New Zealand Visa RequirementsFor Croatia passport holders
Croatian passport holders need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before traveling to New Zealand. The NZeTA costs NZD 23 (~EUR 13) online or NZD 17 via the NZeTA mobile app, plus an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35. It allows stays up to 90 days.
Croatia passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to New Zealand.
Apply for the NZeTA at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz or download the NZeTA mobile app (cheaper: NZD 17 vs NZD 23 online). You also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35 as part of the application. Total cost online: NZD 58 (approximately EUR 33). Apply at least 72 hours before travel; most are approved within minutes to hours. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years and covers multiple visits of up to 90 days each. Link it to your Croatian passport.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Croatian Passport
The NZeTA is linked to your passport. You must travel with the same passport used in the application. A new passport requires a new NZeTA.
Valid Croatian Passport
The NZeTA is linked electronically to your Croatian passport. Passport must be valid for at least 1 month beyond departure from New Zealand.
Digital Passport Photo
Required for the NZeTA mobile app application. The app takes a selfie and verifies it against your passport photo.
NZeTA Application (online or app)
Apply through immigration.govt.nz or the NZeTA mobile app before travel. Valid for 2 years. Keep the reference number for your records.
NZeTA Application (NZD 23 online or NZD 17 via app)
Apply at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz or via the NZeTA mobile app (cheaper). Also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35 as part of the application. Total online: approximately NZD 58 (~EUR 33).
IVL Payment (NZD $35)
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (NZD $35) is paid alongside the NZeTA fee (NZD $12). Total cost is approximately NZD $47.
Email Address
NZeTA approval is emailed to you. Most applications approved within minutes to hours. Apply at least 72 hours before travel.
Required at Entry
Completed New Zealand Arrival Card
Complete the NZ Passenger Arrival Card on the plane or via SmartGate kiosks. Declare all food, plant material, animal products, and outdoor equipment accurately.
Return or Onward Ticket
New Zealand immigration requires proof of onward or return travel.
Return or Onward Ticket Recommended
May be checked at the airline counter and by New Zealand Customs on arrival.
Sufficient Funds Recommended
NZ immigration may require evidence of NZD $1,000 per month of stay (or NZD $400/month if accommodation is prepaid).
Travel Insurance Recommended
Strongly recommended given high NZ medical costs and adventure activity risks.
Current Travel Situation
Croatia to New Zealand: What You Need to Know
New Zealand and Croatia share strong people-to-people connections through a growing Croatian diaspora, particularly in Auckland and Christchurch. New Zealand introduced the NZeTA in 2019 for visa-exempt countries including EU member states such as Croatia. New Zealand is one of the world's most spectacular destinations: fjords (Milford Sound), volcanic landscapes (Rotorua), and pristine beaches (Bay of Islands) make it a bucket-list destination. Lord of the Rings filming locations draw significant tourism. New Zealand is geographically remote: it sits approximately 18,000km from Zagreb, making it one of the longest flights from Croatia.
How to Get There
No direct flights from Croatia. Zagreb (ZAG) connects to Auckland (AKL) via two stops: typically through Dubai (DXB) with Emirates to Sydney, then Air New Zealand to Auckland; or via Singapore (SIN) with Singapore Airlines. Total travel time from Zagreb exceeds 24 hours.
Money & Banking
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Cards are widely accepted; contactless payment is dominant. Cash is rarely needed. New Zealand is expensive: comparable to Australia or higher for accommodation and food. Tipping is not a cultural tradition in New Zealand: good service is expected as standard and tipping is genuinely not expected or required.
Practical Tips
Auckland (AKL) is New Zealand's main international gateway. Wellington (WLG) is the capital. Queenstown (ZQN) is the adventure sports hub (bungee jumping, skydiving). South Island has the most dramatic scenery (Fiordland, Southern Alps). North Island has Rotorua's geothermal landscape and Hobbiton (Lord of the Rings filming location). Driving on the left. Rental car is the best way to explore outside cities. New Zealand summer (December-February) corresponds to European winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Croatian citizens need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Croatian citizens do not need a full visa but must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travel. The NZeTA costs NZD $12 plus a NZD $35 tourism levy, is valid for 2 years, and allows stays of up to 90 days.
How do I apply for the NZeTA?
Apply through the New Zealand Immigration website or the official NZeTA mobile app. Upload a passport photo, pay the NZD $12 fee plus NZD $35 IVL by card, and receive approval within 72 hours. The NZeTA is linked electronically to your passport.
What is the IVL (International Visitor Levy) in New Zealand?
The IVL (NZD $35) is a tourism levy collected alongside the NZeTA application fee. It funds New Zealand's conservation and tourism infrastructure. The total pre-authorization cost is approximately NZD $47 (around $28-30 USD).
Is there a Croatian community in New Zealand?
Yes. New Zealand has a distinctive Croatian diaspora story. Croatian immigrants came to work in the kauri gum digging industry in Northland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their descendants are prominent in New Zealand wine, agriculture, and business today.
What are the best destinations in New Zealand?
Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua (Maori culture, geothermal activity), Queenstown (adventure sports), Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound (UNESCO), the Southern Alps, and Wellington are highlights.
What biosecurity rules apply in New Zealand?
New Zealand has some of the world's strictest biosecurity rules. Declare all food, plant material, animal products, and outdoor or camping equipment on arrival. Fines of up to NZD $400 apply for failures to declare. Hiking boots are frequently inspected and steam-cleaned.
How long is the flight from Croatia to New Zealand?
New Zealand is among the world's most remote destinations. Common connections via Singapore, Dubai, Doha, or Hong Kong reach Auckland in 24-32 hours total. Consider a stopover in Asia or Australia.