Starting October 1, New Zealand will triple its tourist tax for foreign visitors to the country. The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will be raised to NZ$100 (approximately $62) from NZ$35 (approximately $22) to ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey and Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka said in a statement on Tuesday.
“International tourism plays a hugely important role in the New Zealand economy, with international visitors spending over $11 billion in the year ending March 2024,” Doocey said. “But international tourism also comes with costs to local communities, including additional pressure on regional infrastructure and higher upkeep and maintenance costs across our conservation estate.”
The IVL was introduced in 2019 to ensure international visitors were contributing directly to these costs. According to Potaka, “this money funds Tourism New Zealand, protects biodiversity within the Department of Conservation estate and provides quality experiences at the likes of Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.”
Travelers will pay the IVL when they request an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) or apply for a visa. Travelers will have to pay an IVL every time they request an NZeTA or apply for a visa that includes the IVL.
Note: Visitors that are exempt from the requirement to pay the IVL include New Zealand and Australian citizens and permanent residents, diplomats and people from many Pacific Island countries.
For more information, visit www.immigration.govt.nz.
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