Going to New Zealand? Don't forget to get permission first
Headed to New Zealand? Don't forget to apply for entry and pay a fee first. As of Oct. 1, 2019, the New Zealand government requires travelers from a list of 60 countries, including the United States, to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) prior to entering the country. The NZeTA waives the need for a visa, but must be requested and approved before the traveler enters New Zealand — even just to transit through to another destination.
TPG Lounge reader Leela S. posted her cautionary anecdote about the NZeTA requirement on Christmas Eve, saying, "Shout out to Virgin for the 'reminder' email, or I would have had a nasty airport surprise." Leela further stated that the simple process took less than five minutes to approve her application, although the site says to allow up to 72 hours for processing.
New Zealand's official website claims that the new NZeTA will "enhance security and reduce immigration risks, address smuggling and biosecurity risks, improve the traveler experience, support New Zealand's international relationships and agreements, [and] adapt to the changing needs and requirements of the government, stakeholders and travelers over time."
There's one other thing...
In addition to implementing entrance requirements for all travelers arriving from visa waiver countries, New Zealand also began implementing a new levy on visitors as of Oct. 1, 2019. The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is valid for the duration of your NZeTA, and costs NZ$35 — just over $23. You'll pay for it at the same time that you apply for the NZeTA.
Both the NZeTA and IVL are required for cruise travelers as well, although you will not need to apply for one beforehand if you're arriving by cruise ship.
Here's what travelers can expect:
The NZeTA costs just NZ$9 ($6) through the dedicated app, or NZ$12 ($8) through the online form. Regular traveler NZeTAs are valid for two years, while international airline crew NZeTAs are valid for five years.
I tested out the application process for TPG, following the instructions on the site. You'll need to have a valid passport, a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card and an email address handy for your application:
The online application requires all of the standard information, with a few interesting write-in options for questions such as "place of birth." I guess you could get creative with this, as long as it aligns with public records if you had to provide proof to back up your response.
One progressive little touch? There's a non-binary option for gender. Nicely done, New Zealand.
There's a section for Australian national residents, who must apply for the NZeTA but are not required to pay the NZ$35 for an IVL. Australian citizens are exempt from both the NZeTA and IVL requirements.
Since you'll need an NZeTA even if you're passing through to another country like Australia, you'll pay the same fee regardless. The difference, however, lies in the IVL fee. You won't be charged for it if you don't enter the country, but can't visit New Zeland
So if you think there's a chance that you might want to step foot in the country over the next two years, it could be worth checking "Yes, I will be coming to New Zealand to visit."
After I submitted my payment, I began checking my application to see how quickly it would process. Thus far, it's been nearly an hour and no success yet, so I'm assuming that my experience will fall somewhere between Leela's five-minute approval and the 72 hours warned by the New Zealand government.
Dec. 26, 2019 UPDATE: It took about 42 hours for me to receive my NZeTA approval, although that was over Christmas Day. All in all, a very easy, straightforward process.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees