Current as at 21 October 2026
Guests visiting New Zealand as part of their Explorations by Norwegian voyage must ensure they hold the appropriate travel authority or visa for their passport nationality before travelling.
Most travellers need either a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or a visa to travel to New Zealand. The requirement depends on the passport you are travelling on and your individual circumstances.
Cruise ship passengers who are eligible to travel using an NZeTA must obtain their NZeTA before the ship departs for New Zealand.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
The NZeTA allows eligible travellers to travel to New Zealand without applying for a visa before travelling.
For most travellers, an NZeTA is valid for two years and allows multiple trips to New Zealand. Eligible visitors can generally stay for up to three months at a time, or up to six months at a time for UK citizens.
Important Information for Cruise Guests
If you are arriving in New Zealand by cruise ship and are travelling using an NZeTA, you must obtain your NZeTA before your ship departs for New Zealand.
When completing your NZeTA application, cruise ship passengers should select that they are“visiting” New Zealand, not “transiting”.
How Do I Apply?
Guests must apply for their NZeTA yourself using either the official NZeTA mobile app or the online application.
Applications are made directly through Immigration New Zealand:
👉 Apply for an NZeTA or view application information
Immigration New Zealand advises travellers to allow 72 hours for NZeTA processing.
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
Many visitors to New Zealand are also required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
The IVL is currently NZD$100 and applies to most NZeTAs and a range of New Zealand visas. If you are required to pay the IVL, it is paid when you request your NZeTA or apply for your visa.
You can find further information regarding the IVL here:
👉 View International Visitor Levy information
Australian Passport Holders
Guests travelling on an Australian passport do not need a visa or NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand.
Australian citizens are normally granted an Australian Resident Visa on arrival, subject to meeting the applicable character requirements.
Australian passport holders are also exempt from paying the IVL.
Please note: Australian permanent residents who are not Australian citizens have different requirements and generally require an NZeTA before travelling.
Do I Need to Pay the IVL?
Not everyone travelling to New Zealand is required to pay the IVL.
According to Immigration New Zealand, exemptions include travellers entering New Zealand on:
- an Australian or New Zealand passport
- passports from many Pacific Island nations
- a New Zealand resident visa
- an Australian Resident Visa
There are additional exemptions depending on the traveller's circumstances.
We recommend checking the official Immigration New Zealand information to confirm the requirements that apply to you.
What Do I Need to Do?
✅ Check whether your passport requires an NZeTA or visa to travel to New Zealand.
✅ If an NZeTA is required, apply through the official NZeTA mobile app or online before travelling.
✅ If arriving by cruise ship, ensure your NZeTA has been obtained before the ship departs for New Zealand and select“visiting” rather than “transiting” when completing your NZeTA application.
✅ If applicable, pay the NZD$100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) when requesting your NZeTA or applying for your visa.
✅ We recommend allowing at least 72 hours for your NZeTA to be processed.
Before You Travel
New Zealand entry requirements vary depending on your passport nationality and individual circumstances.
All guests are responsible for ensuring they hold the correct passport, NZeTA, visa and other required travel documentation before commencing their Explorations by Norwegian voyage.
We strongly recommend arranging your NZeTA or applicable visa well before travelling and checking the latest requirements directly with Immigration New Zealand before departure.