New Zealand entry requirements for U.S. citizens

What you need to enter New Zealand

U.S. citizens visit New Zealand under its visa waiver program, but they still need an electronic travel authority before they travel. The rule is: Electronic travel authorization (ETA) required¹.

Rules change, and the New Zealand government decides who can enter. Check the official site before you travel.

How to request the NZeTA

The NZeTA information and the request links are on the Immigration New Zealand website, www.immigration.govt.nz². You can request it in the official NZeTA app or with the online form; the app costs less. Type your passport details exactly as they appear in your passport, and request the NZeTA well before your trip.

How long you can stay

U.S. citizens can stay up to 3 months⁵ per visit.

Rules change, and the New Zealand government decides how long you can stay. Check the official site before you travel.

Passport rules

The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand.⁷

Rules change and the destination government decides, so confirm this on the official site before you travel. If your passport will not meet this rule, renew it before you request the NZeTA and travel. Renewing by mail takes 4–6 weeks⁸ plus mailing time: see Renew your passport by mail. Short on time? If you travel internationally soon, you can book an appointment at a passport agency or center once you are within 14 calendar days of your trip, or 28 days if you also need a foreign visa.⁹ Read Urgent travel: getting a passport fast.

Travel advisory

The U.S. Department of State's travel advisory for New Zealand is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions⁶. The level can change at any time. Read the full advisory before you book and again before you go; the link is under "Sources and verification" at the end of this guide.

Arriving in New Zealand

• Food, plants and other risk items: Biosecurity-risk items such as honey, fresh fruit, seeds and plants must be declared or left in amnesty bins on arrival; undeclared items can bring an immediate NZD 400 fine.¹⁰
• Phones and laptops: Customs officers may inspect phones, laptops and other devices on arrival and ask for passwords; failing to comply can bring fines of up to NZD 5,000.¹¹

Step by step

Checklist

Before you fly to New Zealand

Print checklist

• U.S. passport that meets the validity rule
• NZeTA granted, with the confirmation saved
• NZeTA fee and visitor levy paid
• Return or onward trip inside the time you are allowed to stay
• Bags checked for food, plants and other risk items
• Latest U.S. travel advisory read
• Official site checked again in the week before you fly

Do and don't

Do

• Request the NZeTA only through the official app or the official online form.
• Declare food, plants and other risk items when you arrive.
• Keep your NZeTA confirmation with your travel documents.

Don't

• Don't start your trip to New Zealand without a granted NZeTA.
• Don't hide risk items in your luggage.
• Don't pay a website that offers to request the NZeTA for you at a higher price.

Fees

These are government charges. They are paid to the New Zealand government with your NZeTA request, not to Passmere.

Charges can change. The official app and online form show the current amounts before you pay.

Frequently asked questions