Embassy
Embassy of the United States, Wellington
Wellington
29 Fitzherbert Terrace 6011
New Zealand visa requirements for American citizens
American citizens need an eTA, a short online form, before flying to New Zealand.
Passport
USA
United States
Going to
NZL
New Zealand
eTA needed
Travel approval for short visits with a passport from the visa waiver list.
- Visa
- eTA
- Max stay
- 90 days (3 months)
- Fee
- NZ$17
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Make your trip easier
Do you already have any of these?
Some countries make entry easier if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from another country.
Special rules for American citizens in New Zealand
- IVL not required for American Samoan citizens.
- 3 months on each visit in 2-year period if granted.
- May enter using eGate.
- Holders of an Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Resident Return Visa may be granted a New Zealand Resident Visa on arrival permitting indefinite stay (pursuant to the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement).
- Strict enforcement of food import laws, fines of NZD$400 for not declaring food.
What to do
Apply for the eTA on New Zealand's official government website, never a reseller.
Apply before you book non-refundable travel; most approvals come back quickly.
The eTA links to your passport number, so travel on the same passport.
Get your New Zealand visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into New Zealand
Get a Visitor Visa or NZeTA before your trip.
eTA required For your passportVisitor NZeTATravel approval for short visits with a passport from the visa waiver list.
- Fee
- NZ$17
- Entries
- Multiple
How to apply
- Check your passport meets the visa waiver rules.
- Prepare your passport and photo.
- Apply through the official app or website and pay.
- Wait for approval before travel.
- Complete the traveller declaration and ask for entry.
Documents required
- Passport used for your NZeTA
- One photo
- NZeTA approval
- Paid departure ticket
- Proof of living funds
- Return ticket
- Allow 3 days for approval; extra checks can take longer.
- Border staff decide entry and grant the visitor visa.
eVisaVisitor VisaFor holidays, family visits or short study.
- Fee
- NZ$441
- Processing
- 14 days
How to apply
- Gather your documents and English translations.
- Apply online, upload documents and pay.
- Check your account for the decision.
Documents required
- Passport copy
- One photo
- Visit plans
- Proof of money
- Departure ticket, funds or sponsor agreement
- Health or police records if needed
- Family or sponsor proof if needed
- 80% get a decision within 14 days; some take longer.
- Your visa letter gives your stay dates and entry rules.
Visa on arrivalAustralian Resident VisaLets Australian citizens and qualifying permanent residents live in New Zealand.
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Carry proof of Australian citizenship or qualifying residence.
- Get an NZeTA if you are a permanent resident.
- Complete the traveller declaration.
- Ask for entry when you arrive.
Documents required
- Australian passport or citizenship visa proof
- Passport linked to qualifying Australian residence
- You can stay indefinitely; the visa normally ends when you leave.
- Citizens need no NZeTA; permanent residents need one but pay no visitor levy.
Sources (30)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Immigration New Zealand — Visitor Visa
- Visa waiver countries and territories
- New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority
- Official NZeTA application portal
- Visa Waiver Visitor Visa
- Chinese and Pacific Island visitors travelling from Australia
- NZeTA application guide for citizens of China
- Travellers who do not need an NZeTA
- Transit Visa
- Transiting through New Zealand to another country
- Transit visa waiver countries and territories
- Business Visitor Visa
- Fee Paying Student Visa
- Accredited Employer Work Visa
- Specific Purpose Work Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
- Parent Boost Visitor Visa
- Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
- Australian Resident Visa
- Who can apply for a working holiday visa
- United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa
- Using eVisas and visa labels
- Paying the International Visitor Levy
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration
- Official overview of New Zealand visas and remote work
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade — Passports and visas
- New Zealand Embassy in Madrid — Visas for New Zealand; directs applicants to Immigration New Zealand
- New Zealand Embassy in the United States — Immigration and visa enquiries
- New Zealand High Commission in the United Kingdom — Visas and Passports section
- New Zealand High Commission to India — mission page; no separate visa rules found
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Consulate general
Consulate General of the United States, Auckland
Auckland
Trips to New Zealand
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Harbour Days and Warm SpringsAucklandMatamataRotoruaFrom, per person~US$1,970
Southern Lakes and FiordlandChristchurchLake TekapoAoraki / Mount CookQueenstownFrom, per person~US$3,140
Island Mornings and Mountain EveningsAucklandWaiheke IslandQueenstownGlenorchyFrom, per person~US$4,100
Coming from United States
- Plugs IAdapter needed
- MoneyNZD $
- Time+1h
- DrivingOn the leftLook right first
- LanguageEnglishSpoken at home too
- Emergency111 police
Planning your New Zealand trip
Best time to go: Summer is December to February, with average daytime highs of 17–25°C. Winter is June to August, and snow can close mountain roads; weather can change quickly in any season.
- Southern AlpsThese mountains form a major barrier across the South Island and create striking differences in rainfall between east and west.
- Arthur's Pass National ParkExplore mountain scenery here. Some TranzAlpine passengers stop for four hours before taking the return train.
- Taieiri GorgeSightseeing trains from Dunedin travel through this scenic gorge.
- Native wildlifeNew Zealand has flightless birds found nowhere else, including kiwi and kākāpō.
Scams to watch for in New Zealand
- Opportunistic theftThieves take belongings when an easy chance appears. Visitors can become less careful because New Zealand feels safe.
- Accommodation burglarySomeone enters accommodation and steals belongings. Burglary is usually opportunistic rather than aimed at a particular visitor.
- Parked vehicle break-insThieves break into parked vehicles to steal belongings. Stolen property is very rarely recovered and returned.
About New Zealand
New Zealand is a South Pacific country of two main islands and many smaller ones, east of Australia.
- Capital
- Wellington
- Money
- New Zealand dollar ($)
- Languages
- English, Maori, New Zealand Sign Language
- Time zone
- 5 time zones
- Cars drive on the
- left side
- Calling code
- +64
Other Americas passports
Going to New Zealand
Easier trips nearby
Places close to New Zealand with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Are there special rules for American citizens visiting New Zealand?
Do american citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
American citizens need an eTA, a short online form, before flying to New Zealand.
How long can american citizens stay in New Zealand?
Up to 90 days each visit with the eta needed rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Where do I apply online for New Zealand?
Only on New Zealand's official government website. Avoid agents and look-alike sites that add fees. Apply before you book anything you can't cancel.
Is it easier to visit New Zealand if I already have a US, UK or Schengen visa?
With a valid visa or residence permit from Australia and New Zealand, the rule becomes "visa on arrival".
Do new zealander citizens need a visa for the United States?
New Zealander citizens need an eTA, a short online form, before flying to the United States.
Do other Americas passports get easier entry to New Zealand?
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile Mexico, and 1 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near New Zealand are easier for american citizens?
Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Palau Vanuatu, and 3 more let american citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to New Zealand?
Apply for the eTA on New Zealand's official government website, never a reseller. Apply before you book non-refundable travel; most approvals come back quickly.
What money is used in New Zealand?
New Zealand dollar ($). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in New Zealand?
English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language.
Reviewed by @snuck