NZeTA for Hong Kong Residents: HKSAR & BN(O) Requirements
Complete guide to New Zealand entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders. Learn about eligibility, visa-waiver rules, and how to apply for an NZeTA.
Who Qualifies for an NZeTA from Hong Kong?
HKSAR Passport Holders
Likely Eligible for Visa-Waiver Travel:
- â Hong Kong resident travelling on a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport
- â Visit up to 3 months as a visitor
- â NZeTA valid for 2 years
- â Make multiple visits without re-applying
BN(O) Passport Holders
Likely Eligible for Visa-Waiver Travel:
- â Hong Kong resident travelling on a British National (Overseas) BN(O) passport
- â Visit up to 3 months or longer as a visitor (subject to immigration officer approval)
- â NZeTA valid for 2 years
- â Make multiple visits without re-applying
NOT Automatically Eligible
The following are NOT eligible under the Hong Kong visa waiver:
- â Hong Kong resident travelling on a People's Republic of China (PRC) passport
- â Hong Kong resident travelling on other foreign passports
- â Travellers using travel documents not covered by visa-waiver rules
For PRC passport holders: Your eligibility depends on the rules for Chinese passport holders, not the Hong Kong visa waiver. See our China guide.
NZeTA for HKSAR Passport Holders
If you hold a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport, this section explains your NZeTA requirements and visitor eligibility.
NZeTA Required?
Yes. HKSAR passport holders must have an approved NZeTA before arriving in New Zealand.
Visa-Waiver Eligible?
Yes. You qualify under the Hong Kong visa-waiver agreement and do not need a visitor visa.
Maximum Visitor Stay
Up to 3 months per visit (subject to immigration officer decision). Immigration can grant permission for shorter or longer stays based on your circumstances.
NZeTA Validity
2 years from date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Multiple Visits
You can make multiple visits to New Zealand during the 2-year validity period without re-applying, as long as each visit complies with the conditions.
To enter New Zealand as a visitor with an NZeTA, you must meet these requirements:
Valid HKSAR Passport
Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from New Zealand. The NZeTA must be obtained using this same passport.
Proof of Onward Travel
A confirmed return flight to Hong Kong or onward flight to another country. This shows you intend to leave New Zealand as a visitor.
Genuine Visitor Intent
You must satisfy the immigration officer that you are entering New Zealand as a genuine temporary visitor, not to live, work, or study.
Sufficient Funds
Proof that you can support yourself during your stay in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand guidance: at least NZD $1,000 per month for maintenance and accommodation, or NZD $400 per month if accommodation has already been prepaid.
Good Health
You should not have any health conditions that would present a danger to public health. A medical examination may be required in rare cases.
Good Character
No serious criminal record. Minor traffic offences are usually not an issue, but significant criminal convictions may affect eligibility.
NZeTA for BN(O) Passport Holders
If you hold a British National (Overseas) BN(O) passport, this section explains your NZeTA requirements and visitor eligibility.
NZeTA Required?
Yes. BN(O) passport holders must have an approved NZeTA before arriving in New Zealand.
Visa-Waiver Eligible?
Yes. BN(O) passport holders qualify under the Hong Kong visa-waiver agreement and do not need a visitor visa.
Maximum Visitor Stay
Up to 3 months per visit. Immigration officers can grant permission for different stays based on your circumstances.
NZeTA Validity
2 years from date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Multiple Visits
You can make multiple visits to New Zealand during the 2-year validity period without re-applying, as long as each visit complies with the conditions.
To enter New Zealand as a visitor with an NZeTA, you must meet these requirements:
Valid BN(O) Passport
Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from New Zealand. The NZeTA must be obtained using this same passport.
Proof of Onward Travel
A confirmed return flight to Hong Kong or onward flight to another country. This demonstrates your intent to leave New Zealand as a temporary visitor.
Genuine Visitor Intent
You must satisfy the immigration officer that you are entering New Zealand as a genuine temporary visitor, not to live, work, or study.
Sufficient Funds
Proof that you can support yourself during your stay in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand guidance: at least NZD $1,000 per month for maintenance and accommodation, or NZD $400 per month if accommodation has already been prepaid.
Good Health
You should not have any health conditions that would present a danger to public health. A medical examination may be required in rare cases.
Good Character
No serious criminal record. Minor traffic offences are usually not an issue, but significant criminal convictions may affect eligibility.
Hong Kong Residents Using PRC Passports
If you live in Hong Kong but hold a People's Republic of China (PRC) passport, your eligibility is determined by Chinese passport rules, not the Hong Kong visa waiver.
How Eligibility Works:
- âĸYour NZeTA eligibility is determined by the passport you are travelling with
- âĸWhere you live (Hong Kong, Beijing, etc.) does not change your passport-based eligibility
- âĸChinese passport holders have different New Zealand travel requirements
What You Should Do:
Visit our comprehensive China guide to learn about:
- â The special Australia pathway for Chinese citizens
- â Transit NZeTA options
- â When you need a Visitor Visa instead
- â Your specific eligibility based on your situation
Holding Multiple Passports?
Many Hong Kong residents hold more than one passport. This section explains how NZeTA works with multiple passports.
Key Principle:
An NZeTA is linked to a specific passport. If you hold multiple passports, you need to:
- 1. Decide which passport you will use for New Zealand travel
- 2. Apply for NZeTA using ONLY that passport
- 3. Travel to New Zealand using the same passport in your NZeTA application
â Example: HKSAR + BN(O)
If you hold both an HKSAR passport and a BN(O) passport, you can:
- âĸ Apply for one NZeTA using your HKSAR passport
- âĸ Apply for a separate NZeTA using your BN(O) passport
- âĸ Travel using whichever passport matches your approved NZeTA
â What NOT to do:
Do not apply for an NZeTA with one passport and then travel with a different passport. Your NZeTA will not be valid.
