ETIAS for New Zealand citizens
Will New Zealand passport holders need ETIAS for Europe? What about timing, fees, and the difference vs the NZeTA?
Quick answer
ETIAS at a glance
- Status
- Not live yet
- Expected launch
- Last quarter of 2026
- Applications open
- Not yet
- Official fee
- Expected €20
- Validity
- 3 years or until passport expiry
- Stay limit
- 90 days in any 180-day period
- Official application route
- Official EU ETIAS website / app when live
- Private help
- ETIAS Pro may offer optional support when applications open
Personalised check
What does ETIAS mean for New Zealand travellers?
ETIAS will likely apply to your trip
With ETIAS expected to be mandatory for visa-exempt travellers from 2027 onwards, plan to apply through the official EU system before you travel.
- €20
- Fee
- 3 yrs
- Valid
- 90/180
- Stay limit
Read next
Guidance only, not an application. Always confirm on the official EU ETIAS website.
Do New Zealand citizens need ETIAS?
Yes, once ETIAS becomes mandatory. New Zealand passport holders are visa-exempt for short stays in Europe, which is exactly the group ETIAS applies to. An approved ETIAS will be needed before travelling to participating European countries for tourism, business or family visits.
When will New Zealand travellers need ETIAS?
ETIAS is not live yet. It is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026, with a transition period before it becomes mandatory in 2027. Until then, New Zealanders travel to Europe as they do now, and no application is possible.
ETIAS and the NZeTA: how they differ
If you have used New Zealand’s own NZeTA, ETIAS will feel familiar: a quick online authorisation linked to your passport, not a visa. The difference is direction. The NZeTA is for visitors coming to New Zealand, while ETIAS is for New Zealanders and other visa-exempt travellers heading to Europe.
How long can New Zealand travellers stay in Europe?
ETIAS does not change the Schengen short-stay limit of 90 days in any 180-day period. ETIAS itself is expected to be valid for up to 3 years, or until your passport expires, and covers multiple short trips within that time.
What should New Zealand travellers do now?
Nothing urgent, as ETIAS is not open. Check your passport has plenty of validity for your travel plans, keep an eye on official EU updates, and optionally sign up below so we can alert you when applications open.
Popular ETIAS destinations for New Zealand travellers
Country-specific guides for the most-searched ETIAS destinations.
Get the ETIAS launch alert for New Zealand travellers
We’ll alert you when ETIAS applications open. No passport details. No payment before launch.
Common questions
Is ETIAS a visa?
Technically no. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. Many travellers search for “ETIAS visa” or “Europe visa waiver”. The closest comparison is the US ESTA system. You still need a valid passport, and ETIAS does not guarantee entry: border officers always make the final decision.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The official ETIAS fee is expected to be €20. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the fee, though they will still need an ETIAS. Private services may charge a separate, optional service fee for help with the application.
How long will ETIAS last?
An approved ETIAS is expected to be valid for up to 3 years, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. It allows short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within ETIAS countries.
Can I apply directly through the EU?
Yes. When the official ETIAS system opens, every traveller will be able to apply directly through the official EU website or app at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Using a private service is always optional.
Is ETIAS Pro official?
No. ETIAS Pro is a private information and assistance service. We are not affiliated with the European Union, Frontex or any government. When ETIAS opens, you will be able to apply directly through the official EU ETIAS website or app.