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🇺🇸United States
🇳🇿New ZealandUS-NZ

United States to New Zealand visa requirements

US passport holders do not need a visitor visa for short tourist visits to New Zealand, but they must obtain an NZeTA before travel, pay the IVL, and complete the free New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). The United States is a New Zealand visa-waiver country, so US ordinary passport holders can visit for tourism for up to 3 months without applying for a visitor visa before travel. However, visa-waiver travellers must request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before boarding their flight or cruise. The NZeTA costs NZD 17 if requested via the official mobile app or NZD 23 via the website, and most visitors must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 100 at the same time. The NZeTA is valid for up to 2 years and allows multiple entries, with each tourist stay limited to 3 months and a cumulative limit of 6 months in any 12-month period. Processing can take up to 72 hours, though many requests are faster, so apply at least a few days ahead. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from New Zealand. Everyone entering New Zealand must also complete the free New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD); for air travel it can be submitted from 24 hours before the journey begins and must be submitted by passport control.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-20
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-20
Visa type
NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) — visa waiver
Maximum stay
Up to 3 months per visit (max 6 months in any 12-month period)
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
NZD 17 (app) / NZD 23 (web) + NZD 100 IVL
consular fee only
Processing time
Up to 72 hours (often within minutes)
standard track
Validity
Up to 2 years
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm your eligibility
US ordinary passport holders are visa-waiver travellers. For tourism up to 3 months you need an NZeTA, not a visitor visa. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from New Zealand.
· Visa waiver· Passport 3+ months
/02
Apply for the NZeTA online or via the official app
Use the official Immigration New Zealand NZeTA app (cheapest) or the immigration.govt.nz website. Avoid third-party sites that charge inflated fees.
· App NZD 17· Web NZD 23
/03
Enter your details and answer character questions
Provide your passport details, email, and answer the standard health and character questions. Have your passport ready to scan.
· Passport· Email
/04
Pay the NZeTA fee and the IVL
Pay the NZeTA processing fee plus the NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy together by credit or debit card.
· IVL NZD 100· Card payment
/05
Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration
Complete the free NZTD online or in the NZTD app. For air travel, you can submit it from 24 hours before your journey begins and it must be submitted by the time you reach passport control in New Zealand.
· Free NZTD· 24h before air travel
/06
Wait for approval
Most NZeTAs are approved within minutes, but allow up to 72 hours. You receive confirmation by email; the NZeTA is linked electronically to your passport.
· Up to 72h
/07
Travel within the validity window
Carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. The NZeTA is valid up to 2 years for multiple visits, each up to 3 months.
· 2-year validity· Onward ticket
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
United States -> New Zealand · NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) — visa waiver
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredUS passport valid 3+ months beyond departure from NZ
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredAt least one blank passport page for entry stamp
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredApproved NZeTA linked to your passport
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredIVL (NZD 100) paid with the NZeTA
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredCompleted free New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredValid email address to receive confirmation
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredCredit or debit card for payment
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedConfirmed onward or return travel ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedProof of sufficient funds (NZD 1,000/month, or NZD 400/month if accommodation prepaid)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RecommendedAccommodation details for your stay
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesImmigration New Zealand — Visa waiver countries and territories (no page date visible; accessed 2026-06-20)Immigration New Zealand — Visa Waiver Visitor Visa (no page date visible; accessed 2026-06-20)Immigration New Zealand — New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) (no page date visible; accessed 2026-06-20)
Application link included: Immigration New Zealand — Visa waiver countries and territories (no page date visible; accessed 2026-06-20)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
NZeTA fee (mobile app)NZD 17Cheapest option; via official Immigration NZ app
NZeTA fee (website)NZD 23Via immigration.govt.nz website
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)NZD 100Mandatory for most visitors; paid with the NZeTA; non-refundable
Total estimateNZD 117 — NZD 123incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard NZeTA processing
Up to 72 hours
Official processing window; most applications are approved within minutes to a few hours. Apply at least a few days before travel.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Tourism and holidays
Sightseeing, visiting friends and family, and short leisure trips of up to 3 months.
High
/02
Business visits
Acceptable short business visits under 3 months can use the NZeTA route; work or longer business stays need a work visa or another appropriate visa.
Medium
/03
Cruise stopovers
Passengers arriving by cruise ship generally need an NZeTA before boarding.
Medium
/04
Transit through New Zealand
Travellers transiting through Auckland International Airport can use an NZeTA for up to 24 hours in the transit area; other New Zealand airports require entering New Zealand as a visitor.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-06-20
Reviewed by Claude Code
Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.
2026-06-20
US-NZ official-source refresh
Added checked-date, refreshed official source labels with access/date details, re-verified the visa-waiver NZeTA route, fees, IVL, 3-month stay, 6-month/12-month cap, passport validity, onward-travel and funds requirements, and added the mandatory free New Zealand Traveller Declaration.
2026-05-30
United States to New Zealand route verified
Confirmed against Immigration New Zealand and the U.S. State Department that US ordinary passport holders are visa-waiver travellers who need an NZeTA (NZD 17 app / NZD 23 web) plus the NZD 100 IVL, valid 2 years, for stays up to 3 months.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do US citizens need a visa to visit New Zealand?—
No visitor visa is required before travel for tourist stays up to 3 months, but you must obtain an NZeTA before travelling, pay the IVL, and complete the NZTD arrival declaration.
How much does the NZeTA cost?+
How long is the NZeTA valid?+
How long does NZeTA processing take?+
Can I stay longer than 3 months?+
Where should I apply for the NZeTA?+
Do I also need the New Zealand Traveller Declaration?+
/11 — Passport tools

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