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Can I extend my NZeTA once I've arrived?

People often feel the need to travel to another country for a variety of reasons. It may be for tourism, business or other very specific purposes. Such travel often requires an electronic visa. New Zealand, for example, requires an NZeTA before entering the country. However, you may be obliged to extend this document once you arrive. Is it possible to make this change?

How do I obtain the NZeTA?

These days, a new electronic visa system is being created to make it easier for foreigners to travel to a country. Many nations are opting for this solution within their governments.

With this in mind, the New Zealand authorities have also introduced the NZeTA. This is a travel authorisation created in October 2019 that offers the advantage of quickly obtaining approval to stay in New Zealand. The entire application procedure is carried out online without any need to travel. This is already a major advantage over applying for a traditional visa. To do this, you can go to the New Zealand authorities' platform and fill in the form. It's both simple and easy to obtain travel authorisation if you opt for this alternative. However, with the number of applications to be processed, your request may encounter a slight delay.

The other option is to go to the website of a private agency to make your application, which will issue the e-Visa within 72 hours of the application being sent.

Foreigners who obtain their NZeTA have a maximum of 2 years in which to travel to New Zealand without the slightest complication. However, they may not spend more than 90 days on New Zealand soil during any one stay.

New Zealand law allows you to renew your residence permit only once a year. To be more precise, an NZeTA holder is only entitled to spend a maximum of 6 months per year in New Zealand.

NZeTA: how do you extend it once you're there?

The NZeTA is valid for a maximum of 2 years. If this period expires, it can be extended by submitting a new, carefully completed form. However, if you decide to extend your stay once you are in the country, you will not be able to renew your application.

We recommend that you think about Visitor Visa which costs 165 New Zealand dollars (92 €). Unlike the NZeTA, which offers 3 months on the spot, the NZeTA allows travellers to stay for up to 9 months. It is therefore the best option to choose if you wish to exceed the normal 90-day period. Beyond the possible 3-month stay, the NZeTA is a document considered as approval to enter the country.

In other words, you will not be able to travel unless you obtain this residence permit. You cannot extend your stay unless you apply for a Visitor Visa. So it's up to you to check before you leave.