New Zealand to have new travel rules, starting from October 1

Travellers wanting to visit New Zealand should know that new rules are being put in place in the country, starting October 1, 2019. The new travel rules indicate that almost all the visitors travelling to the country would need to request an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) in order to enter the country.
New Zealand authorities are also trying to keep a tab on people with criminal convictions, and are also tightening their national security. This is why the country’s borders are going through such major changes now. Reportedly, authorities want to identify those, who were previously sentenced to prison for 12 months or longer. If you are travelling to New Zealand, you will now have to answer questions regarding your criminal convictions.


New Zealand gets almost 1.5 million travellers from its 60 visa-waiver countries, and all of those travellers will now need to obtain what is being called the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority or NZeTA. It is an essential and travellers will be permitted to board a plane or even a cruise ship that is going to New Zealand only after procuring the same. To obtain the NZeTA, you will need to pay $9 or $12. The rule also applies to those, who are transiting through the country.
The above rule, however, excludes New Zealand and Australian citizens. This also excludes those, who have a valid visa for visiting the country.

You can apply for the NZeTA online, but according to reports, applicants need to put in their online request 72 hours before their travel.