new zealand travel for us citizens

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Travelling or returning to New Zealand

Passports and visas for entry into new zealand.

• You will need a valid passport .
• If you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen, you may need to apply for a visa or a  New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for traveling to or transiting New Zealand.
• Don't forget to check travel requirements for any  countries/regions  you will pass through in transit and on your return journey.
• All passengers entering New Zealand have the option to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration instead of a paper Passenger Arrival Card. Passengers transiting internationally do not need to complete a declaration.

Transit in New Zealand

• If you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen, you may need to apply for a visa or a  New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for transiting through New Zealand
• Remember to check your final destination's entry requirements .
• Travellers do not require proof of vaccination or a pre-departure test to enter New Zealand.
• Air New Zealand does not require passengers to provide proof of vaccination or a pre-departure test. We do ask that if you're feeling unwell and test positive for COVID-19, please consider changing your travel plans. 

Check if you need an NZeTA or a visitor visa

If you come to New Zealand on holiday, you’ll need to get either an NZeTA or a visitor visa — unless you’re an Australian.

When you need an NZeTA

You do not need both an NZeTA and a visitor visa.

You need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) if you’re:

• travelling on a passport from a visa-waiver country
• an Australian permanent resident (non-citizen)

Visa waiver countries and territories — NZ Immigration

Visa Waiver Visitor Visa — NZ Immigration

NZeTA application and costs

You can request an NZeTA using NZ Immigration’s app or website.

How to request an NZeTA

When you need a visitor visa

You need a visitor visa if you:

• are not travelling on a passport from a visa-waiver country or territory
• want to visit for more than 3 months (or 6 months if you’re from the UK)
• are not of good character — for example, have a criminal conviction
• are not in good health — or are coming to NZ for medical consultation or treatment.

Visitor visa — NZ Immigration

Visitor visa application and costs

You can apply online for a visitor visa on the New Zealand Immigration website. 

How to apply for a visitor visa

Australian citizens and current NZ visa holders

If you’re an australian citizen.

Australian citizens do not need an NZeTA or a visitor visa.

Permanent residents and citizens both get an Australian Resident Visa when they arrive in New Zealand.

Australian Resident Visa — NZ Immigration

If you're a NZ citizen or current NZ visa holder

New Zealand citizens and visa holders — including those with a Permanent Resident Visa — and some other travellers do not need an NZeTA before they travel to New Zealand 

Travellers who do not need an NZeTA — NZ Immigration

Transiting New Zealand and other travellers

If you're transiting through New Zealand or arriving by other modes of transport, you may still need an NZeTA or visa before you can come to NZ.

If you’re transiting through Auckland International Airport

You must request an NZeTA if you’re travelling on a passport from a transit visa waiver country.

Transit visa waiver countries — NZ Immigration

If you’re arriving by cruise ship

If you do not have a visa, you must have an NZeTA .

Arriving by cruise ship — NZ Immigration

If you’re arriving by cargo ship, fishing vessel, private yachts or planes

Some crew of cargo ships, fishing vessels and private craft must have an NZeTA or visa before they can come to NZ.

Crew of cargo ships, fishing vessels, private yachts and planes — NZ Immigration

Before you travel to New Zealand

Even if your passport is from a visa-waiver country, there are still some conditions to your travel.

You must have:

• a valid passport
• a ticket out of New Zealand, and
• enough money to live on while you’re here.

Before you travel to New Zealand — NZ Immigration

Explore all visa options

Use Immigration NZ's tool to work out the visa you need based on the:

• intentions you have in NZ
• passport you hold
• length of your stay in NZ
• main purpose of your visit.

Explore and select a visa - New Zealand Immigration

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Last updated 21 July 2023

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Date printed 29 April 2024

New Zealand Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to New Zealand

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and enclosed environments.

New Zealand entry details and exceptions

Ready to travel, find flights to new zealand, find stays in new zealand, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

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Can I travel to New Zealand from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter New Zealand.

Can I travel to New Zealand if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter New Zealand without restrictions.

Can I travel to New Zealand without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter New Zealand without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter New Zealand?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering New Zealand.

Can I travel to New Zealand without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in New Zealand?

Mask usage in New Zealand is not required in public spaces and enclosed environments.

Are the restaurants and bars open in New Zealand?

Restaurants in New Zealand are open. Bars in New Zealand are .

