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New Zealand ETA for American Citizens
If you are an American citizen who would like to visit New Zealand, it is important to note that you will need a travel authorization to do so.
The most common form of travel authorization for New Zealand is the eTA. ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authority and it is the standard document that most tourists apply for before their trip to New Zealand.
What is the New Zealand eTA for US Citizens?
The New Zealand eTA (also written as “NZeTA”) was introduced in 2019 as a way for eligible citizens to travel to New Zealand for the purposes of transit, tourism, or business.
The New Zealand eTA is available for citizens of more than 170 countries, including those from the United States. The process for obtaining a New Zealand eTA for American citizens is quick and simple.
Do American Citizens Need a New Zealand eTA to Enter the Country?
Yes, any US citizen who wishes to enter New Zealand for short stays is required to have an approved eTA electronically linked to their passport.
An approved New Zealand eTA is required for US citizens to visit the country for short stays for purposes of:
- Travel and tourism (both by air and cruise ship)
- Visiting friends and family
- Business travel, including business meetings, conferences, and seminars
- Traveling as airline and cruise ship crew
The New Zealand eTA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. American citizens may use their eTA to stay in New Zealand for a maximum of up to 90 days at a time.
As the New Zealand eTA is a multiple entry electronic visa waiver, holders may enter New Zealand multiple times within the 2-year validity period.
Documents Required for the New Zealand eTA for American Citizens
The required documents for obtaining a New Zealand eTA include the following:
- A United States-issued passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond the traveler’s intended date of arrival in New Zealand
- A valid credit card or debit card to pay the necessary eTA fees (including the waiver fee and tourism fee)
- A current email address to which the approved New Zealand eTA will be sent.
Additionally, American citizens visiting New Zealand are required to show proof of sufficient funds that will cover their trip to the country: 1,000 NZD for every month that the traveler plans to stay in the country, or 400 NZD if the traveler has already prepaid for the accommodation.
Travelers are also expected to hold onward travel documents to their next destination, whether that is to a different country or back home.
New Zealand eTA Application for Americans
To apply for an ETA for New Zealand from the United States, American citizens must fill in an online application form that will ask for the traveler’s personal information and passport details.
Applicants will need to provide full name, contact details, passport information (passport number, date of issue, date of expiry), as well as answer a few questions about their criminal background and whether they are visiting New Zealand to seek medical treatment.
After the application is filled out, travelers will need to pay the eTA fee and a small International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) that will go towards environmental conservation and offsetting the traveler’s carbon footprint. The IVL fee is already included in the total price of the New Zealand eTA.
It is very important that American citizens double-check the eTA application to make sure that all of the information provided is accurate before submitting the form. This is because even the smallest error can delay or even void the application, and it will be necessary to re-apply for an eTA if it is denied.
US citizens visiting New Zealand with family should make sure that each family member fills out their own separate eTA application form, whether they are included on a single passport or not.
US citizens should give themselves ample time to apply for their New Zealand eTA. The official New Zealand Department of Immigration recommends that travelers allow up to 72 hours for the eTA to be processed and approved.
How Will American Citizens Receive their New Zealand ETA?
Once approved, American citizens will receive a copy of their New Zealand eTA at the email address provided on the application form. Therefore, it is important to provide an email address that is constantly monitored and to double-check the Spam folder just in case.
Holders of an eTA are advised to print a copy of the authorization to carry with them when traveling to New Zealand, in the case that an immigration officer requests proof of eTa approval.
The approved New Zealand ETA for United States citizens is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport. The eTA is valid for 2 years, or until the traveler’s passport expires — whichever comes first.
Application Steps
STEP 1
Complete online applicationSTEP 2
Confirm PaymentSTEP 3
Receive approved VisaCountry policy
New Zealand Visa Policy
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