Immigration NZ has already received more than 200,000 electronic visa applications from travelers in light of new and tighter border control measures which start today.
Keeping tabs on people entering the country with criminal convictions, as well as tightening national security, were key factors in the introduction of the New Zealand electronic travel authority [NZeTA] which is set to affect roughly 1.5 million people from 60 “visa waiver” countries.
Those affected will now have to fill out a form – which takes up to 72 hours to process – before boarding a plane or ship bound for New Zealand. The NZeTA costs either $9 or $12 and excludes New Zealand and Australian citizens and those who already hold a valid visa for New Zealand. The move is designed to prevent people travelling here who are considered a risk to the country’s safety by identifying them well before check-in.
Authorities are looking to identify anyone previously sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 12 months or longer, those considered a threat to national security or who are members of a terrorist group. Travellers coming by air or cruise ship will be required to answer questions about any criminal convictions and the purpose of their trip.
INZ’s policy director Nick Aldous told the Herald today that visa waiver countries, those whose citizens do not need a visa to come to New Zealand, include the UK, the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia and most European countries. As of this morning, more than 200,000 NZeTAs have been requested since the ETA request system was announced on August 4.
Source: Nzherald
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