US citizens can travel to New Zealand without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. To do so, Americans must apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before departure.
The NZeTA requirements and application process for US citizens are explained below.
Do US citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
United States passport holders can travel to New Zealand without a visa and stay for up to 90 days.
However, American citizens must apply for an NZeTA before departure.
Since October 1st 2019, a NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR US CITIZENS has been a mandatory requirement for all American tourists heading to the country for short stays.
To stay for longer than 90 days, or to work, live, or study in the country, a different type of New Zealand visa is needed.
eTA New Zealand from the United States
The NZeTA is available for citizens of 60 visa-waiver countries, including the United States.
The electronic travel authority may be used to visit New Zealand for tourism or business purposes as well as for transit.
Do I need an NZeTA to travel from the US to New Zealand on a cruise ship?
American passport holders arriving in New Zealand on a cruise ship can apply for an NZeTA for New Zealand.
The process is the same, applicants should simply indicate on the NZeTA form that they will be a cruise ship passenger.
Can I transit in New Zealand with an NZeTA from the United States?
Americans can travel through Auckland International Airport (AKL) with a transit NZeTA.
As a passenger in transit, a US passport holder is required to stay either on the plane they arrived on or in the transit area of the airport.
The maximum time that can be spent in New Zealand in transit is 24 hours.
Steps to apply for an eTA New Zealand from the USA
US nationals can obtain the visa waiver for New Zealand in 3 steps:
- Fill out the NZeTA form
- Pay the eTA and IVL fees
- Submit the application for review
The applicant is notified by email as soon as the request has been processed and approved.NZeTA for US Citizens
eTA New Zealand requirements for Americans
Just a few items are needed to apply for a New Zealand eTA from the US:
- US passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the end of the stay
- Passport-style photograph that meets New Zealand photo requirements
- Credit or debit card to pay for the visa waiver and the tourist levy
An image of the passport and the photograph are uploaded digitally. Travellers do not need to present paperwork at a New Zealand Embassy or visa application centre in the US.
How to fill out the NZeTA application form from the United States
The New Zealand electronic travel authority is entirely online. The application can be completed from any device with an internet connection.
It takes just a few minutes to fill out the NZeTA form, the following information is required:
- Basic personal information
- US passport details
- Date of arrival in New Zealand
- Health and security information
To avoid disrupted travel plans, it is important to revise all the information provided before submitting the request. Any incorrect or missing information could lead to delays.
American pay the NZeTA processing fee and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) using a credit or debit card to finalise the application.
How long does it take to get an NZeTA from the US?
Most applications for the NZeTA for US citizens are approved within 1 business day.
However, travellers are advised to apply at least 3 business days ahead of their departure date in case of delays.
How long can a US citizen stay in New Zealand with an eTA?
The NZeTA for US citizens is valid for:
- Multiple trips to New Zealand
- 2 years or until the passport expires
- Stay of up to 3 months
The NZeTA expiry date is printed on the approval confirmation email.
Americans who wish to stay for longer than 90 days need to apply for a different type of NZ visa before departure.
Documents needed to travel to New Zealand from the US
Citizens of the United States must have the following documents to enter New Zealand:
- Valid US passport
- NZeTA or visa
Return flight tickets or evidence of financial means could also be requested. Entry documents will be verified by immigration officials at the border.
Extra requirements to enter New Zealand from the US during COVID-19
Fully vaccinated visa waiver travellers with a valid NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR EUROPEAN CITIZENS can now enter New Zealand, a few extra documents are required:
US arrivals must have:
- PCR test medical certificate showing a negative result within the last 72 hours
- Certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Americans need a special exemption to travel to New Zealand if they do not meet the vaccine requirements. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated arrivals must enter Managed Isolation and Quarantine.
It is important to check the latest entry requirements before travelling from the USA to New Zealand at this time.