Update April 12, 2024

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New Zealand Travel Advisory

Travel advisory september 8, 2023, new zealand - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with removal of major event information.          

Exercise normal precautions in New Zealand.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to New Zealand.

If you decide to travel to New Zealand:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for New Zealand.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .  

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, new zealand map, search for travel advisories, external link.

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New Zealand Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for New Zealand.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to New Zealand. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to New Zealand.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

New Zealand is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in New Zealand, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although New Zealand is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in New Zealand include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call New Zealand’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in New Zealand, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in New Zealand.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for New Zealand for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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New Zealand visa or ETA requirements for US citizens

Embarking on a journey to the pristine landscapes of New Zealand from the United States?

The gateway to your adventure is understanding the visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) requirements for US citizens. Let's dive in.

Do US citizens need a visa or ETA for New Zealand?

US citizens only require a New Zealand ETA to visit the country.

The United States is on New Zealand’s list of 60 visa-exempt countries. As a result, you are not required to go to the embassy to apply for your New Zealand visa. You just need to register for the ETA, which is a simple registration process with fewer requirements than the visa or eVisa.

However, keep in mind that to be eligible for the official program, your stay can't exceed 3 months.

What is the New Zealand ETA?

The New Zealand’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronic visa waiver that grants the right to enter New Zealand multiple times within 2 years.

How to apply for the New Zealand ETA

The application for a New Zealand ETA is straightforward. There are a few ways to apply.

Via the official government website: Visit the official NZeTA website and follow the instructions.

Via iVisa: If you want an expert to review your application before submitting it, we can help you for a small fee.

Just follow these three steps:

Fill out your info on our platform or app.

Check your details and pay the ETA fees.

Upload any required documents (usually just a copy of your passport bio page) and submit.

Do I need a New Zealand ETA to transit in New Zealand?

If you don't plan to leave the transit lounge at the airport while in New Zealand, you aren't required to have an ETA. If you wish to leave the airport, you must still apply for a New Zealand ETA.

How do I know if my ETA is approved?

We will notify you by email as soon as the New Zealand government approves your ETA.

More questions about the visa requirements for US citizens?

If you have any questions, contact us and start chatting with one of our customer service experts. We're also available via WhatsApp .

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• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/

USA Working Holiday Visa

You can apply for this visa if you are 18 to 30 years old and a citizen of the United States. This visa allows you to work and study in New Zealand for a short amount of time.

Length of stay

18-30 years

Processing time

With this visa you can.

• Work in New Zealand for up to 12 months.
• Study or train for up to 6 months in total.

Things to note

• You can only apply for a Working Holiday Visa online.
• You can’t accept a permanent job.
• You can’t bring children with you on a working holiday. If you have a partner who wants to come to New Zealand, they’ll need to apply for their own visa.

You can apply online now.

Use the filters below to display relevant tips as well as detailed fees and receiving centre information

What you need to apply

Check if you are eligible to apply for this visa and what supporting documents and information you need to provide.

View All Evidence

You must provide proof of your identity

When you apply online, you must provide your passport details. 

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your visa will expire.

Your passport must be valid for at least 15 months after you first arrive in New Zealand.

Enter your identity details carefully, ensuring information is exactly as recorded on your passport.

You must be in good health

You may need to have a chest x-ray and a medical examination as proof of your good health.

Working holiday visa medical requirements

If you need to have an x-ray or medical examination after you apply online, we’ll send you an email explaining what to do.

You must be of good character

When you apply online, you must answer questions about your character.  After you apply online, we may ask you to provide Police Certificates as proof of your good character.

Good character

Who needs to provide police certificates

Genuine intentions

You must genuinely intend to meet the conditions of your visa

When we decide if your intentions are genuine, we consider all the information:

• you provide to support your application
• we have about your personal circumstances, and
• you provided in any previous applications.

Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ

You must be 18 – 30

We will use your passport details to confirm your age.

Citizenship

You must be a citizen of the country this visa is for

You must have a valid passport from your country of citizenship.

We’ll check your passport when you arrive in New Zealand.

Onward travel

You must have a ticket to leave New Zealand or enough money to buy one

Evidence can include:

• your travel ticket
• proof you have enough money to buy a ticket out of New Zealand, in addition to the funds you have to live on.

