Travelling to New Zealand with dual citizenship
This comprehensive guide aims to provide clarity on whether New Zealand accepts dual citizenship. Additionally, it will explain which passport should be used when completing an application for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) and whether it is permissible to use different passports for entry and departure.
Travelers who hold dual citizenship often have questions about whether they can travel to New Zealand using both passports. They are also uncertain about which passport to use when applying for a visa or travel authorization and passing through immigration in New Zealand.
New Zealand Visa (NZeTA)
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.
Which Passport to Use for Travel to New Zealand with Dual Citizenship
New Zealand immigration requirements state that all travelers must use the same passport for both arrival and departure, ensuring that immigration records are accurately updated. Therefore, when traveling to New Zealand with dual citizenship, it is crucial to use the same passport for both legs of your journey.
The passport used must also be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival in New Zealand. This requirement ensures that your passport remains valid throughout your stay in the country.
If one of your passports allows visa-free travel to New Zealand, it is advisable to use that passport. With an approved New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) visa waiver, you can enter the country without the need for a visa. However, if neither of your passports is visa-exempt, you will be required to obtain a visa to enter New Zealand.
If you possess a New Zealand passport in addition to another passport from a different country, it is strongly recommended to use your New Zealand passport to enter the country. By doing so, you will not need to obtain an electronic travel document or a visa.
In the case where you only have a foreign passport, it is essential to have a New Zealand Citizen Endorsement in that passport to be granted the same privileges as a New Zealand passport holder.
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Applying for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) with Dual Citizenship
When applying for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) with dual citizenship, it is important to understand the requirements and eligibility criteria based on your nationalities.
If neither of your passports is from a visa-exempt nationality for New Zealand:
You will not be able to enter the country using an eTA.
Instead, you must obtain a New Zealand visa from an embassy or consulate before your trip.
However, if at least one of your passports is from a visa-exempt nationality listed by New Zealand:
- You are eligible to proceed with the application for an NZeTA.
- You can submit your application using the passport from the eligible nationality.
When applying for the NZeTA, it is crucial to ensure that all passport information provided on the application form matches the details of the travel document. Any discrepancies or inaccuracies can lead to complications and potential refusal of entry upon arrival in New Zealand.
To have a successful NZeTA application process:
- Verify if at least one of your passports is from a visa-exempt nationality for New Zealand.
- Use the passport from the eligible nationality to complete the NZeTA application.
- Double-check that the passport information provided on the form matches the details of your travel document.
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For citizens of visa waiver countries, the New Zealand visa requirements include the eTA for New Zealand which is an electronic travel authorization, launched by the Immigration Agency, Government of New Zealand after July 2019. Learn more at Tourist Guide to New Zealand Visa Requirements
Passport Validity Required for a New Zealand eTA for Dual Citizens
When considering the passport validity requirements for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) for dual citizens, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Validity of the eTA: An approved New Zealand eTA is valid for exactly 2 years from the date of issue. However, if the passport to which it is linked expires before the eTA's validity period, the eTA will also expire.
- Passport Selection: Dual nationals are advised to use the travel document that has the longest validity while still being eligible for the eTA. This ensures that the eTA remains valid for the maximum duration.
- Minimum Passport Validity: The passport used for the eTA application must have a minimum validity of at least 6 months from the first intended date of arrival in New Zealand. This requirement ensures that the passport remains valid throughout the traveler's stay in the country.
If a traveler's eTA-linked passport is set to expire before the end of the eTA's validity period, they will be required to submit a new eTA application once they obtain a new passport of the same nationality. This allows them to continue traveling to New Zealand without interruption.
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Acceptance of Dual Citizenship in New Zealand
The government of New Zealand recognizes and accepts dual citizenship. It is permissible for individuals to hold both New Zealand citizenship and citizenship of another country simultaneously.
If you are a passport holder of another country and wish to apply for New Zealand citizenship, you need to follow these steps:
- Determine the type of New Zealand citizenship available to you based on your circumstances, such as citizenship by birth, descent, or grant.
- Ensure that you meet the requirements specified for the particular type of citizenship you are eligible for.
- Gather the necessary supporting identification documents, including a birth certificate or birth record, as well as your passport or travel documents.
- Arrange for an identity referee or witness who can vouch for your identity and support your application.
- Submit your citizenship application, which can be done online, by post, or at a New Zealand embassy or consulate.
- For children, New Zealand citizenship is granted automatically if they were born in New Zealand or if at least one parent was a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident at the time of the child's birth.
It is also possible for a child to obtain dual citizenship in New Zealand and another country if the government of the other territory permits it. In such cases, the parents must submit a citizenship application to the authorities of both New Zealand and the other country.
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Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your Online New Zealand Visa. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an Online New Zealand Visa or New Zealand eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, European citizens, Canadian citizens, United Kingdom citizens, French citizens, Spanish citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.
Please apply for an Online New Zealand Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight.