The government is taking another step to improve border security.

The NZeTA, New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, which will enable the government to screen travellers for border and immigration risks off-shore before they travel to New Zealand, has been launched by Immigration New Zealand says Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway.

The NZeTA will be mandatory for visitors from visa waiver countries from October 1, 2019.

'Around one and a half million people travel to New Zealand each year from 60 different visa waiver countries. However, INZ does not currently have any information about these individuals until they are en route to or arrive in New Zealand.”

'The NZeTA is a quick and easy way to ensure we know more about people travelling to New Zealand from visa waiver countries. It will strengthen border security and be quick and easy for travellers to request,” says Iain.

'The NZeTA request takes less than 10 minutes to complete and will bring New Zealand's border control into line with international best practices, with the United States, Canada and Australia already having electronic travel authorities.

New Zealand and Australian passport holders or visitors who already have a valid New Zealand visa will not be required to have an NZeTA.

Visitors should allow up to 72 hours for their NZeTA request to be processed. Visitors who don't hold an NZeTA when they check in for their flight or cruise from October 1 will not be able to board. Visitors whose request for an NZeTA is refused will need to apply for a visitor visa.

'INZ has also kicked off a major marketing campaign and is working closely with tourism and travel sector partners to ensure visitors know they need an NZeTA, and how and where to apply for it,” says Iain.

Visitors can now request an NZeTA for any travel after October 1 2019 by applying online at www.immigration.govt.nz/nzeta. A mobile app will be available later this week.

The NZeTA will cost NZD$9 via the mobile app and NZD$12 through the website. At the same time that a visitor requests their NZeTA, they will be charged the new NZD$35.00 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy or IVL.

The IVL is an investment in New Zealand. It is expected to raise over $450 million over five years, funding projects to ensure our country and our people get the best from tourism growth. Our international visitors will be contributing directly to the infrastructure they use and helping to protect the natural places they enjoy.

Funds from the levy will be invested in projects that protect and enhance our natural environment and biodiversity, and safeguard Aotearoa's taonga for generations to come.