We may ask to see your evidence when you arrive in New Zealand

You must have enough money to live on while you’re in New Zealand

You must have at least NZ $4,200 for your stay. Evidence can include:

• bank statements
• credit card statements
• bank drafts
• travellers’ cheques.

Previous approvals

You must not have had approval for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa before

We’ll check our records for any previous New Zealand Working Holiday Visa approvals you may have had.

You can’t apply for this visa, if we’ve already approved an earlier application for you to have a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa. This applies even if you didn’t use that visa.

It’s OK to apply for this visa, if you’ve had approvals for working holidays in countries other than New Zealand.

Ordinarily resident

Your permanent place of residence must be the country named in this Working Holiday visa

After you apply online, we may ask you to provide documents that prove your usual place of permanent residence. Examples include:

• letters sent to your home address
• references from your employer.

It is ok to apply while you are temporarily visiting another country. You will be considered ordinarily resident in your country of citizenship if you have been away for less than 2 years prior to making a visa application.

Medical insurance

You must have full medical insurance for the length of your stay

You must be able to provide proof that you are fully insured, including cover for hospitalisation. Evidence may include:

• a copy of your insurance certificate
• an approval letter from your insurance company.

Process and costs

The information below will help you understand the process, timeframes and costs involved in applying for this visa, so you can plan ahead and have the best chance of submitting a complete application.

1 You apply online

You must apply online and in English.

Immigration costs

Application cost – This is the charge for Immigration New Zealand to process your application. We do not refund application costs if we decline your application. A non-refundable immigration levy is charged and is included in the cost. You can pay for your application online by Visa or Mastercard. An International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35 is charged and is included in the cost.

2 We may ask for evidence to support your application

If you need to provide any evidence, we send you an email explaining what you need to do.

If you are concerned about receiving emails, It is a good idea to check your junk mail settings.

3 We make a decision about your application

If your visa application is approved, we will contact you by email advising that the status of your application has changed. You can then log in to Online Services to check the status of your application. If approved, you will be granted an eVisa .

If there is anything else you need to do, we will be in touch.

If you are in New Zealand, and your current temporary visa expires before your new visa is granted, we will normally issue you an interim visa to let you stay in New Zealand lawfully.

Interim Visa

Timeframes - Processing

80% of applications are currently completed within this time.

How to submit

Payment methods and receiving centre details if applicable.

Payment methods

Credit Card You can pay by Visa, MasterCard or UnionPay credit card.

Debit Card You can pay by Visa, MasterCard or UnionPay debit card.

Phone enquiries Monday to Friday 06:00 to 22:00

Closed Saturday and Sunday

+649-914-4100

0508-558-855 (NZ callers only)

These are the conditions that you must meet once you have your visa.

You must come to New Zealand within 12 months of the date your visa is granted.

After you arrive in New Zealand, you can come and go from New Zealand as many times as you like before your visa expires.

Your visa is valid from:

• the date you enter New Zealand, if you are outside New Zealand
• the date your visa is granted, if you are already in New Zealand.

Entry permission

You must apply for entry permission when you arrive in New Zealand. You can do this by completing a digital New Zealand traveller declaration (NZTD), or an NZTD paper declaration.

New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity also check that you meet their entry requirements.

Arriving in New Zealand

You can be refused entry permission if:

• you do not meet our character requirements
• your circumstances have changed since you were granted a visa
• you refuse to let us take your photo or to provide us with your fingerprints or an iris scan, if asked for them
• you are unable to provide evidence of any onward travel or funds required by the conditions of your visa.

If you are refused entry to New Zealand

Before you travel to New Zealand

You must have either:

• a travel ticket out of New Zealand
• enough money to pay for a travel ticket out of New Zealand, in addition to your living costs.

We may ask to see evidence of your onward travel arrangements when you arrive in New Zealand.

You must have at least NZ $4,200 to live on while you’re in New Zealand.

We may ask to see evidence of your funds when you arrive in New Zealand.

You must maintain your medical insurance while in New Zealand. 

We may ask to see evidence you’re insured when you arrive in New Zealand.

You can work in any employment you like, as long as:

• you do not get a permanent job
• the work you do is legal
• you do not provide commercial sexual services
• you do not run or invest in a business that provides commercial sexual services.

You don’t need a job offer.

Everyone who has a job in New Zealand pays tax on what they earn. You’ll need a New Zealand bank account and IRD number to pay tax. You can apply for an IRD number online through Inland Revenue .

