German citizens need an NZeTA to visit New Zealand. The NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR GERMAN CITIZENS Authority is mandatory for Germany tourists and business travellers.
Germans also need an approved NZeTA to transit through Auckland International Airport en route to a third-country destination.
The NZeTA application for Germans is quick and easy to complete online.
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Do German citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
Germans do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to New Zealand. Instead, German passport holders should request an NZeTA before departure.
New Zealand’s visa waiver system was introduced to increase safety and security. Citizens of all visa-waiver countries, including Germany, now need to register.
Germans can stay in New Zealand for up to 3 months for tourism or business purposes with an NZeTA.
Steps to obtain the NZeTA from Germany
German passport holders can get a NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR UK CITIZENS in 3 steps:
- Fill in the eTA application form
- Pay the NZeTA fees and IVL tourist levy
- Get the approved NZeTA by email
Travellers do not need to visit a New Zealand Embassy or visa application centre in Germany at any point. The NZeTA process is 100% online.
eTA New Zealand document requirements for citizens of Germany
German applicants need the following documents to obtain the NZeTA:
- German passport valid for at least 3 months after they will leave New Zealand
- A filled-out NZeTA form
- Credit or debit card to pay the NZeTA and IVL fees
Additional supporting documents are not necessary to apply for an NZeTA from Germany.
New Zealand eTA application for German citizens
The NZeTA form for German citizens includes a number of basic personal, passport, health and security questions.
Germans need to provide the following details:
- Passport details: nationality, passport number, issue and expiry date
- Personal information: name, email address, date and place of birth
- Security information: any deportation and criminal conviction history
- Health and medical data: intention to receive medical treatment in New Zealand
German children will also need an NZeTA to travel. Parents or guardians can complete the form on behalf of a minor, providing their own details in addition to the child’s.
Transit NZeTA for Germans
Germans can transit through Auckland International Airport (AKL) without a visa. German transit passengers must have an approved NZeTA.
To apply for a transit NZeTA, travellers complete the standard online form indicating that the purpose of the visit is transit.
Germans with a transit visa waiver must remain either:
- On the aeroplane they arrived on
- In the international transit area of the airport
German passengers in transit are not required to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
Should German cruise ship passengers apply for an NZeTA?
German cruise passengers also need a New Zealand electronic travel authority.
With an NZeTA for a cruise ship, Germans can stay in New Zealand for 28 days or until the boat departs, whichever comes first.
How long does it take to get New Zealand eTA from Germany?
German passport holders are advised to register for an NZeTA at least 3 business days before departure.
The majority of eTA applications are processed and approved within 24 hours however it is advisable to allow extra time in case of delays.
Travel from Germany to New Zealand with an NZeTA
Successful applicants receive the approved NZeTA by email. The New Zealand eTA is also electronically linked to the German passport.
Passengers are advised to either print off a copy of the approved NZeTA or carry a digital version as proof.
The same passport must be used to apply for the NZeTA and travel to New Zealand. This is particularly relevant to Germans with dual citizenship.
German can stay anywhere in New Zealand for up to 3 months for tourism or business.
Documents required to travel from Germany to New Zealand
German citizens need to present the following documents on arrival at the airport in New Zealand:
- German passport used to apply for the eTA
- Copy of the NZeTA
- NZ arrival card (handed to passengers on the plane)
- Return/onward travel ticket
Germans must also meet customs and biosecurity requirements.
Additional documents required during the coronavirus pandemic
Germans can now travel to New Zealand during COVID-19 if they are fully vaccinated and hold a valid NZeTA.
The following documents are also required:
- Certificate of full COVID-19 vaccination
- Medical certificate showing a negative PCR test result
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Germans who do not meet the vaccination requirements need a special exemption to enter, they must go into Managed Isolation and Quarantine.
Germans who wish to visit New Zealand must check the latest entry restrictions before making any arrangements.
When do Germans need a visa to travel to New Zealand?
Citizens of Germany must apply for a visa before travelling to New Zealand if they:
- Do not meet all the NZeTA requisites
- Will stay in New Zealand for more than 3 months
- Are not visiting for tourism, business, or transit
The New Zealand visa application is longer and more complex. Germans who require a visa should begin the process well in advance.
They must hold a paid and valid return or onward flight ticket for a date within the three-month period and a valid passport and evidence of sufficient funds for their stay in New Zealand.
New travel rules for New Zealand
The New Zealand Government has introduced a new travel requirement for some visitors (including visa waiver countries such as Germany, Czech Republic and Switzerland) and transit passengers.
It’s called the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) and travellers need to request theirs via the official mobile app or website. Approval can take up to 72 hours, so get yours before you go.
The NZeTA is required for travel from 1 October 2019.
Visit immigration.govt.nz/nzeta(external link) to find out if you need one.
Visa Applications (Work & Travel, Student Visa etc.)
Visa applications should be made using Immigration New Zealand’s online application service or sent physically to the New Zealand Visa Application Centre in London. Details on how to apply online can be found here: Immigration ONLINE(external link)
Details on the New Zealand Visa Application Centre in London can be found here: London VAC(external link).
