As a citizen of Switzerland, it’s quite simple to visit New Zealand. Swiss nationals can now travel to New Zealand with the NZeTA, an Electronic Travel Authority that can easily be obtained online from your smartphone or personal computer.
Since October 1st, 2019, the Electronic Travel Authority for NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR SWISS CITIZENS has been obligatory for visa-exempt visitors, including Swiss citizens.
All eligible travellers are required to obtain the New Zealand eTA Visa Waiver before visiting the country.
The NZeTA from Switzerland reinforces national and cross-border security by allowing New Zealand authorities to pre-screen visitors, as well as accelerate border control procedures.
Together with the eTA, New Zealand also introduced the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), a small payment that will go towards protecting the natural environment and contribute to New Zealand’s infrastructure.
Do Swiss citizens need a visa waiver for New Zealand?
New Zealand offers several kinds of visas. For short stays, however, Swiss passport holders do not need to apply for a visa but must instead obtain a New Zealand eTA from Switzerland prior to departure.
New Zealand eTA applications are completed online from any mobile device or personal computer.
Swiss nationals with an approved NZeTA can visit New Zealand multiple times for up to 90 consecutive days per stay, without having to obtain a regular NZ tourist visa for the country.
The eTA for New Zealand allows multiple entries for a maximum stay of 90 consecutive days each throughout its 2-year validity. Applicants are only required to pay the IVL once during this period.
Applying for the New Zealand eTA for citizens of Switzerland is fast and simple. The NZeTA Visa Waiver application form takes roughly 10 minutes to complete with basic personal and passport information, and travel plans.
Once approved, the NZeTA for Swiss citizens is electronically linked to the passport used on the application, eliminating the need for passport stamps at airport border control.
eTA New Zealand document requirements for nationals of Switzerland
To successfully apply for the New Zealand eTA, citizens of Switzerland are required to meet the following eTA NZ requirements and submit these documents:
- Passport with at least 3 months of remaining validity after the date of intended exit from New Zealand
- A filled-out eTA New Zealand for Switzerland online application form
- A valid credit or debit card to pay the eTA and IVL fees
Applicants are asked to provide a current email address to which the approved eTA visa waiver will be sent.
Swiss citizens transiting through New Zealand are also required to obtain a NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR ICELAND CITIZENS before departure. Swiss passport holders in transit do not have to pay the IVL fee.
Applicants planning to travel together with other family members, including minors, must apply individually for each New Zealand eTA.
To apply on behalf of family members, petitioners must make sure to use their relative’s personal information as well as their passport details when filling out the NZeTA application form.
New Zealand eTA application for Swiss citizens
It is necessary to provide a range of information on the online application form for the eTA New Zealand for citizens of Switzerland, including:
- Personal information – Full name, birthdate, address
- Passport information – Passport number, nationality, expiry date
- Travel plans – Hotels, dates
- Security information – History of criminal convictions
Completing the application form should take around 10 minutes in total. To avoid delays in the processing time or rejection of the application, all applicants are advised to double-check the information for any possible errors or inaccuracies.
NZeTA for Swiss Citizens
How long does it take to get an NZeTA from Switzerland?
Processing times for the NZ visa waiver are usually quick. Although most applications are approved within 1 business day, travellers from Switzerland are advised to apply at least 3 business days prior to their expected departure date in order to allow sufficient processing time.
If approved, the petitioner will receive the NZeTA in PDF format via email. As the approved visa waiver document is also electronically attached to the applicant’s passport, it is not mandatory to print out the NZeTA.
Nevertheless, it is still a good idea to print a copy to present at NZ border control alongside their passport, just in case they request it.
It is necessary to use the same passport to travel to New Zealand as that provided to complete the eTA online application form. Travellers with dual citizenship should keep this in mind.
