Exchange Rates
The exchange rates published are the “Buy TT” rates from our bank (Westpac NZ), as these are the relevant rates for buying a foreign currency. Note that there is a discrepancy between this rate and the “Sell TT” rate, which is often mistakenly quoted by some agents.
This rate is valid for a period of 7 days from the time the invoice is sent out.
Please Note: There is small incremental buffer included to counter any fluctuations within the time period before payment is made.
New Zealand ETA & IVL Update
Nathan Bitcheno
Following is the latest information we have from Immigration NZ:
Who needs an NZeTA?
From 1 October 2019, all air travellers from 60 visa waiver countries, and all cruise travellers, will need to hold an ETA before travelling to New Zealand. You are required to hold an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand if you are:
- Travelling on a passport from a visa waiver country.
- An Australian permanent resident.
- A cruise ship passenger, regardless of nationality.
If you are a cruise ship passenger from a visa required country, you can visit New Zealand using an NZeTA, but you must be travelling both to and from New Zealand on the cruise ship.
How to request your NZeTA
There will be two official ways to request an NZeTA and pay the IVL through Immigration NZ from July 2019.
- Download the Immigration NZ mobile app which will cost NZ$9.00 per person
- Complete the form at Immigration.govt.nz/nzeta which will cost NZ$12.00 per person
Do visitors in transit also need an NZeTA?
Travellers from visa waiver or transit visa waiver countries who are in transit through New Zealand are required to hold an NZeTA from 1 October 2019, even if New Zealand is not their final destination.
Who does not need an NZeTA?
New Zealand and Australian passport holders and travellers who hold a valid New Zealand visa do not need an NZeTA.
When should travellers request their NZeTA and pay their IVL?
You should request your NZeTA well in advance of your trip to New Zealand. It can take up to 72 hours for an NZeTA request to be processed.
From July 2019 you can request your NZeTA and pay your IVL at immigration.govt.nz/NZeTA. The NZeTA is only required for travel from 01 October 2019, when it becomes mandatory.
If you do not hold an NZeTA when you check in for your flight or cruise, you will not be allowed to board. You may be able to request an NZeTA upon check in, but if Immigration New Zealand (INZ) cannot process the request in time, or if your request is refused, then you will not be allowed to board.
Where to go for more information
To learn more about the NZeTA and to see the full list of eligible countries, visit immigration.govt.nz/nzeta
Immigration NZ have also created a toolkit with additional information and communication in reference to the NZeTA. View Toolkit.
Immigration NZ will also be launching a global campaign which commences in June 2019.
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy
The IVL will be introduced alongside the ETA and will cost NZD $35.00 for each person travelling to NZ. Once paid, the IVL will last as long as the ETA is valid.
Travel agents can help you with your NZeTA
A travel agent can download the NZeTA mobile app or visit immigration.govt.nz to assist passengers with their NZeTA request.
Passengers will just need to supply the following information to the travel agent (they must have the passengers consent for this):
- Travel document details (passport).
- Biographic details (photo).
- Contact details (email).
- Information that enables INZ to determine your eligibility to travel to New Zealand without a visa (such as a declaration about a criminal conviction history).
- Information about the purpose of your trip (such as whether you are travelling to seek medical treatment).
The information provided will be used to confirm whether you are eligible to visit New Zealand and will be checked against other information available to INZ, such as the International Lost and Stolen Passports list.