If You Get a New Passport:
If you renew your passport after your NZeTA is approved, you can request a passport update through the official system. A new NZeTA is required only for significant changes such as nationality or passport issuing state. For routine passport renewal, request the update rather than applying for a new NZeTA.
Transiting Through New Zealand
If you are passing through New Zealand on the way to another country, you may qualify for a Transit NZeTA.
Transit vs. Visitor
â Transit
- âĸ Stay in airport transit area
- âĸ Up to 24 hours
- âĸ Do not enter New Zealand
- âĸ Confirmed onward flight
â Visitor
- âĸ Explore New Zealand
- âĸ Up to 3 months
- âĸ Enter the country
- âĸ Return/onward flight
Eligible Passports
Both HKSAR and BN(O) passport holders can apply for Transit NZeTA.
Transit Area Only
You must remain in the designated transit area at Auckland International Airport. You cannot exit the airport or enter New Zealand.
Maximum 24 Hours
You can remain in the transit area for a maximum of 24 hours while waiting for your connecting flight.
Confirmed Onward Flight
You must have a confirmed flight to another country. Immigration will check this at the border.
Valid NZeTA Required
Approval to transit still requires a valid NZeTA. Allow up to 72 hours for Immigration New Zealand processing; some requests may be completed sooner.
Cruise Ship Passengers from Hong Kong
If you are travelling to New Zealand aboard a cruise ship, you may have different entry requirements.
Eligibility:
â HKSAR & BN(O) Passport Holders
You may qualify for a Cruise Ship NZeTA if visiting New Zealand ports. Eligibility and rules may differ from standard visitor NZeTA.
â Check Your Cruise Line
Contact your cruise line or travel agent to confirm which NZeTA type you need. Different cruise operators have different documentation requirements.
How to Apply for NZeTA
Confirm you hold an HKSAR or BN(O) passport and are not subject to other barriers to entry. (If you hold a Chinese passport, check the China guide.)
You will need:
- â Valid passport information (number, expiry date)
- â Contact details (email, phone)
- â Travel dates
- â Proof of onward travel (flight booking)
- â A valid digital photo (passport-style)
Start your application using the link below. The online process is secure and takes approximately 10â15 minutes to complete.
Apply for NZeTAProcessing timeframe: Immigration New Zealand advises allowing up to 72 hours for processing. Many applications are approved faster, but you should not assume instant approval.
Once approved, your NZeTA will be electronically linked to your passport. You do not need to print or carry a physical document. Immigration will check your status automatically at the border.
Important Information
You may also be asked to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (a digital form) which collects health, character, and security information. This is typically done online before travel.
Most visitors to New Zealand must pay the International Visitor Levy (IVL), a fee collected as part of border processing. Check current rates and whether you are exempt before travel.
An approved NZeTA is a travel authorization, not a visa, and does not guarantee entry to New Zealand. Immigration officers at the border have discretion to refuse entry if you do not meet visitor requirements or if circumstances have changed.
The passport you travel with MUST match the passport used in your NZeTA application. For routine passport renewal, request a passport update through the official system rather than applying for a new NZeTA.
Your NZeTA is valid for 2 years and covers multiple visits. You do not need to reapply for each trip, as long as your passport remains valid and you continue to meet visitor requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each family member needs their own NZeTA with their own passport details. However, the official NZeTA app allows you to request NZeTAs for up to 10 people at the same time in a single application process. Children need their own NZeTA.
If your application is rejected, you will receive notification explaining the reason. You may be able to reapply after addressing the issue, or you may need to apply for a Visitor Visa instead.
Once approved, some updates are allowed through the official system (such as passport details, name changes due to marriage, or email corrections). Significant changes may require a new NZeTA application. Cancellation is permanent and cannot be reversed.
No. Your NZeTA is electronic and linked to your passport. Immigration officers will check your status automatically using your passport details. You do not need to print or carry a document.
Extension of visitor stay is possible but requires an application to Immigration New Zealand. It is not automatic and depends on your circumstances. Plan to have enough time for your visit within your initial approval.
If you lose your passport and get a new one with a different number, you can request a passport update to your existing NZeTA through the official system. A new NZeTA is required only if the new passport has a different issuing state or you've obtained a different passport type.
If you hold multiple passports, you can apply for separate NZeTAs for each passport, or apply for just one NZeTA using the passport you plan to travel with. You must use the same passport for travel that you used for the NZeTA application.
No. An NZeTA is a travel authorization that replaces the requirement for a Visitor Visa for eligible travellers. It is quicker to obtain and simpler than a traditional visa, but it is not the same thing.
If you are eligible for visa-waiver travel and should have obtained an NZeTA but arrive without one, you will be denied entry at the border. An NZeTA must be approved before arrival.
HKSAR vs. BN(O) Comparison
| Feature | HKSAR Passport | BN(O) Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-waiver eligible? | â Yes | â Yes |
| NZeTA required? | â Yes | â Yes |
| Visitor Visa needed? | â No (with NZeTA) | â No (with NZeTA) |
| Normal visitor stay | Up to 3 months | Up to 3 months or longer |
| NZeTA validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Multiple visits? | â Yes (within 2 years) | â Yes (within 2 years) |
| Transit eligible? | â Yes | â Yes |
| Passport must match NZeTA? | â Yes | â Yes |
Ready to Apply for Your NZeTA?
Start your application today. Allow up to 72 hours for Immigration New Zealand processing; some requests may be completed sooner.