Apply online for an IRD number

You can do some study or training, as long as it’s not for more than 6 months of your stay.

Visa expiry

You must leave New Zealand before your visa expires.

United States Application

• Handyvisas.com >
• United States Visa >
• US ESTA Online >

USA ESTA Visa Waiver Requirements for Citizens of New Zealand

• Simplified Application Form
• Expert Application Review
• Approved visa or money back

The US ESTA for New Zealand citizens is a visa waiver that grants authorization to enter the United States of America.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was designed as a way for eligible visitors to gain permission to enter the United States, while being screened for security purposes. New Zealand is one of more than 30 countries that can take advantage of the US ESTA .

Thanks to the ESTA waiver program, travelers can apply for their travel authorization online in less than 15 minutes. There is no need to visit an embassy , have an in-person interview with an immigration officer, or spend weeks waiting for approval, unlike many traditional visa programs.

Do not forget to complete an ESTA application form before traveling to the United States from New Zealand — ideally as soon as you book your trip or at least 72 hours in advance of your trip.

Do New Zealand citizens need a visa for the United States of America?

New Zealand citizens do not need a visa if they are planning to visit the United States for the purposes of tourism, business, or transit for a duration of 90 days or less.

However, they are required to have an ESTA travel authorization , as stipulated in the Visa Waiver Program.

The ESTA allows travelers to stay within the United States for up to 90 days . It is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, or until the traveler’s passport expires (whichever happens first).

The ESTA is necessary for entry into the United States via a commercial flight or cruise .

The ESTA is a multiple-entry authorization , which means that visitors from New Zealand can travel in and out of the United States as many times as they would like within the allotted time period.

An approved ESTA application means that you can have multiple trips to the U.S. of a short duration for the purposes of business or tourism during the validity of ESTA. Keep in mind however that if you travel to the U.S. frequently and stay for long periods of time, CBP officers at the port of entry may question your intentions in the U.S. If your plans change and you decide that you wish to stay in the U.S. longer or if you wish to work or study, you will need to apply for a visa at the U.S. Consulate in New Zealand.

US ESTA Requirements for New Zealanders

In order for travelers to apply for their ESTA, they must first meet all of the US ESTA visa waiver requirements for New Zealand citizens . These requirements include the following:

• The traveler’s New Zealand passport must be valid when entering the United States. When filling out the ESTA application, we recommend that applicants keep their passport nearby so that they can easily reference it when answering questions on the form.
• The traveler must have a valid form of payment , such as a debit card or credit card, in order to pay the ESTA processing fee.
• The traveler must provide a valid email address during the application process. This is where his or her approved ESTA visa waiver will be sent to.

Once all of these requirements have been met, the traveler is ready to apply for their US ESTA visa waiver.

US ESTA Application for New Zealand Citizens

The process to obtain a US ESTA for New Zealand citizens is quick and simple. Travelers will simply need to fill out the online form with their personal information, answer a few questions, and pay the fee.

The US ESTA application has two parts. The first part will ask travelers to submit the following data:

• Personal information (such as first and last name, gender, and date and place of birth)
• Passport information (including passport number, issue and expiration date, and nationality)
• Contact details (including a home address, phone number, and valid email address)

It is especially important to take care when typing in your email address , because this is where your US ESTA will be sent to once it has been approved.

Applicants will then need to pay the ESTA processing fee with a valid credit or debit card.

The second part of the ESTA form asks specific questions about the traveler , including information regarding the following:

• Point of contact in the US
• Criminal background (if applicable)
• Health history
• Previous trips to the United States (if any)

New Zealanders also have the option to include an emergency contact (phone number and/or email). This is highly recommended.

After the application is complete, we recommend that travelers go through the form and double-check to make sure that all of the information is accurate and spelled correctly .

How Will I Receive my US ESTA from New Zealand?

Your approved ESTA is linked to your passport and will arrive via email at the email address registered on the application form. Therefore, it is recommended that you provide an email address that you check regularly.

Most applicants receive their ESTA authorization within 2 business days of applying. Many will be approved within a few minutes of submitting the form.

The processing time can vary due to the volume of applications, and a number of other factors. For this reason, New Zealanders are advised to apply a minimum of 72 hours before traveling, and further in advance if possible.

