Entry into New Zealand is becoming more expensive for tourists. The government has almost tripled the fee. Critics fear a negative effect on tourism.
Higher tourist fee from October
From October 1st, the fee for entering New Zealand will rise to 100 New Zealand dollars (about 56 euros). This affects holidaymakers from most countries in the world. Previously, the fee was 35 NZD (20 euros). The fee, called the “International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy” (IVL), is paid when applying for the electronic entry permit NZeTA.
Germans, Austrians and Swiss citizens still do not need a visa if they stay in New Zealand for up to three months. However, the costs for visitor visas will also increase for longer stays.
Tourism Minister defends measure
Tourism Minister Matt Doocey justified the measure with the high costs that international tourism causes for local communities. These include “additional pressure on regional infrastructure and higher maintenance and upkeep costs in our nature reserves.” Doocey expressed confidence that New Zealand would continue to be an attractive travel destination.
Criticism from the tourism industry
Critics doubt this. The tourism association TIA warned that New Zealand has had problems getting tourism back up and running since the end of the corona pandemic and is lagging behind the rest of the world. “This will now further affect our global competitiveness,” said managing director Rebecca Ingram. The higher fee is expected to result in tens of thousands fewer holidaymakers coming each year.