If you’ve been planning to take a trip to New Zealand, be prepared for higher costs soon. The country will raise fees for most visitors on October 1, 2024.
For tourists, the most significant change is the nearly threefold increase of the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), a kind of tourism tax. The fee will rise from the current NZ$35 (~€17) to NZ$100 (~€50). Visitors must pay this levy along with their application for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) or visa.
Including the fees for the NZeTA application itself, the total costs will increase as follows:
Until September 30, 2024:
- NZ$52 (~€26) when applying through the app (Android / iOS)
- NZ$58 (~€29) when applying through the website
From October 1, 2024:
- NZ$117 (~€58) when applying through the app (Android / iOS)
- NZ$123 (~€61) when applying through the website
The relevant date is the time of application submission. Therefore, if you’re planning to visit New Zealand in the coming months, it’s advisable to apply for your NZeTA before the end of September. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years.
The only visitors who are exempt from paying the IVL are citizens and residents of New Zealand, Australia, and nearby islands, as well as diplomats.
Tourist Visas Also Becoming Significantly More Expensive
Those who need a visa to travel to New Zealand will also face higher costs. If you plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days, you’ll need a Visitor Visa, which is valid for stays up to 9 months and costs:
- Until September 30, 2024: NZ$246 (~€122)
- From October 1, 2024: NZ$441 (~€219)
Fees for many other visa types will also double, and in some cases, triple. This includes visas like the Working Holiday or Student Visa. A full overview is available on immigration.govt.nz.
Source: One Mile at a Time
Cover Picture: Ditmar Lange