Before you set off on your trip, we recommend printing out the approved ESTA waiver in case the airline staff and/or a border control officer asks to see it.

When do I need to apply for a new ESTA?

If you obtain a new passport or change your name, sex, or country of citizenship, you will be required to apply for a new travel authorization. This is also required if one of your answers to any of the eligibility questions changes.

Do I need to apply for a new ESTA if my current ESTA will expire while I'm in the United States?

No, ESTA needs to be valid only upon arrival in the United States and does not control the duration of your stay in the country.

Application Steps

Country policy.

Familiarize yourself with the United States visa policy and discover the US visa requirements for your nationality.

This content has been reviewed by

Ekaterina Powell

Us immigration attorney.

Ekaterina Powell is a U.S. attorney licensed in the State of California, working in the area of U.S. immigration law for over 12 years . She has been featured as one of the top immigration lawyers in her state and city several times and has contributed to notable industry publications.

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Weekend Rundown: Here's the biggest news you missed this weekend

U.S. tourist faces 12 years in prison after taking ammunition to Turks and Caicos

An Oklahoma man faces up to 12 years in prison on a Caribbean island after customs officials found ammunition in his luggage.

Ryan Watson traveled to Turks and Caicos with his wife, Valerie, to celebrate his 40th birthday on April 7. They went with two friends who had also turned 40.

The vacation came to an abrupt end when airport staff members found a zip-close bag containing bullets in the couple's carry-on luggage. Watson said it was hunting ammunition he had accidentally brought with him — but under a strict law in Turks and Caicos, a court may still impose a mandatory 12-year sentence.

"They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for whitetail deer," Watson told NBC Boston in an interview conducted last week that aired after their first court appearance Tuesday.

"I recognized them, and I thought, 'Oh, man, what a bonehead mistake that I had no idea that those were in there,'" he said.

The couple were arrested and charged with possession of ammunition. Authorities seized their passports and explained the penalties they faced.

Valerie Watson said in the interview: "When I heard that, I immediately was terrified, because I was like we can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home, and this is such an innocent mistake."

The charges against her were dropped, and she returned home to Oklahoma City on Tuesday after the court hearing to be reunited with her two young children.

"Our goal is to get Ryan home, because we can’t be a family without Dad," she said.

The couple also spoke about the financial burden of a much longer-than-planned trip. "This is something that we may never recover from," Ryan Watson said.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a warning to travelers in September about a law that strongly prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition in Turks and Caicos, an overseas British territory southeast of the Bahamas that is a popular vacation spot.

It said: "We wish to remind all travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into TCI [Turks and Caicos Islands] and will result in your arrest."

The embassy added: "If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody."

The embassy and the government in Turks and Caicos did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The same thing happened to another American, Bryan Hagerich, of Pennsylvania, who was arrested after ammunition was found in his luggage before he tried to board a flight out of Turks and Caicos in February. He said he accidentally left it in his bag.

Hagerich was on a family vacation with his wife and two young children but has now been in the country for 70 days. He spent eight days in prison before he posted bail.

"It’s incredibly scary. You know, you just don’t know what the next day may bring — you know, what path this may take," Hagerich told NBC Boston.

"You know, it’s certainly a lot different than packing your bags and going away with your family for a few days. It’s been the worst 70 days of my life," he said.

Hagerich, once a professional baseball player, was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the MLB 2007 June amateur draft from the University of Delaware.

His case goes to trial May 3.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Analysis: New Zealand Becomes the Latest Country to Pivot to the U.S.

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New Zealand Becomes the Latest Country to Pivot to the U.S.

Beijing’s bullying tactics have pushed wellington into washington’s welcoming arms..

• Geopolitics
• United States

On the same day U.S. President Joe Biden hosted the first-ever United States-Japan-Philippines summit at the White House, a much less conspicuous meeting to strengthen the U.S. alliance network in the Indo-Pacific took place a few blocks away.

On April 11, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken convened for talks at the State Department, declaring in a joint statement that their two countries are “working more closely than ever.” In almost any other case, this could be dismissed as meaningless diplomatic boilerplate. But in this case, it was a clear sign that a new era in New Zealand’s foreign policy was underway. Given that U.S.-New Zealand relations have long been strained—in part because Wellington charted a China-friendly course—the meeting was the latest example of Beijing’s behavior in the region driving countries into Washington’s welcoming arms.

