Last Updated: February 2026
Starting in late 2026, New Zealand citizens will need a digital authorisation called ETIAS before visiting most of Europe. If you’ve used New Zealand’s own NZeTA system for incoming visitors, the concept is identical — Europe is now introducing the same thing for Kiwis heading the other way.
⚡ Quick Reference for New Zealanders
| What | ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) |
| When | Launches Q4 2026 (October–December) |
| Cost | €20 (~$35 NZD) per application |
| Valid for | 3 years or until your passport expires |
| Processing | Most approved in minutes |
| Covers | 30 European countries |
| Do you need it? | Yes, if you’re travelling on a New Zealand passport |
Do New Zealanders Need a Visa for Europe in 2026?
No — and that isn’t changing. New Zealanders do not need a visa for short stays in Europe, and ETIAS does not change that.
What IS changing is that starting in late 2026, you’ll need to complete a quick online authorisation before your trip. New Zealanders are actually in the best position of any nationality to understand ETIAS, because New Zealand already runs a nearly identical system. The NZeTA — New Zealand’s Electronic Travel Authority — requires visa-exempt visitors to get pre-screened online before flying to New Zealand. ETIAS works exactly the same way, just applied to Kiwis heading to Europe.
What Is ETIAS, Exactly?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It pre-screens travellers from visa-exempt countries — like New Zealand — against EU security databases before they board a flight, ferry, or train to Europe.
It is not a visa. No embassy visit, no supporting documents, no interview. It’s an online form that takes about 10 minutes, costs €20 (~$35 NZD), and is valid for three years of unlimited trips — as long as each stay stays within the 90-day limit.
Once approved, it’s electronically linked to your New Zealand passport. Airlines and transport operators check it automatically at check-in. No printout required.
ETIAS vs. New Zealand’s NZeTA: Your Own System, Applied in Reverse
New Zealand introduced its NZeTA in 2019 — one of the first countries in the world to do so. The EU explicitly modelled ETIAS on systems like the NZeTA and Australia’s ETA. The structural similarities are almost exact.
| Feature | NZ NZeTA | Europe’s ETIAS | US ESTA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $17–$23 NZD | €20 (~$35 NZD) | $21 USD |
| Valid for | 2 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Max stay | 90 days | 90 days per 180 | 90 days |
| Application | Online or app, ~5 min | Online, ~10 min | Online, ~15 min |
| Countries covered | New Zealand only | 30 European countries | United States only |
| Age exemptions | None | Free for under-18s and over-70s | None |
How to Apply for ETIAS (Step by Step)
Which Countries Require ETIAS?
ETIAS covers 30 European countries — the 29 Schengen Area member states plus Cyprus. One authorisation covers all of them.
Countries That Do NOT Require ETIAS
| Country | ETIAS Required? | What New Zealanders Need |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | No | UK ETA (£10, valid 2 years) |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇦🇱 Albania | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇷🇸 Serbia | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇲🇪 Montenegro | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇲🇰 North Macedonia | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
The 90/180-Day Rule for New Zealanders
ETIAS doesn’t change how long you can stay in Europe. The Schengen rule already in place still applies: up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.
This is a rolling window — not a January-to-December reset. Days drop off your counter 180 days after each entry date. With careful planning, Kiwis doing extended European trips can spend significant time there across multiple visits.
Use our free Schengen Calculator to plan your days. For the full explanation, see our 90/180-Day Rule Guide.
Dual Citizens: NZ + EU Country
If you hold dual citizenship with any EU or Schengen country, you do not need ETIAS. Enter Europe on your EU passport — no 90-day limit, no ETIAS, no EES biometric capture.
NZ + non-EU second passport: ETIAS is required. Apply on whichever passport you’ll use at the border — the ETIAS is linked to that specific document and passport number.
How Much Does ETIAS Cost in New Zealand Dollars?
- Adults (18–70): €20 (~$35 NZD)
- Under 18: Free (application still required)
- Over 70: Free (application still required)
For a full breakdown, see our guide to ETIAS Cost & Fees.
Check Your Travel Requirements
Select your passport and destinations to see exactly what you need for every European country.
Use Europe Travel Planner →Frequently Asked Questions
When does ETIAS start for New Zealanders?
ETIAS is expected to launch in Q4 2026 (October–December). The EU has not announced an exact date. There will be a 6-month transition period during which ETIAS is recommended but not yet strictly enforced.
How much does ETIAS cost in NZ dollars?
The fee is €20, approximately $35 NZD. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are exempt from the fee but still need to complete the application.
Is ETIAS similar to New Zealand’s NZeTA?
Yes — it’s essentially the same concept applied in reverse. New Zealand requires visa-exempt visitors to get pre-screened via the NZeTA before arrival. ETIAS is Europe doing the same thing to New Zealanders visiting Europe.
Do I need ETIAS for a stopover in Europe?
If your layover requires passing through border control in a Schengen country, yes. If you remain in the international transit zone, no ETIAS is required.
I have a New Zealand passport and a German passport. Do I need ETIAS?
No. If you hold an EU passport, use it to enter Europe. You cannot apply for ETIAS if you hold an EU passport.
Do children need ETIAS?
Yes. Every traveller needs their own ETIAS regardless of age. Parents can apply on behalf of minors online. Children under 18 are exempt from the €20 fee.
Can I work or study in Europe with ETIAS?
No. ETIAS covers short-term visits for tourism, business, and transit only — up to 90 days. To work or study, you need a national visa or residence permit.
Does ETIAS cover Australian passport holders travelling with me?
Australian travellers need their own ETIAS — it’s linked to each individual’s passport. See our guide: ETIAS for Australians.
What if my ETIAS is denied?
You’ll receive a reason and can appeal. You may also apply for a full Schengen visa through a European embassy. See: Can You Be Denied ETIAS?
📚 Related Articles
- ETIAS 2026: Complete Guide — The full breakdown of Europe’s new travel authorisation
- ETIAS for Australians — Travelling with an Aussie? They need their own ETIAS
- ETIAS for Americans
- ETIAS for Canadians
- Schengen 90/180 Day Rule Explained
- Free Schengen Calculator
- Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES)
- ETIAS Cost & Fees Explained
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