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New Zealand eTA: Requirements and application 2024

Last Updated : 03 May 2024

30-Second Summary

US nationals travelling to New Zealand must apply for the New Zealand e-visa, which allows US citizens to visit for tourism.

1
The New Zealand visa is an e-visa allowing you to apply online.
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It does not require you to submit your passport and visit any Embassy for interviews.

Important Information

New Zealand

— Visa type

New Zealand eTA.

— New Zealand visa fees

The New Zealand travel visa cost is from NZD 17 (approx. $11).

— New Zealand e-visa processing time

The processing time is up to 10 business days. On Atlys , you can get your visa in less than 7 days.

— New Zealand e-visa validity

The New Zealand visa is valid for 2 years.

— Length of stay

You can stay a maximum of 90 days.

Do US citizens need a visa for New Zealand?

Yes, US citizens are on the list of visa waiver countries and, therefore, must apply for an ETA for New Zealand.

The NZeTA is different from a tourist visa. NZeTA will let you travel to New Zealand without applying for a visa as it is only a travel authorisation. If you have a passport from a visa waiver country, you can apply for NZeTA.

Applying for an e-visa is among the most convenient options, allowing applicants to complete the process online. US nationals have the option to apply for an e-visa either through Atlys or via the official government portal.

Do US green card holders require a visa for New Zealand?

US green card holders need to check their eligibility according to their nationality. If your nationality is from a visa-waiver country, you can apply for a New Zealand eTA.

Can I apply for a New Zealand e-visa?

Yes, US citizens can apply for a New Zealand e-visa, also known as the NzETA. US green card holders must first check if their nationality is eligible for visa-free travel. If they are, they can apply for the NzETA.

Can US citizens get a New Zealand visa on arrival?

No, US citizens cannot get a New Zealand visa on arrival. New Zealand does not offer visas on arrival for US citizens. US citizens can apply through Atlys or the government website.

New Zealand visa requirements for US citizens

When applying for a New Zealand e-visa, certain documents will be required to complete your online application form.

1
Valid Passport: Provide a scanned copy of your current passport's information page, displaying your photo and personal details. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from your intended arrival date, with a minimum of 2 blank pages.
2
Visa Photo: Submit a digital passport-sized photo measuring 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm. The photo should be taken against a white background, with a forward-facing pose and no glasses worn.

With Atlys, you can easily upload your required documents using the camera on your smartphone or laptop.

New Zealand visa cost

The New Zealand visa fee is NZD 17 (USD 11*) if you apply through the free New Zealand app; otherwise, NZD 23 (USD 15*) online.

Travellers entering New Zealand must pay a NZD 35 (approx. USD 22*) International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) alongside their NZeTA application.

*The New Zealand visa cost will be charged per the exchange rate on the day of the NZeTA application.

New Zealand visa application for US citizens

Our priority is to provide comprehensive guidance on the application process and available options. When applying for the New Zealand eTA, you can utilise Atlys services or manage the application independently.

How to apply through Atlys

To get your eTA on time, here's a quick overview of what to expect when applying online through Atlys.

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Start application: Begin your New Zealand visa application journey by visiting Atlys.
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Upload or take your photo: You can upload or take a new photo directly through the portal using your smartphone or laptop.
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Provide your details: Fill in the required personal and travel information accurately.
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Finalise and pay: Review your application, checkout, and pay the applicable visa fees.

Why choose Atlys

1
New Zealand visa approval times are uncertain - often taking up to 10 working days. Atlys guarantees your visa in 7 days.
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Atlys collaborates with New Zealand Immigration and maintains connections with public relations officers to ensure timely visa processing.
3
Atlys offers the convenience of applying for your entire family in a single submission.

How to apply through the government website

US citizens can apply for a New Zealand travel visa through the New Zealand Immigration Portal; here's how:

1
Access the New Zealand Immigration Portal: Visit the New Zealand Immigration Portal website or download the free app.
2
Fill in the application: After inputting your passport details on the New Zealand ETA website, proceed to answer eligibility and travel-related questions. These include personal information like family name, date of birth, country of birth, and a valid email address. After answering all these questions, you must provide a good photo of your face. Your photo must be smaller than 10 MB and be a JPG or a JPEG file. The form will also check your photo to see if it's acceptable.
3
Review your application: Scroll to the bottom of the page to review your application. Ensure all information is accurate, or you can go back and edit if necessary.
4
Make payment: Have your credit card ready to pay the visa fee and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Follow the instructions to complete the payment process. A 5% surcharge will apply for most international cards for NZD transactions. You can avoid this by using Atlys.
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Check application status: You can monitor the status of your e-visa application online at any time after submission.
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Download and print e-visa: Once approved, visit the portal again to download your e-visa. Print a copy to present to the Immigration Officer upon arrival at the international airport or other designated port of entry in New Zealand.

Tips to apply

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Fill out all sections of the application form accurately and honestly.
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Before finalising your application, review all entered information and uploaded documents for accuracy and completeness.
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Submit your e-visa application well before your intended travel date to allow ample time to rectify any issues and ensure you receive your visa on time.
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Regularly check the status of your e-visa application to address any follow-up requirements or corrections.

Receive your approved New Zealand eTA

After submitting your visa application, please anticipate a processing period. To avoid any delays, applying for your e-visa well in advance is advisable.

Using Atlys Services:

Upon approval, Atlys will promptly notify you of your visa status. You can download and print your e-visa, ensuring it is ready for travel.

Through the Government Portal:

You'll need to check the portal to confirm your visa approval manually. Once granted, download and print your visa for your records.

How the approved New Zealand e-visa looks:

New Zealand visa information

How can I do a New Zealand visa status check?