The frostiness between New Zealand and the United States dates back to the 1980s, when a Labour government in Wellington declared its part of the Pacific a nuclear-free, disarmed zone and refused to allow port visits by U.S. nuclear-powered submarines. The Reagan administration, in turn, suspended U.S. obligations to New Zealand under the Australia-New Zealand-United States security treaty. The estrangement lasted many decades as New Zealand parted ways not only with the United States but also neighboring Australia to pursue a nonaligned foreign policy.

Relations began to thaw in 2010, when New Zealand Prime Minister John Key’s government signed the Wellington Declaration, which called for elevated strategic engagement and practical cooperation with the United States in the Pacific. Two years later, the two countries followed up with the Washington Declaration , which specifically strengthened defense cooperation and lifted a Reagan-era ban on New Zealand warships in U.S. ports—while leaving Wellington’s nuclear-free zone intact.

The rapprochement also survived the transition back to a Labour Party prime minister, Jacinda Ardern. In fact, the Ardern administration doubled down on the new policy. In 2022, Ardern became the first New Zealand prime minister to attend a NATO summit. Her Labour successor, Chris Hipkins, did so again in 2023. At these summits, New Zealand’s leaders expressed serious concerns about not only Russia but China as well, with Ardern in 2022 stating : “China has in recent times also become more assertive and more willing to challenge international rules and norms. Here, we must respond to the actions we see.”

Criticizing Beijing is a new tactic in New Zealand’s playbook. In 2008, the two countries signed a free trade agreement—Beijing’s first with a Western state. Since then, New Zealand has generally focused on business ties while ignoring or minimizing China’s worsening repression at home and rising assertiveness abroad. To its ostensible Western allies, Wellington’s “supine” attitude toward China was unnerving. In 2018, a Canadian government report called New Zealand the “soft underbelly” of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network, which also includes Australia, Britain, Canada, and the United States.

Wellington might have continued on this course, were it not for Beijing’s own actions that made it think twice about engaging—a clear trend that most recently pushed the Philippines to seek closer military relations with Japan and the United States. In New Zealand, it was the discovery of widespread Chinese political interference in the 2017 national elections that began to shift the China narrative from opportunity to concern. It also turned out that a Chinese-born member of the New Zealand Parliament until 2020, Jian Yang, who sat on the foreign affairs, defense, and trade committee, was not only once a member of the Chinese Communist Party but also worked as a trainer of People’s Liberation Army spies. These incidents, as well as Beijing’s turn to bullying smaller countries in the region, awakened New Zealand to the potential geostrategic threat posed by China, including in its own neighborhood.

These developments prompted Ardern to go against the grain of her country’s dovish China policy. In May 2022, New Zealand became a founding member of the Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific Economic Framework—a limited policy that seeks to enhance trade and investment relations among friendly countries, not including China, while stopping short of being an actual free trade agreement. Addressing China directly, Ardern and Biden agreed in Washington that “the United States and New Zealand share a concern that the establishment of a persistent military presence in the Pacific by a state that does not share our values or security interests would fundamentally alter the strategic balance of the region and pose national-security concerns to both our countries.” A month later, New Zealand also joined the Biden administration’s Partners in the Blue Pacific—a group of countries coordinating on Pacific islands strategy, including Australia, Britain, and Japan.

Wellington’s harder line on China now permeates the government. In July 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a new strategic foreign-policy assessment that cited Beijing’s growing assertiveness throughout the Indo-Pacific region as the “primary driver of strategic competition,” adding that the “risk of a shift in the strategic balance in the Pacific is now a present and serious concern in the region.” One month later, Wellington released a first-ever National Security Strategy, arguing that Beijing has become “more assertive and more willing to challenge existing international rules and norms.” A simultaneously released defense strategy implied increased defense spending to meet the emerging China threat.

More recently, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his conservative coalition government, elected in October 2023, are sending strong signals that they plan to stay on this track, in spite of previously promoting China-friendly policies. The appointment of Peters as foreign minister, for example, does not bode well for Beijing. In 2018, Peters was the mastermind behind Wellington’s Pacific reset strategy designed to counter Beijing’s growing clout in the Pacific islands region. In a recent speech , Peters questioned the very basis of Wellington’s foreign policy: progressivism and nonalignment. While this policy has played especially well in the postcolonial, post-Cold War Pacific islands region, Peters seems intent on trading it in for aligning New Zealand in great-power competition against China.

