Private travel support serviceNot Immigration New Zealand and not affiliated with the New Zealand Government

Cruise passengers

Be travel-ready before you board.

Cruise passengers generally need an NZeTA before travelling to New Zealand, including many travellers whose passport is not on the standard visa-waiver list.

Passenger requirements

Request the NZeTA early enough for checks to finish before embarkation. Carry the passport used for the request, your confirmation email and your cruise itinerary or other evidence that you will leave New Zealand.

Passengers and crew are different

This page is for passengers. Cruise-ship crew need a Crew ETA requested through their employer’s Batch ETA process. A passenger flying to New Zealand to join a cruise should check the air-arrival rules as well as the cruise itinerary.

On arrival

Cruise passengers with the required authority are generally treated as holding a visitor visa when arriving by ship, but must still meet health, character and entry requirements. Everyone entering New Zealand must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration within the applicable window.

An NZeTA does not guarantee boarding or entry. The cruise line and border authorities still check travel documents and requirements.

Source checked 24 September 2026: Immigration New Zealand — NZeTA information ↗. Rules, fees and processing can change; confirm before travel.

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