15 August 2024
The Government has introduced a new rule requiring foreign cargo ship crew and passengers to obtain an NZeTA before entering the country.
This new requirement is similar to the existing rule for cruise ship passengers and crew, who have needed an NZeTA since 2019. It also applies to crew members of foreign ships authorized by the Minister of Transport to carry coastal cargo.
The NZeTA requirement aims to improve border security and efficiency, bring consistency to immigration processes, and support a more modern and digital approach to travel. It also allows Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to have advanced information about visa-waiver travellers, which helps manage immigration issues more effectively.
The new rule will take effect on 1 April 2025, giving the shipping industry and carriers enough time to adjust to the NZeTA system.
Who Doesn’t need a NZeTA or crew NTA
Crew members do not need a visa, an NZeTA, or a Crew ETA if they:
- Hold a New Zealand or Australian passport.
- Are arriving in New Zealand on a private or commercial aircraft not part of a scheduled service.
The new NZeTA requirement for cargo ship crew and passengers is crucial in strengthening New Zealand’s border security and ensuring a consistent approach to immigration.
Reference
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/
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