Specifically, Peters has called for Wellington to elevate its role in Five Eyes, the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) security pact, and NATO. AUKUS could soon see New Zealand cooperating on nonnuclear security topics, including cyberwar, hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, undersea capabilities, and others. On his first overseas visit in Australia, Luxon strongly suggested that Wellington was moving forward on AUKUS cooperation. Defense Minister Judith Collins has been more circumspect on AUKUS, but her recent contacts with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell have deepened the intrigue.

Peters also confirmed this month that New Zealand is pursuing a formal partnership program with NATO. If the agreement is concluded before Luxon’s participation in the NATO summit this summer, it would be another monumental shift in Wellington’s foreign policy away from nonalignment and toward integration with other democratic nations.

From a U.S. perspective, it is easy to get overly excited by these developments and conclude that a restored ANZUS alliance is near. But New Zealand and the United States still seem far apart on restoring a formal alliance, and there have been no public indications that any such step is afoot. A signal of this magnitude to China that New Zealand is siding against it is probably a bridge too far for Wellington, which still seeks to maintain a healthy economic relationship with Beijing and not endanger economic growth.

Still, Wellington’s strategic pivot is good news for Washington and its allies—even if it is still unclear how, exactly, New Zealand’s pivot will support concrete U.S. objectives in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. However, the United States should temper its expectations: New Zealand is likely to continue to preserve productive relations with China while it emphasizes the importance of stronger security ties with Washington.

Derek Grossman is a senior defense analyst at the Rand Corp., an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California, and a former daily intelligence briefer to the U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs. Twitter:  @DerekJGrossman

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29 new U.S. citizens welcomed at Mammoth Cave's annual naturalization ceremony

M AMMOTH CAVE, KY. (WBKO) - Mammoth Cave National Park and the United States Citizen and Immigration Services partnered to welcome 29 new United States citizens through their annual naturalization ceremony on Thursday afternoon.

Hosted in the Mammoth Cave section known as the Methodist Church, the ceremony welcomed applicants from 12 different nations, including Bhutan, Burma, Cuba, Congo, the United Kingdom, Canada, Thailand, India, Liberia, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Mexico.

Regardless of where their lives began, each applicant shared the same dream of becoming a United States citizen, accepting the privileges and responsibilities that come with the title.

“You just feel you have accomplished something great. It’s a long journey to get there, so I went through a very good experience because I think this is the best thing I could do for a country that has given me so many opportunities coming here. I know this comes with so many responsibilities as well, but I’m ready for that. That’s good,” shared Jeremy Larry, a new United States citizen and former resident of Congo.

With each of the 29 new Americans swearing their oaths to the United States, their families looked on from the audience. For some, while they have called the United States home for many years, they’re now able to join their families as formal citizens.

“Well, I’m originally from Cuba, and I mean, it’s been a rollercoaster. It’s been about ten years in the country and I finally decided to become a citizen of this great nation and I finally made it,” explained Kevin Balboa, a new citizen. “A lot of support from the wife and the family, and I was the last one in the family to become a citizen.”

Balboa and many of the applicants shared that with their naturalization test and the ten steps toward citizenship complete, a large weight has been lifted from their shoulders.

“At the end of the day, more of just the tension of having the same privilege as anyone who was born in the States is just… it becomes like a burden off your shoulders once you realize that you’re an American citizen. So, yes, it’s a really nice concept to be able to tell my friends, you know, “I’m a United States citizen now.” So yeah, it’s been a trip,” Balboa said.

Information on the naturalization process, and study materials for the written test and personal interviews, can be found on the United States Citizen and Immigration Services website.

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New Zealand Visa For Latvian, Us, Luxembourg, Macanese, Maltese Citizens

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The implementation of the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) in July 2019 allows qualified individuals to visit New Zealand for tourism, business, or transit reasons without having to obtain a visa through an embassy. Latvian visitors are also eligible for the NZeTA visa waiver program. Latvian passport owners, like citizens of 190 other countries with visa-free access, must secure visa waivers. The NZeTA allows for multiple short-term visits and is valid for two years. To get a valid eTA for New Zealand by email, you must pay a processing fee known as the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Those planning to stay in New Zealand for an extended period of time, work, or study should contact their nearest New Zealand Embassy or Consulate for more information. Because the eTA is electronically linked to a specific passport, travellers with multiple passports should use the same passport that they used to complete the eTA application to go to New Zealand. The online application process is simple and quick. To avoid rushing and errors, please have all valid original documents ready while filling out the online application form.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR LATVIAN CITIZENS

A valid travel document or passport in order to apply for New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NzeTA).

