New Zealand NZeTA for US Travelers: Who Needs It, How to Apply & Official Channel

Short answer: Holders of a valid United States of America (USA) passport — including USA nationals — are on New Zealand’s visa-waiver list and need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travel. Request it through the official NZeTA website or app on immigration.govt.nz. You can stay up to 3 months per visit; the NZeTA is valid for 2 years for travellers. The request fee is from NZD $17 (the app is cheaper than the online form), plus the International Visitor Levy (IVL) of NZD $100 when it applies. Allow 72 hours for processing — do not book travel until your NZeTA is approved. Start NZeTA help on my-evisas.com. Stand: 18 August 2026.

Navigation: ← New Zealand · NZeTA vs Visitor Visa · Traveller Declaration · Start NZeTA help

What is the New Zealand NZeTA?

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is an electronic travel authority for eligible passport holders visiting New Zealand for a short stay.

An NZeTA lets you travel to New Zealand without a visa, transit through Auckland International Airport for up to 24 hours, and visit for up to 3 months at a time. You can travel to New Zealand multiple times while your NZeTA is valid (2 years for most travellers).

If you plan to stay longer than 3 months at a time, you need to apply for an appropriate visa and have it before you arrive.

Official apply channel

The official apply channel is the NZeTA website and mobile app, described on immigration.govt.nz (Immigration New Zealand). Request an NZeTA at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz. Download the NZeTA app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

You should use the official NZeTA website or mobile app to request your NZeTA.

Start NZeTA help.

Who can apply — US citizens

To visit New Zealand on an NZeTA you must be a citizen of a visa-waiver country or territory. United States of America (USA), including USA nationals, is on that list.

If you hold more than one passport, use the passport you will travel with and enter your details exactly as they appear on that passport.

How long you can stay

Each visit can be up to 3 months (or up to 6 months if you are from the United Kingdom).

You can only be in New Zealand for up to 6 months within any 12-month period. That period is the 12 months counting back from your intended departure date — the date you plan to leave New Zealand.

Your NZeTA is valid for 2 years for travellers (5 years for airline crew members). You can reuse it for multiple trips while it is valid, as long as you stay within the per-visit and 12-month limits.

Passport and documents

When you request an NZeTA you need:

• your passport (the same one you will travel with)
• 1 acceptable photo or a device that can take one
• proof you have enough money for your stay
• proof you can leave New Zealand (for example a return ticket)

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave New Zealand.

If you are visiting, you must have at least NZD $1,000 a month, or NZD $400 a month if you have already paid for your accommodation. At check-in or on arrival you may be asked to show you have enough money.

When you check in you must have your passport, your NZeTA confirmation email, and proof of travel out of New Zealand.

NZeTA fee and IVL — what to expect

The official NZeTA request fee is from NZD $17. If you use the NZeTA app, it is cheaper than the online form, and you can request NZeTAs for up to 10 people at the same time. The online form requires a separate request for each person travelling with you. Confirm the exact amount when you pay.

Many visitors must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100 when they request an NZeTA. You pay an IVL every time you request an NZeTA when the levy applies. Immigration New Zealand does not refund the IVL, even if your application is declined.

Transit passengers arriving at and leaving from Auckland International Airport generally do not pay the IVL. Confirm what applies to your trip on the official fee information.

How to apply — overview

1. Check you hold a valid passport from a visa-waiver country and that your passport will stay valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from New Zealand.
2. Gather your passport, an acceptable photo, proof of funds, and proof you can leave New Zealand.
3. Open the official NZeTA website or app (see Official apply channel above).
4. Submit your request and pay the request fee and IVL (if it applies to you).
5. Wait for Immigration New Zealand’s decision — allow 72 hours (up to 3 days; it may take longer if further checks are needed).
6. After approval, keep your NZeTA confirmation email for check-in. Complete a separate New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before you travel.

If you cannot use an NZeTA

You may not be allowed to travel to New Zealand if you do not meet character requirements. If you are not sure you will meet requirements — for example, you have a criminal conviction or have been deported before — apply for a visa and have one before you travel through Immigration New Zealand.

At the border you can be refused entry if you are not a genuine visitor, do not meet character requirements, have had a change in circumstances since your NZeTA was approved, or cannot show you can leave New Zealand or support yourself.

If your situation does not fit the NZeTA path — for example you need to stay longer than 3 months, need sponsorship, or are unsure about character rules — see our guide on NZeTA vs Visitor Visa and apply for a Visitor Visa through Immigration New Zealand if that is the right official path.

FAQ

Do US citizens need an NZeTA for New Zealand?

If you hold a valid United States of America (USA) passport and you are visiting for a short stay under visa-waiver rules, you need an NZeTA before you travel. Confirm your passport is still on the live visa-waiver list.

How much does an NZeTA cost?

The official request fee is from NZD $17 (the NZeTA app is cheaper than the online form). Many visitors also pay the IVL of NZD $100 when they request an NZeTA. Confirm both amounts at checkout on the official channel.

How long does an NZeTA take?

Immigration New Zealand lists processing time as allow 72 hours. Checks can take up to 3 days and may take longer if further investigation is needed. Do not make travel arrangements until your NZeTA is approved.

What if my NZeTA is refused or declined?

If your request is declined, Immigration New Zealand does not refund the IVL. Check your request status on the official NZeTA channel. If you have a criminal conviction, prior deportation, or are unsure you meet character requirements, apply for a visa before you travel instead of relying on an NZeTA. Even with an approved NZeTA, you can be refused entry at the border if your circumstances have changed or you cannot show you are a genuine visitor.

How do I check my NZeTA status?

After you request an NZeTA you can check its status on the official NZeTA website. If Immigration New Zealand approves your request, they send a confirmation email — keep it for check-in.

Is an NZeTA the same as a visitor visa?

An NZeTA is an electronic travel authority for visa-waiver short visits requested before travel. A Visitor Visa is a separate visa product you apply for when the NZeTA path does not fit. See NZeTA vs Visitor Visa for US travelers.

Do I still need a Traveller Declaration?

Yes. Everyone entering New Zealand must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). The NZTD is separate from an NZeTA and is required in addition to your travel authority.

How my-evisas.com can help

Provided

• Assisted filing for the New Zealand NZeTA through the official NZeTA channel. Start NZeTA help.

Not provided

• Visitor Visa applications
• Embassy or consulate appointments
• Work visas or working holiday visas

Sources

1. Immigration New Zealand — New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) (accessed 18 August 2026)
2. Immigration New Zealand — Visa waiver countries and territories (accessed 18 August 2026)
3. Immigration New Zealand — Paying the International Visitor Levy (accessed 18 August 2026)

Important Notice

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. my-evisas.com is a private service provider and not a government authority, embassy, or consulate.

Visa requirements and entry regulations can change at short notice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Only the official regulations in force at the time of your application are authoritative.

As of: 18 August 2026

Binding and up-to-date information is provided exclusively by the relevant official authorities. Please verify the currently applicable requirements before your application or travel: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/new-zealand-electronic-travel-authority-nzeta/