To check the status of your New Zealand ETA visa application, follow these steps:

1
Visit the official New Zealand Immigration website. or the app.
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Log into your account, and look for the "Track application" section.
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Enter the required information to access your application status. This typically includes your application reference number, passport number, and/or other identifying details.
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Follow the prompts to view the current status of your ETA visa application. You may see updates such as "Received," "Processing," or "Approved."
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You can download and print your ETA visa from the portal if your application has been approved.

Apply with Atlys and easily check your visa status through the Atlys app.

New Zealand e-visa processing time

The New Zealand e-visa processing through the government website can take 10 business days. However, by using Atlys, you can receive your approved e-visa within less than 7 days.

New Zealand e-visa validity & length of stay

The NZeTA is valid for short visits of up to 90 days each within a 2-year period.

Our Commitment To Visa Accuracy

All the information in this blog is sourced from official government websites, ensuring reliability and accuracy. You can trust the content to be accurate, but remember to stay informed, as changes may happen without notice.

Immigration New Zealand website

New Zealand Government

Government fees and processes can change over time. We recommend visiting the official website for the latest information before you begin your application. Doing this will ensure you have the most current details, smoothing your visa application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs an NZeTA?

The following individuals need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for entry:

1
Citizens from visa-waiver countries travel to New Zealand for tourism, transit, or business purposes.
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Cruise ship passengers, regardless of nationality, arriving in New Zealand.
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Foreign nationals with a valid Australian Permanent Resident Visa (with some exceptions) or a valid Australian Resident Return Visa.

How long can you stay on an NZeTA?

With a New Zealand ETA visa, you can visit New Zealand for up to 3 months at a time or 6 months if you're from the UK.

What do I do after my visa is approved?

After your visa has been approved, you will receive it via email. Then, you can finally travel to New Zealand within the validity period of your ETA.

Can I extend my New Zealand visa?

You cannot extend your New Zealand ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). The ETA allows for short-term stays of up to 90 days per visit and cannot be extended beyond that duration. Suppose you need to stay longer in New Zealand. In that case, you must apply for a different type of visa that suits your circumstances, such as a visitor visa, work visa, or residency visa.

Which port of entry can I use to enter New Zealand with an eTA?

With a New Zealand ETA (Electronic Travel Authority), you can enter New Zealand through any of the following ports of entry:

1
Auckland Airport
2
Wellington Airport
3
Christchurch Airport
4
Queenstown Airport

These airports are the main international entry points to New Zealand. They are equipped to process travellers with ETA visas efficiently.

What are some issues when applying for a NZeTA visa?

When applying for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) visa, travellers may encounter several issues, including:

1
Incomplete Application: Failing to provide all required information or documents can delay or reject the visa application.
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Technical Issues: Encountering technical difficulties while completing the online application or uploading documents may disrupt the process.
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Payment Problems: Issues with payment processing or insufficient funds for the visa fee can hinder the application process.
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Waiting Time: Processing times for the NZeTA visa can vary, and travellers may experience frustration due to long waiting periods for visa approval.

What factors can affect the processing time of a NZeTA visa application?

Several factors can affect the processing time of a NZeTA visa application, including:

1
Volume of applications
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Completeness and accuracy of information provided
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Verification of supporting documents
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Additional security or background checks
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Technical issues or system downtime

Do I need to print my NZeTA visa?

Yes, you must print out your e-visa before travelling to New Zealand, as you must have a physical copy when you land at the airport.

How can I check my New Zealand visa status through Atlys?

To check the status of your NZeTA visa, follow these simple steps:

1
Download the Atlys app.
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Scroll down until you reach the "My Documents" section.
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Inside "My Documents," find your NZeTA visa.
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Click on your visa to access its current status.

How many countries are visa-free for New Zealand?

See the visa waiver countries on the Immigration New Zealand website.

What are the New Zealand visa types?

1
ETA
2
Visitor visa
3
Student visa
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Work visa
5
Resident visa

Is the NZeTA the same as the tourist visa?

No, NZeTA is specifically for visa-waiver countries. Citizens from countries not on the visa waiver list must apply for a tourist visa.

What are the financial requirements for a visitor visa to New Zealand?

If you do not have a sponsor, you must prove you have enough money by showing the following:

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Evidence that you have $650 per month for each person included in your application or
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Evidence that you have $260 per month for each person is included in your application, as well as evidence that each person's accommodation costs have already been paid.

What are the entry requirements?

You require the following documents:

1
eTA: Valid eTA.
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Valid passport: Passport valid for 6 months from return.
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Hotel Itinerary: Proof of accommodation arrangements during your stay.
4
Return Flight Ticket: Evidence of your return journey.
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Medical Certificates: Required only for stays over six months.
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Bank Statements: Financial proof in the form of bank statements.

What are the New Zealand visa photo requirements?

The New Zealand visa photo requirements typically include:

1
Size: The photo should be passport-sized, usually 35mm wide x 45mm high.
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Quality: High-resolution, clear, and in focus.
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Background: Plain white or light-coloured background.
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Expression: Neutral expression with closed mouth and natural facial expression.
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Head Position: Face the camera with the head centred and eyes open.
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Head Coverings: Head coverings are not allowed unless for religious or medical reasons, in which case the face must be fully visible.

What are the New Zealand passport requirements?

The New Zealand passport requirements typically include:

1
Validity: The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand.
2
Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for visa stamps.
3
Visa: If required, obtain the appropriate visa for your intended purpose of visit.
4
Emergency Contacts: Complete the emergency contact information page in your passport.
5
Passport Renewal: Renew your passport if it is damaged, expired, or nearing expiration before your planned travel dates.