New Zealand is truly a beautiful country in the world. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and is endowed with extraordinarily rich natural beauty and stunning landscapes. New Zealand is located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. It is a group of several small and large islands known as the South and North Islands. This country is very beautiful and attracts millions of tourists. People from all over the world come here to visit and enjoy spending their holidays.
As of October 2019, visa requirements for New Zealand have changed. Individuals who do not require a New Zealand visa i.e., Former citizens of visa-exempt countries must apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA) to enter New Zealand. This New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA) is valid for a period of 2 years.
Is an eTA required for New Zealand from Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is one of 60 eligible countries whose citizens can apply online for the NZeTA, which allows multiple trips of up to 90 days each without a visa application.
- New Zealand eTA from Saudi Arabia can be easily submitted online, enabling travellers to apply for and obtain an approved New Zealand travel permit without leaving the comfort of their home or office.
- Travelers from Saudi Arabia are advised to apply for a NZ eTA at least 3 working days prior to travel to allow additional processing time, although most applications are reviewed and submitted within 1 working day.
- The New Zealand eTA for Saudi Arabia is the most convenient travel authorization to enter New Zealand for short stays of up to 3 months. However, Saudi nationals wishing to stay longer in the country can apply for a different tourist visa.
- The NZeTA is even required for people visiting New Zealand on cruises or in transit en route to another destination.
- NZeTA is valid for 2 years and can be used for multiple trips within this period. The New Zealand eTA for Saudi nationals can be used for leisure or business travel.
- Even airline or cruise ship crew are required to carry a valid New Zealand eTA upon arrival in New Zealand. Crew eTA is valid for 5 years.
- The entire New Zealand e-Travel Authority process is done online, from the NZeTA application form to emailing it in PDF format.
- The simple New Zealand eTA application requires some basic passport information as well as the purpose of travel and travel details.
- The simple New Zealand eTA application requires some basic passport information as well as the purpose of travel and travel details.
- It is recommended that Saudi Arabian applicants complete the entire New Zealand eTA process for Saudi Arabians at least 3 working days prior to entering New Zealand, although this is usually no more than 24 hours.
NZeTA visa requirements for individuals from Saudi Arabia
Does your travel destination fall into one of the following categories? You can then use the NZeTA visa:
- Tourism: Holidays and visits from family or friends.
- Business trips: training courses, conferences and other business meetings.
- Application: Are you going to New Zealand to apply for paid or unpaid work? You can then use NZeTA.
- Sports: Participation in unpaid amateur sports.
Passport requirements and permitted travel destinations
Before submitting your application, it is advisable to first check if you are eligible for the NZeTA. First, you should have a valid passport from a "visa-free national". This program allows citizens from a number of countries (including the UK (United Kingdom)) to travel to New Zealand for tourism purposes without a physical visa.
To apply for the NZeTA, you must have a passport valid for at least 3 months from the date you leave New Zealand. The NZeTA can only be applied for with a regular or emergency passport. If you do not have one and only have an ID card, refugee passport or residence permit, you will not be able to apply for an NZeTA and will need to apply for a physical New Zealand visa.
You can use NZeTA for a limited number of trips. You can use it for vacation travel, transfers, business trips, visiting family and/or friends, amateur sports or for short study trips. If other travel destinations apply to your trip, always select the "Tourism" travel destination, as this allows all of the above activities.
You may be refused entry, even if you hold an NZeTA, if:
- You don't meet the health or character necessities
- You cannot show that you have further travel or funds under the conditions of your visa
- Immigration officials don't think you're a real visitor
- You refuse to allow us to take your photo or provide us with your fingerprint or iris scan when we request it
- You provide (or have provided) false or misleading information on your visa application, to immigration officials, or on any part of your arrival card.
Application Form