Requirements for New Zealanders
In 2026, the European Union plans to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, as a travel security measure for countries within the Schengen area.
The ETIAS will act as a visa waiver for New Zealanders travelling to Italy, as well as for citizens of the 61 other countries which are currently visa-exempt to visit Schengen countries. The ETIAS Italy for New Zealanders will grant visitors from New Zealand authority to enter Italy prior to their departure from New Zealand.
ETIAS requirements for New Zealand citizens
To meet the ETIAS Italy requirements for New Zealanders, travellers will need to provide the following:
- A valid New Zealand passport
- An active debit or credit card
- A valid email address
Once these requirements have been met, the application form for ETIAS Italy for New Zealanders may be completed online from any internet-connected device.
To apply for ETIAS to visit Italy, New Zealanders need to submit their basic personal information and passport details and answer some questions on their past travel and criminal history.
New Zealanders travelling to Italy can apply for their ETIAS quickly and easily. While applications may take up to 72 hours to be processed, they are generally approved within minutes.
According to the ETIAS Italy requirements for New Zealanders, minors must apply for ETIAS to visit Italy separately from their parent or guardian. If a parent completes a child’s ETIAS application form on the child’s behalf, the parent must submit their own personal details along with the application.
Personal information for the ETIAS Italy
The ETIAS Italy for New Zealanders requires travellers to submit a list of personal information along with their application. The information required is:
- Full name exactly as it appears on passport
- Birthdate and place of birth
- Gender
- Home address
- Email address and other contact details
- Passport number
- Passport issue date and expiry date
- Nationality as stated on passport
Taiwanese travelling to Italy will also be asked a few security questions. It is essential that all information is provided accurately, any omissions or mistakes may lead to delays and even ETIAS rejection.
To apply for ETIAS to visit Italy, New Zealanders should indicate which Schengen area country they intend to visit first. ETIAS grants its holders authorisation to move freely within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
However, even if ETIAS is approved, it does not automatically guarantee entry into the Schengen Area. The ultimate decision rests with the border patrol officers at the port of entry for New Zealanders travelling to Italy.
When New Zealanders apply for ETIAS to visit Italy, the information submitted is contrasted with a series of security databases within the European Union. Any ETIAS application that triggers an alarm within these databases will be reviewed manually.
Rejected applications for ETIAS Italy for New Zealanders may be appealed by providing further documentation to support the original application.
What documents do I need for the ETIAS Italy?
ETIAS Italy requirements for New Zealanders state that all ETIAS applicants need a valid passport. The passport must remain valid throughout the application process, upon arrival into Italy, and for no less than 3 months after the traveller intends to leave the Schengen area.
The ETIAS Italy for New Zealanders will only be valid if the passport it is attached to is also valid. If the passport expires, the ETIAS is considered invalid and a new application must be submitted.
An ETIAS remains valid for 3 years once approved, but cannot be renewed once expired.
Medical info for New Zealand citizens
While New Zealanders travelling to Italy do not need to take any special health precautions, they are nonetheless advised to follow the news, travel and health updates and advisories from both New Zealand and the European Union in preparation for their trip.
Furthermore, New Zealanders travelling to Italy should get health insurance before their trip, in case of emergencies. For New Zealanders travelling with prescription medications, it is recommended that all medicines be stored in their original packaging and clearly labelled. The emergency services can be reached in Italy by calling 112.
ETIAS Italy Benefits for New Zealand Citizens
The ETIAS is designed to pre-screen travellers ahead of their trip. In doing so, the EU will be able to identify individuals with criminal records, or persons that may pose a threat to the Schengen area. This means that New Zealanders travelling to Italy will be safer and better protected from potential dangers during their stay in Italy and neighbouring countries.
Additionally, since ETIAs is electronically linked to the passport, border checks should be faster and smoother.
- Capital: Rome
- Language: Italian
- Time Zone: GMT+1
- Currency: €
- Country calling code: +39
- Population: 60,59 milions
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Embassy of Italy in New Zealand34-38 Grant Road, Thorndon, P.O. Box 463, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
(+64) 4 473 5339
wellington.embassy@esteri.it
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Embassy of New Zealand in ItalyVia Clitunno, 44, Rome 00198, Italy
(+39) 06 853 7501
rome@nzembassy.it