New Zealand Visa
New Zealand NZeTA — Explore Middle-Earth in Minutes
From the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the fjords of Milford Sound to the golden vineyards of Marlborough and the adventure capital of Queenstown, New Zealand is a world of contrasts packed into two islands. U.S. citizens can visit for up to 90 days at a time on an NZeTA — a quick online authorization valid for two years and unlimited trips.
How it works
- 1Fill in your passport details and upload your passport photo through our secure form — takes about 5 minutes.
- 2Our team reviews your application for errors and submits it to Immigration New Zealand on your behalf, including payment of the NZeTA and IVL fees.
- 3Immigration New Zealand processes your NZeTA — typically within a few hours, up to 72 hours in busy periods.
FAQs
What is the NZeTA and do I really need one as a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Despite being visa-exempt, all U.S. citizens travelling to New Zealand by air or sea must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before departure. It is not a visa — it is a pre-travel authorization linked electronically to your passport. Without it, airlines are required to deny boarding.
What is the IVL and why is it charged with the NZeTA?
The IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) is a NZD $35 fee collected by the New Zealand government to fund conservation and tourism infrastructure. It is mandatory for most visitors and is collected at the same time as the NZeTA application fee, so there is only one payment to make.
How long can I stay in New Zealand on an NZeTA?
U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days per visit. The NZeTA itself is valid for 2 years, allowing you to make multiple trips without reapplying — as long as each individual stay does not exceed 90 days and you do not spend more than 6 months in any 12-month rolling period across all visits.
How quickly is the NZeTA approved?
Most NZeTA applications are approved within a few hours, sometimes instantly. Immigration New Zealand advises allowing up to 72 hours during busy periods. We recommend applying at least one week before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
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