ETIAS for New Zealand Citizens - Your Complete Guide for 2026
Kiwi passport holders currently visit Europe visa-free. That is not changing, but starting late 2026, you will need to apply for ETIAS before you travel. Here is exactly what that means for your OE.
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What It Means for You
What ETIAS means for Kiwi travellers
As a New Zealand passport holder, you are part of a nation of keen travellers, with around 200,000 Kiwis visiting Europe annually. ETIAS will not change your visa-free status, but it will add a mandatory pre-travel registration step. Think of it as Europe's version of the NZeTA that many visitors need to enter New Zealand.
Not a Visa
ETIAS does not replace your visa-free access to Europe. Your New Zealand passport still qualifies for visa-free short stays. ETIAS is a pre-registration that screens travellers before they arrive.
Linked to Your Passport
Once approved, your ETIAS is digitally linked to your New Zealand passport. No stickers, no stamps, no paper documents. Just travel with the same passport you used to apply.
Three Years, Unlimited Trips
One ETIAS covers unlimited trips to any of the 30 Schengen countries for three years, or until your passport expires. No need to reapply for each trip.
Minutes to Apply
The application is entirely online. Enter your details, answer a short set of background questions, and most approvals come through within minutes.
New Zealand-Specific Details
What Kiwi passport holders need to know
You already use a similar system
The New Zealand NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) has required visitors from many countries to pre-register since 2019. ETIAS is the EU's equivalent. The process will feel very familiar.
The 'OE' tradition
The Overseas Experience is a rite of passage for many young Kiwis. ETIAS is valid for three years, allowing for multiple short trips to Europe (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) on a single application, perfect for exploring the continent.
Working Holiday Schemes
ETIAS is for tourism and short business trips, not for work. If you have a Working Holiday Visa for a specific European country, you will follow that visa's rules. ETIAS is separate and applies when you enter the Schengen Area as a tourist.
Five Eyes Intelligence Sharing
New Zealand is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. ETIAS leverages similar international security databases to screen travellers. Your strong passport and cooperation in these networks contribute to a smooth application process.
Long-haul travel considerations
Given the distance, trips from NZ to Europe are well-planned. Applying for ETIAS is a small but crucial step to add to your pre-travel checklist. Approval is fast, but it's best to apply before booking flights.
Comparison
ETIAS vs NZeTA - how they compare
Kiwis are familiar with the NZeTA system for visitors to New Zealand. Here is how ETIAS stacks up against the system you already know.
| Feature | EU ETIAS | New Zealand NZeTA |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | Small one-time fee | Varies by application method |
| Validity | 3 years | 2 years |
| Max stay | 90 days / 180-day period | Up to 9 months for some nationalities |
| Countries covered | 30 Schengen countries | New Zealand only |
| Application time | ~5 minutes online | ~10 minutes online |
| Approval speed | Usually minutes, up to 30 days | Usually within 72 hours |
| Biometrics required | No | No |
| Linked to passport | Yes | Yes |
Step by Step
How New Zealand citizens apply for ETIAS
The process is entirely online. No embassy visit, no interview, no biometrics.
Confirm you need ETIAS
As a New Zealand passport holder who currently visits Europe visa-free, you will need ETIAS once it launches. If you also hold an EU passport, you do not need one.
Complete the online form
Enter your personal details, passport information, employment history, and answer a short set of security and health questions. The form takes around 5 minutes.
Pay the application fee
A small fee is paid online by debit or credit card at the time of application. It is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Fee waivers apply for certain age groups.
Receive your approval
Most applications are approved within minutes. You will receive an email confirmation. Your ETIAS is digitally linked to your passport. No printing needed.
Travel to Europe
Present your passport at the border. Your ETIAS is checked automatically. It covers unlimited trips for three years across all 30 Schengen countries.
Questions from New Zealand Travellers
ETIAS FAQ for New Zealand citizens
The most common questions New Zealand travellers are asking about ETIAS.
Other Guides
ETIAS guides for other nationalities
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