New Zealand has reopened its borders to international visitors from over 60 visa waiver countries. Arrivals must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and meet all other entry requirements. The move is step 4 of New Zealand’s 5-stage reopening plan. The policy aims to fully reopen the country’s borders by late 2022, after more than 2
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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 NZeTA for US citizens is the standard document that most tourists apply for before their trip to New Zealand.
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZ eTA) allows US nationals to visit the country. This online travel permit lets Americans avoid lengthy visa applications in person at a New Zealand embassy.
What Is the New Zealand eTA for US Citizens?
The New Zealand eTA for Americans (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 easy.
Simply complete a short online form. This can be done through this website — click the green “apply online” button above. Confirmation of the NZeTA is then delivered by email within a few business days at most.
Do US Citizens Need a New Zealand Visa?
No, US citizens do not require a traditional visa for New Zealand, provided they have a valid NZeTA.
The New Zealand eTA is a waiver that allows US nationals to visit the country without having to apply for a visa.
The NZeTA for Americans is much quicker and easier to apply for than a visa. The process is entirely online.
It is only necessary to apply at an embassy for a New Zealand visa for US citizens if you wish to do things not covered by the terms of the eTA. These may include:
- Work
- Study
- Residence
- Long-term stays (more than 3 months)
For short-term visits on vacation or for business trips, you skip the lengthy application process for a New Zealand visa for Americans by registering for an eTA online.
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
- Transit through New Zealand to an onward destination
- 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 up to 3 months at a time.
As the New Zealand eTA is a multiple-entry electronic visa waiver, holders may visit New Zealand various 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 after the visit to 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
- A photo of the applicant, recently taken and passport-style
Upon arrival in the country, American citizens visiting New Zealand may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds that will cover their trip to the country.
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 a brief 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). They must answer a few questions about their criminal background (if any) 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. It will be necessary to re-apply for an eTA if it is denied.
US citizens visiting New Zealand with their 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.
It is advisable to submit the form at least a week before the planned trip.
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.
How Long Can a US Citizen Stay in New Zealand With a Visa Waiver?
Americans with a New Zealand visa waiver can stay for up to 30 days per visit.
The NZeTA is valid for multiple entries over its 2-year validity period. This means that if 30 days is not enough, you can leave the country temporarily and return.
Each time a traveler from the United States enters New Zealand with an eTA, they may stay for another 30 days.
Application Steps
STEP 1
Complete online applicationSTEP 2
Confirm PaymentSTEP 3
Receive approved VisaCountry policy
New Zealand Visa Policy
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