New Zealand Visa from France

New Zealand Visa for French Citizens

New Zealand Visa from France
Updated on Feb 04, 2025 | Online New Zealand Visa

New Zealand Visa from France

New Zealand eTA Eligibility

  • French citizens can apply for an NZeTA
  • France was a launch member of the NZ eTA program
  • French citizens enjoy fast entry using the NZ eTA program

Other New Zealand eTA Requirements

  • A France-issued Passport that is valid for another 3 months after departure from New Zealand
  • NZ eTA is valid for arrival by air and cruise ship
  • NZ eTA is for short tourist, business, and transit visits
  • You must be over 18 to apply for an NZ eTA otherwise require a parent/guardian
 

New Zealand ETA visa Prerequisites for France

If a French citizen wants to travel to New Zealand for a brief stay, they can avoid the lengthy lines and embassy visits required for regular New Zealand visas. Thanks to a visa waiver program that began in 2019, holders of French passports can enter New Zealand through the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for a 90-day stay authorization without a traditional or standard French visa. Since July 2019, French citizens have needed an eTA to enter New Zealand. To ensure a quick application procedure, the French candidate must meet a few requirements laid forth by the NZeTA process.

  • For stays up to ninety (90) days, French nationals need to have a New Zealand eTA.
  • A New Zealand eTA is required for any French national who intends to travel to New Zealand for a brief period, but your passport is still valid for at least three months after the anticipated departure date.
  • A French tourist who is travelling for short business trips, transit, tourism, or meetings with family or friends can obtain an ETA.
  • Remote workers who travel, referred to as digital nomads, are allowed to stay for up to 90 days after getting an eTA.

NZeTA benefits for French citizens

  • NZeTA's simplified online application process saves applicants time and eliminates the hassle of the embassy, in contrast to traditional visas.
  • The eTA procedure provides a quiet, short stay for a French visitor who satisfies the eligibility requirements.
  • It provides a 90-day or three-month stay as a gift with each visit.
  • If a French applicant's NZeTA application is approved, they will be able to visit New Zealand many times without any limitations.
  • Compared to the usual visa form fee, the NZeTA form charge is less expensive. The ability for the applicant to swiftly pay online using a credit or debit card expedites the process.
  • If a French applicant is only travelling by transit—that is, moving across the New Zealand border to reach another location—don't wait any longer for authorities' clearance.
  • The processing time for the French applicant's NZeTA application is 72 hours. Comparing it to other visa types, the applicant can speed up the processing of their travel plans.

How can I apply for an eTA New Zealand Visa from France?

The eTA New Zealand Visa for French citizens comprises an online application form that can be completed in less than five (5) minutes. You are also required to upload a recent face photograph. It is necessary for applicants to enter personal details, their contact details, like email and address, and information on their passport page. Applicant must be in good health and should not have a criminal history. You can get more information at New Zealand eTA Application Form Guide.

After French citizens pay the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) fees, their eTA application processing commences. NZ eTA is delivered to French citizens via email. In very rare circumstances if any additional documentation is required, the applicant will be contacted prior to the approval of the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for French citizens.

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) requirements for French citizens

The New Zealand eTA requirements from citizens of France are minimal and simple. The following are essential:

  • Valid French Passport - To enter New Zealand, French citizens will require a valid Passport. Ensure that your Passport is valid for at least 3 months past the date of departure from New Zealand.
  • An online method of payment - Applicants will also require a valid Credit or Debit card to pay the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). The fee for New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for French citizens covers eTA fee and IVL (International Visitor Levy) fee.
  • A working email address - French citizens are also required to provide a valid email address, to receive the NZeTA in their inbox. It will be your responsibility to carefully double-check all the data entered so there are no issues with the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), otherwise you may have to apply for another NZ eTA.
  • A face photograph of the applicant - Last requirement is to have a recently taken clear face-photograph in passport style. You are required to upload the face photograph as part of the New Zealand eTA application process. If you are unable to upload for some reason, you can email helpdesk your photo.
Australian Permanent Residents are exempt from paying IVL (International Visitor Levy) fee.
French citizens who have a passport of an additional nationality need to make sure they apply with the same passport they travel with, as the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) will be directly associated with the passport that was mentioned at the time of application.

NZeTA for French Citizens: Stay, Visit, and Processing

Stay term

French passport holders must apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), even if they are only going to be in the country for a day or up to ninety(90) days. French nationals who plan to stay longer should apply for the appropriate visa based on their specific situation.

Count of visit

A French citizen's New Zealand eTA visa is valid for two years and permits multiple entries. French citizens can enter multiple times during the two year validity of the NZ eTA.

Validity & processing time

French travellers will only be able to use a one-time, approved NZETA for a period of two years, depending on the passport's validity. After the online application is received, it will be processed and sent to the applicant's mail ID within 72 working hours.

Travel to New Zealand from France

Upon receiving the New Zealand Visa for French citizens, travellers will be able to either present an electronic or paper copy to present to the New Zealand border and immigration.

Which activities are not allowed for French citizens on New Zealand eTA?

New Zealand eTA is a lot easier to apply, compared to New Zealand Visitor Visa. The process of form filling can be completed entirely online in a matter of few minutes. New Zealand eTA can be used for visits of up to 90 days for tourism, transit and business trips.

Some of the activites not covered by New Zealand are listed below, in which case you should instead apply for New Zealand Visa.

  • Visiting New Zealand for Medical treatment
  • Work - you intent to join New Zealand labour market
  • Study
  • Residence - you want to become a New Zealand resident
  • Long-term stays of more than 3 months.

READ MORE:
New Zealand restricts what you can bring to preserve its natural flora and fauna. Many items are restricted – for example, vulgar publications and dog tracking collars – you cannot get an approval to bring them to New Zeland. Find out more at What items can I bring to New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have you already received NZeTA, but want to change address and contact details. What can you do?

Try doing it online, if you are not able to, call the immigration department, if still the issue persists, visit the immigration of New Zealand office, share with them your concern, they might be able to help you.

I am traveling to New Zealand for a voluntary or charity program, can I use NZeTA?

If you are getting paid or using for a long term purpose, you will have to get another visa, you cannot use the NZeTA. Get in touch with the visa officials who can guide you to apply for the required visa.

I am filling my NZeTA application online, but I am having issues. What to do?

There may be technical problems, try refreshing the page or apply online on a different browser. If the problem still exists try calling in the helpdesk number, the technical team will be able to sort out the issue.

Can I use NZeTA for religious and cultural trips?

You can use NZeTA for religious and cultural trips, but you cannot extend your stay beyond the number of days provided.

Click here to gets answers to more Frequently Asked Questions about NZeTA

Things To Do and Places of Interest for French Citizens

  • Shotover River Jet Boat ride, Queenstown
  • Climb the Franz Josef Glacier
  • Rollerblade along Wellington’s waterfront
  • Ride the Luge Up at the Skyline, Queenstown
  • Eat an ice cream at Scorching Bay, Miramar.
  • Eat at Fergburger, Queenstown
  • Climb the Sky Tower for astounding Auckland views.
  • Go snorkelling around Goat Island.
  • Live music at Neck of the Woods
  • Climb Queenstown Hill for Sunrise or Sunset
  • See the waterfalls at Earnslaw Burn.

France Embassy in Wellington

 

Address

34-42 Manners Street P.O. Box 11-343 Wellington New Zealand
 

Phone

+64-4-384-2555
 

Fax

+64-4-384-2577
 

Please apply for a New Zealand eTA 72 hours in advance of your flight.