New Zealand ETA requirements for US citizens

Planning your next adventure from the United States to New Zealand? Before you pack your bags, make sure you’ve got your travel documents in order. If you’re a US citizen, all you’ll need is an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter New Zealand.

Let’s break down what you need to know about the New Zealand ETA and how you can apply easily with us.

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

US citizens don’t need a traditional visa to visit New Zealand. Instead, you must obtain a New Zealand ETA, which is much simpler and quicker to get than a visa. The United States is one of 60 visa-exempt countries, making travel more convenient.

With the ETA, you can visit New Zealand for up to 3 months. It’s valid for multiple entries, and you only need to apply once before your trip.

Learn more about the New Zealand ETA

New Zealand ETA difficulty rating: Easy

The New Zealand ETA has a difficulty rating of 6/100, making it one of the simplest travel authorizations that US citizens can apply for. With only 9 questions and 1 document (your digital passport photo), the entire process is efficient and clear.

We’ve helped thousands of US citizens get their New Zealand ETA easily, like Sara:

"The process with iVisa was really clear from the start. I knew exactly what I needed to do, and the instructions were easy to follow. Everything went as planned, and it made the whole application feel manageable. I’ll definitely come back to iVisa for my next trip." *Sara W, USA

New Zealand ETA requirements for US citizens

To apply for the New Zealand ETA, make sure you have the following:

1. US passport – Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from New Zealand.

2. Digital passport photo A recent passport-sized photo in digital format.

3. Sufficient funds You should have NZD$1,000 (around USD $600) for each month of your stay. If your accommodation is prepaid, this amount reduces to NZD$400 (around USD $240) per month.

4. Return ticket Proof of onward travel or a return ticket.

5. Health and character You need to be in good health and character to enter New Zealand. Criminal convictions, providing false or misleading information in a previous visa application, or being a risk to New Zealand may result in your application being denied.

6. Genuine visitor – You must show that you’re visiting New Zealand temporarily for tourism or business.

How to apply for the New Zealand ETA

You have two options when applying for the New Zealand ETA:

• Official government website: You can visit the New Zealand immigration website and follow their instructions.

• Apply with iVisa: We make the process even simpler by reviewing your application to catch any mistakes before submitting it. Most customers complete the form in just 6 minutes, making the process quick and easy.

Here’s how you can apply with iVisa:

• Step 1: Enter your personal and travel details on our website or through the iVisa app.

• Step 2: Review the information to ensure accuracy, then pay the ETA and service fees using PayPal, Venmo, or a credit/debit card.

• Step 3: Complete the rest of the application form, upload your digital passport photo, and submit it.

Once your application is approved, we’ll email you the ETA. With a rejection rate of just 0.03%, you’re in good hands when you apply with us. Plus, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is included in the fees, so you won’t face any surprise costs when you arrive in New Zealand.

iVisa pro tip: The city of birth question in the application trips up many US applicants – more than 700 people have had issues with it. Make sure to carefully check your passport and enter the city exactly as it appears to avoid any delays.*

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

If you're simply passing through and will remain in the transit lounge at the airport, you don’t need a New Zealand ETA. However, if you plan to leave the airport during your layover, you must apply for an ETA, even if you’re not staying for long.

Why apply with iVisa?

At iVisa, we've been simplifying visa processes for more than 10 years. We're here to make the UK ETA application hassle-free and boost your chances of acceptance.

• Fast & easy: Apply for your UK ETA faster than the government process, with fewer steps, no face scanning, and no security codes required.
• Skip the line: You can Apply for your UK ETA in minutes without lengthy government forms.
• Save your session: Start, pause, and resume your application without losing any progress. Language flexibility: Apply in your preferred language – not just English – so you can complete your application with ease.
• Passport upload made easy: No NFC phone required – our passport scanning is simple, reliable, and works with any mobile phone or laptop with a camera.
• Apply for everyone at once: Easily add multiple travelers in one process – there’s no need to completely start all over for each person individually.

More questions about the New Zealand ETA for US citizens?

If you have any questions about your New Zealand ETA or need help during the application process, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.