An online form should be duly filled with correct information.

A valid email address to get the approved eTA visa waiver in their Inbox.

You can use a credit or debit card to pay for the online application and IVL fees.

NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR US CITIZENS

Citizens from around 190 countries, including those from the United States, are eligible to apply for the New Zealand eTA. The application process for a New Zealand eTA is quick and easy for American citizens. Launched in 2019, the New Zealand eTA for Americans, also called the“NZeTA”, permits qualified individuals to visit New Zealand for transit, tourism, or business reasons. Americans planning to travel to New Zealand for a short period of time need to have a valid eTA that is connected to their passport electronically. The New Zealand eTA is valid for two years from the date it is issued. American residents are allowed to remain in New Zealand for a maximum of 3 months with their Electronic Travel Authority (eTA). As the New Zealand eTA is a multiple entry eVisa waiver, holders can visit New Zealand multiple times within the two-year period of validity. To apply for a New Zealand ETA from the United States, US citizens must complete a short online application form that asks for the traveler's personal and passport information. Once approved, US citizens will receive a copy of their New Zealand eTA to the email address provided in the application form.

Documents Required for US Citizens

A passport that is valid for at least three months from the planned date of arrival.

Arrival and departure dates.

To pay the appropriate eTA fees, you'll need a valid credit or debit card.

A valid email address so you can receive your authorized New Zealand eTA in your Inbox.

A recent passport-style photograph of the applicant.

NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR LUXEMBOURG CITIZENS

Luxembourg nationals do not need a visa for travel to New Zealand and can apply for a New Zealand ETA instead. The NZeTA, an online service that removes visa barriers, was introduced in July 2019, abolishing the requirement to request a visa at an embassy. This enables qualified individuals to visit New Zealand for tourism, business, or layover reasons with ease. Visa waivers are needed for citizens of 190 countries who do not need visas, including individuals holding passports from Luxembourg. The New Zealand eTA is valid for a period of two years and enables multiple entries for short holidays. Travelers with multiple passports should enter New Zealand using the same passport they used to apply for their eTA because the eTA is electronically linked to that passport. Eligible citizens can apply online using the simple New Zealand eTA application.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR LUXEMBOURG CITIZENS

NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR MACANESE CITIZENS

The implementation of the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) program began in July 2019. People from 190 countries, including Macanese passport holders, who do not need visas are mandated to secure visa exemptions. This program permits qualified individuals to visit New Zealand for tourism, business, or transit reasons without having to complete the visa application at an embassy. The New Zealand eTA allows for multiple short visits and remains valid for two years. Travelers with more than one passport must use the same passport submitted during their eTA application when visiting New Zealand, since the eTA is linked electronically to a specific passport. The New Zealand eTA application form requires applicants to provide personal and passport information. They must also answer a few questions concerning the applicant's criminal past and whether they are seeking medical treatment in New Zealand. Eligible citizens can apply online using the simple New Zealand eTA application.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR MACANESE CITIZENS

NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR MALTESE CITIZENS

Individuals from Malta can now easily request a visa for New Zealand using an online system due to the introduction of a new policy. This project intends to make it easier and quicker for Maltese citizens to obtain visas, in line with New Zealand government's overarching goal of simplifying immigration processes. The New Zealand eTA Visa Waiver is a digital travel document that allows residents from 190 countries, such as Malta, to easily apply for a visa waiver online. Launched in July 2019, the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) program is designed for citizens of Malta, providing them with an electronic travel permit for up to three months for either tourism or business reasons. Maltese citizens with a valid New Zealand ETA can enter the country many times within the validity period, which is usually two years from the date of issue. There is no need to apply for a new ETA each time you visit New Zealand while your current one is still valid. Because the eTA is electronically linked to a specific passport, travelers with multiple passports should use the same passport that they used to complete the eTA application to go to New Zealand. Eligible citizens can apply online using the simple New Zealand eTA application.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR MALTESE CITIZENS

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