Intending to travel between the busy China cities and the calm New Zealand? You may be planning to spend a luxury time on a cruise around the Milford Sound or you may just be passing by the town of Auckland on your way to South America, but what is important is that you need to know the entry requirements. To the Chinese passport holders, one of the important documents that will help them on their visit is the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZ eTA), which eases the process of traveling to the country when making certain types of visits.

This guide provides the most common questions related to New Zealand eTA for Chinese Citizens.

Do Chinese Citizens Need an eTA or a Visa for New Zealand?

The requirement for Chinese citizens depends on your method of entry. If you are flying into New Zealand for a vacation, you generally require a standard Visitor Visa. However, you must apply for an NZ eTA if:

• You are arriving in New Zealand as a cruise ship passenger.
• You are a transit passenger with a layover at Auckland International Airport (China is on the Transit Visa Waiver list).
• You are a permanent resident of Australia holding a Chinese passport.

How Many Times Can I Enter Each Year and How Long Can I Stay?

The NZ eTA is valid to make multiple entries within the time period of 2 years. Although there is no strict limit to the number of times you can visit, you have to bear in mind the purpose of your stay. In the case of cruise passengers, it is a covered stop. In the case of transit, it is up to 24 hours. In case you have a visitor visa (with the help of an eTA, in the case of some residents), you may not be able to spend longer than 9 months in a 18-month timeframe.

What are the Specific Passport Requirements for Chinese Applicants?

To apply for an online New Zealand eTA, you must hold a valid biometric or machine-readable passport.

• Validity: Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least three months after your departure date.
• Accuracy: Your details must exactly match the “Machine Readable Zone” (MRZ) at the bottom of your passport page.

Can I Use the NZ eTA to Enter via Land, Sea, or Air?

New Zealand is an island nation, so land entry is not possible. You can use the NZ eTA for:

• Sea Entry: Mandatory for all cruise ship passengers.
• Air Entry: Only for transit purposes (staying airside) or for those with Australian Permanent Residency. All other Chinese citizens arriving by air for tourism must have a valid Visitor Visa alongside their passport.

Do Minors and Children Need an NZ eTA for Transit?

Yes. There are no age exemptions for the NZ eTA. Whether it is an infant or a teenager, every minor traveling on their own Chinese passport (or included in a parent’s passport in older versions) must have their own approved NZ eTA for transit or cruise travel. Ensure all details for the child match their passport exactly to avoid issues at the boarding gate.

What are the NZ eTA Processing Options for Urgent Travel?

If you realize at the last minute that you need an eTA for your cruise or transit, we offer three tiers of processing speed:

• Normal Processing: 1 – 2 Days.
• Rush Processing: 6 – 12 Hours.
• Super Rush Processing: 1 Hour (For true travel emergencies).

Is a Transit NZ eTA Required for Layovers in Auckland?

Yes. China is part of the Transit Visa Waiver program. This means you do not need a full Transit Visa for short layovers, but you must hold a Transit NZ eTA. Without it, your airline will not allow you to board your flight from Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.

How Much Does the NZ eTA Cost and What are the Payment Methods?

When applying Online, the cost includes the government fee, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), and our service fee. We accept:

• Major Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
• Secure Payment Gateways: All transactions are encrypted for your protection.

What Type of Power Plug and Socket is Used in New Zealand?

New Zealand uses Type I sockets (the same as Australia and many parts of China). The voltage is 230/240V. While many Chinese flat-pin plugs will fit, it is always a good idea to carry a universal adapter if your devices use the two-pin style or different grounding.

Is High-Speed Internet and WiFi Easily Available?

Yes, New Zealand has excellent internet infrastructure.

• WiFi: Most hotels, cafes, and airports offer free or paid WiFi.
• Mobile Data: You can easily buy a local SIM card (Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees) at the airport. 4G and 5G coverage is widespread in urban areas, though it can be spotty in remote mountainous regions.

What are the Basic Driving Rules for Tourists?

If you plan to rent a car, remember:

• Drive on the Left: This is the most important rule.
• License: You must have a valid Chinese license with a certified English translation or an International Driving Permit.
• Safety: Seatbelts are mandatory for everyone, and using a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited.

What are the Hotel and Accommodation Rules for Tourists?

When checking into a hotel or Airbnb in New Zealand:

• Identification: You must present your Chinese passport.
• Age: The primary guest usually must be 18 or older.
• Smoking: Most hotels are strictly non-smoking; violating this can result in heavy fines.

Can I Work or Study in New Zealand on an eTA?

No. The NZ eTA is for tourism, transit, or cruise travel only. Working or participating in long-term study is illegal on an eTA.

NZ eTA Application: Should I Choose an Agent or Apply via the Government?

While you can apply via the official government portal, many Chinese travelers prefer using an agent like nz-eta.info for several reasons:

• Government Portal: Often provides no feedback if you make a typo, leading to instant rejection at the airport.
• Professional Agent: We provide manual error-checking, ensuring your passport details are 100% correct. We offer 24/7 night-time support via live chat and phone, and our 1-hour Super Rush option is not available through standard government channels.

Who Can I Contact if I Need Urgent Help?

Our support specialists are available 24/7. Whether you are in a different time zone in China or standing at the airport in Auckland, you can reach us via Live Chat, WhatsApp, or phone for immediate, human assistance.