🇺🇸UNITED STATES

🇳🇿NEW ZEALANDUS-NZ

Do United States passport holders need a visa to visit New Zealand?

Q: How much does the NZeTA cost?

NZD 17 via the official mobile app or NZD 23 via the website, plus the mandatory NZD 100 IVL — about NZD 117–123 in total.

Q: How long is the NZeTA valid?

Up to 2 years for multiple entries, with each visit limited to 3 months and a maximum of 6 months in any 12-month period.

Q: How long does NZeTA processing take?

Most are approved within minutes, but officially allow up to 72 hours. Apply several days before departure.

Q: Can I stay longer than 3 months?

No. If you want to stay longer you must apply for a Visitor Visa instead of travelling on the NZeTA.

Q: Where should I apply for the NZeTA?

Only through the official Immigration New Zealand app or the immigration.govt.nz website. Avoid third-party sites charging higher fees.

US passport holders do not need a visa for short tourist visits to New Zealand, but they MUST obtain an NZeTA (electronic travel authority) before travel and pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). 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 a visitor visa. However, since 2019 all 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 almost everyone 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 is usually within 72 hours (often minutes), 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.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

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.

United States (Green Card)Living in United States as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

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

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

/06

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

9 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 9 complete

US passport valid 3+ months beyond departure from NZ

required

At least one blank passport page for entry stamp

required

Approved NZeTA linked to your passport

required

IVL (NZD 100) paid with the NZeTA

required

Valid email address to receive confirmation

required

Credit or debit card for payment

required

Confirmed onward or return travel ticket

recommended

Proof of sufficient funds (NZD 1,000/month, or NZD 400/month if accommodation prepaid)

recommended

Accommodation details for your stay

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/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

Short business meetings, conferences, and consultations are allowed under the visa-waiver NZeTA.

Medium

/03

Cruise stopovers

Passengers arriving by cruise ship generally need an NZeTA before boarding.

Medium

/04

Transit through New Zealand

Travellers transiting via Auckland and similar airports usually need a transit NZeTA unless transit-visa-exempt.

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

2026-05-30

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