New Zealand Visa RequirementsFor Ireland passport holders
Irish citizens need a New Zealand NZeTA before flying to New Zealand. The NZeTA costs $12 NZD (about EUR 7) through the official NZ Immigration app or $23 NZD via the website. It is valid for 2 years and allows multiple 90-day visits. An International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of $35 NZD also applies.
Ireland passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to New Zealand.
Apply via the NZ Immigration official app (recommended, $12 NZD) or at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz ($23 NZD). The IVL ($35 NZD) is collected simultaneously. Have your passport, credit card, and a digital photo ready. Approval typically comes within 72 hours by email. The NZeTA is linked to your passport electronically: no physical document is issued.
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
IVL Payment Receipt
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (NZD 35) is paid as part of the NZeTA application.
NZeTA Approval
Apply at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz or via the NZ Immigration app before departure. The NZeTA ($12 to $23 NZD) plus the IVL ($35 NZD) are paid online. Approval is linked electronically to your passport.
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) Payment
The $35 NZD IVL is paid alongside the NZeTA application. No separate document is issued: it is recorded in your NZeTA approval.
Required at Entry
Valid Passport
Must be the same passport linked to your NZeTA. Valid for the duration of stay.
NZeTA
Electronic Travel Authority linked to your passport. Checked electronically at check-in and border.
Valid Irish Passport
The same passport used in the NZeTA application. Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from New Zealand within the 90-day period.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from New Zealand. Airlines check this at check-in.
Proof of Funds Recommended
Evidence of sufficient funds. NZD 1,000 per month or NZD 400 if prepaid accommodation.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
NZ Immigration may ask about financial means at the border.
Current Travel Situation
Ireland to New Zealand: What You Need to Know
New Zealand requires all visa-exempt foreign nationals, including Irish passport holders, to hold a valid NZeTA before boarding a flight to New Zealand. The NZeTA is simple to apply for online or through the New Zealand Immigration app and is typically approved within 72 hours. In addition to the NZeTA fee, an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of $35 NZD is collected at the same time. The combined cost is approximately $47 to $58 NZD depending on the application channel.
How to Get There
New Zealand is commonly combined with Australia as both countries are connected by frequent trans-Tasman flights (Auckland-Sydney takes about 3 hours, and budget carriers make this very affordable). The Pacific Islands (Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands) are also accessible from Auckland.
Money & Banking
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Cards are almost universally accepted and New Zealand is largely cashless. ATMs are available. Very few places require cash.
Practical Tips
New Zealand is a spectacular long-haul destination with remarkable natural diversity packed into two islands. The North Island has geothermal wonders (Rotorua), Maori culture, and Auckland. The South Island offers Fiordland (Milford Sound), the Southern Alps, Queenstown adventure sports, and the wine regions of Marlborough. Driving is the best way to explore both islands. New Zealand consistently ranks among the world's safest travel destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Irish citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
Irish citizens do not need a full visa but must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travel. Cost is $23 NZD via website or $12 NZD via the app, plus a $35 NZD IVL.
What is the IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy)?
The IVL is an additional fee of $35 NZD collected alongside the NZeTA. It funds conservation and tourism infrastructure in New Zealand.
How do I apply for the NZeTA as an Irish citizen?
Apply at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz. Cost is NZD 23 online (or NZD 35 via mobile app) plus NZD 35 IVL. Apply at least 72 hours before departure. The NZeTA is linked to your passport electronically.
How do I apply for the NZeTA?
Apply at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz or via the official New Zealand Immigration app (cheaper at $12 NZD). Pay by card. Approval typically comes within 72 hours.
How long is the NZeTA valid for Irish citizens?
The NZeTA is valid for 2 years from issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each stay in New Zealand can be up to 90 days.
How long can Irish citizens stay in New Zealand?
Up to 90 days per visit. The NZeTA is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, allowing multiple visits.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to New Zealand?
No. Connections via Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, or Sydney are needed. Total journey time to Auckland is approximately 24 to 30 hours.
Can I work in New Zealand on an NZeTA?
No. The NZeTA is for visitors only. Irish citizens can apply for a Working Holiday Visa to work and travel in New Zealand for up to 12 months (up to age 35).
Can Irish citizens work in New Zealand?
Not on the NZeTA. Irish citizens can apply for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa allowing 12 months of work and travel.
What currency does New Zealand use?
New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Cards are universally accepted throughout New Zealand.
What are the must-see attractions in New Zealand?
The North Island offers Rotorua geothermal wonders, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and Milford Sound is on the South Island along with Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, and the Marlborough wine region.
Is New Zealand worth the long journey from Ireland?
New Zealand consistently ranks among the world's top travel destinations. The North and South Islands offer extraordinary landscapes, from fjords and glaciers to geothermal parks. Most Irish visitors who make the trip consider it very worthwhile.
Is New Zealand expensive to visit?
New Zealand is a relatively high-cost destination. Accommodation and activities (especially adventure tourism in Queenstown) are comparable to or higher than Irish prices.