enter and exit New Zealand using the same passport that was used for the NZeTA application.

It is crucial to comply with these requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into New Zealand.

NZeTA Requirement for Traveling from Hong Kong to New Zealand by Cruise

Citizens of Hong Kong who plan to travel to New Zealand by cruise ship are also required to apply for the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). The application process remains the same as explained previously, and applicants should follow the steps outlined to obtain their NZeTA.

It is important to note that even if travelers from Hong Kong are joining a cruise in New Zealand after flying from Hong Kong, they still need to apply for and obtain the NZeTA prior to their departure. The NZeTA serves as a travel authorization for both air and cruise travel to New Zealand.

By completing the online NZeTA application, travelers can ensure a smooth entry into New Zealand, whether they are arriving by cruise ship or flying to New Zealand to join a cruise.

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Please apply for a New Zealand eTA 3 days in advance of your flight.