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Do US citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
Yes, citizens from USA must obtain the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before traveling to New Zealand.
The NZeTA is not a visa but an electronic entry authorization that allows multiple visits within its two-year validity period. US citizens can stay in New Zealand for up to 90 days.
However, having an NZeTA does not guarantee entry—an Immigration Officer at the border may refuse admission if they determine the traveler does not meet New Zealand’s immigration requirements or poses a risk to national security.
The NZeTA is mandatory for all air and sea travel, including for transit passengers. Travelers must obtain it before departure, as it cannot be granted upon arrival.
New Zealand Traveller Declaration for Americans
All travelers, including US citizens, must complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before entering the country.
• The earliest time to submit the NZTD is 24 hours before departure.
• It must be completed before reaching passport control in New Zealand.
• The NZTD is a digital form that collects customs, immigration, and biosecurity information.
• Travelers can complete the form online or via the NZTD app—it is free of charge.
• Each traveler, including children, must submit a separate declaration.
What requirements must US citizens meet to enter New Zealand?
In addition to obtaining an NZeTA, travelers from USA must meet the following entry requirements:
• A valid passport: It must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date.
• Proof of sufficient funds:
- NZD 1,000 per person per month of stay, or
- NZD 400 per person per month if accommodation has been prepaid.
• A return or onward travel ticket to prove they intend to leave New Zealand after their visit.
• Health and character requirements: Border officials may conduct health or security checks if necessary.
How to apply for NZeTA for Americans?
Applying for an NZeTA is a quick and straightforward online process. Follow these steps:
1. Go to the official website – Visit the New Zealand Immigration website or download the NZeTA app.
2. Fill out the application form – Provide personal details, passport information, and travel dates.
3. Answer security and health questions – Some travelers may be required to provide additional information.
4. Pay the processing fee – The fee can be paid online using a credit/debit card or PayPal.
5. Receive confirmation by email – Once approved, the NZeTA is electronically linked to the traveler's passport.
Travelers must apply for the NZeTA at least 72 hours before departure to avoid delays.
What documents are required to obtain NZeTA to New Zealand for citizens from USA?
To apply for an NZeTA, travelers from USA need:
• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in New Zealand.
• At least one blank passport page for entry and exit stamps.
• Arrival and departure dates for their planned trip.
• A valid credit/debit card or PayPal account to pay the application fee.
How much does NZeTA cost for Americans?
The cost of an NZeTA depends on the method of application:
• NZD $17 if applying via the official mobile app.
• NZD $23 if applying through the website.
In addition, travelers must pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100, which is automatically added to the NZeTA fee.
What is the processing time for NZeTA?
The standard processing time for an NZeTA is up to 72 hours.
What are the health insurance requirements for citizens from USA?
Health insurance is not mandatory for travelers from USA visiting New Zealand, but it is strongly recommended. New Zealand's healthcare system can be expensive for visitors, as they are not eligible for free or subsidized medical care. To avoid high medical costs, travelers should purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
- A citizen of New Zealand or a holder of a residence class visa;
- An owner of a temporary entry visa;
- A person subject to visa cancellation, but only if he has an electronic transit permit;
- A traveler traveling to or from Australia:
1.A person whose immediate or final destination after transiting through New Zealand is Australia, but only if they hold a valid visa issued by the Australian Government to enter Australia and have a Transit Electronic Permit
2.A person traveling from Australia and having a transit electronic permit;
3.A person whom a representative of the Immigration Service, by special instruction, classified as a person subject to the withdrawal of a transit visa;
4.Citizens of the following countries, but only if they have a transit electronic permit:
- Download and read the health standards (IHS) and the IHS guidance document. In the latter, you can find a sample of the veterinary certificate that you need to provide for your cat or dog. It displays all tests, treatment courses and examinations. A separate form can be downloaded at https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/
- Check whether your pet meets all requirements for import into New Zealand. For ease of checking, special checklists have been developed on the MPI website, which you can use to check compliance with all requirements. Your pet must be provided with a special microchip and vaccinated against rabies (only after microchip insertion). He must also pass a blood test no later than 3 months and no earlier than 24 months before the date of importation and undergo treatment for certain parasites 24 to 48 hours before departure;
- Book quarantine at a transit point approved by MPI. A list of such items can be found at https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/. The quarantine period is not less than 10 days. You will need the booking confirmation letter later when submitting your application.
- Apply for an import permit. It takes 20 days to issue such a permit, so you need to apply in advance. Permits are of two types, depending on the country from which the animal is imported. Category 2 – rabies-free countries, category 3 – countries where rabies is absent or under control. For each of these categories, there is a separate application form that can be downloaded from the MPI website.
- Declare medications for the pet if he needs to take any medications while on the road.
- Notify the MPI no later than 72 hours before the arrival of the animal in the New Zealand with the following data:
- Drugs, weapons (but if special permission from the New Zealand police has been obtained in advance, firearms and cold weapons can be imported with mandatory customs declaration)
- Beekeeping products
- Food for domestic animals
- Ivory in any form, tortoise shell products, marine animal bones and tusks, horns and skin
- A number of diuretics, hypnotics and sedatives, cardiac preparations, tranquilizers, all types of vaccines, medicines for the manufacture of which musk is used, if their necessity is not confirmed by the relevant medical prescriptions
- Samples of plants and animals that are under state protection
- Leather, bone, bird feathers, coral, and shell products
- Meat and sausage products in both directions
The car traffic is left-hand.
The speed limit is 100 km/h (63 mph) on open roads, 50 km/h (31 mph) in cities.
Drivers and passengers must always wear seat belts.
Children under the age of five must wear seat belts and be secured in special child seats. Children between the ages of 5 and 7 sitting in the front seat must be secured in a child seat or seat belt. Children 8 years of age and older must ride in the front seat only with a seat belt fastened, otherwise they must ride in the back seat.
You cannot turn left when the traffic light is red.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime and is punishable by the police. The permissible level of alcohol in the blood is 0.08%.
You can legally drive in New Zealand for 12 months if you have a translated national driver's license or an international driver's license. After 12 months you should get your New Zealand driving licence.
Car rental
To rent a car, you must present an international driver's license in English and be at least 21 years old. The rental price is from 60 NZD per day (insurance included), for long-term rentals (from three weeks), the rental fee is reduced by almost half.
When you call 111, a Spark operator will answer your call and ask you which emergency service to contact – fire, ambulance or police.
You can find New Zealand Embassies in different countries at: https://www.embassy-worldwide.com/country/new-zealand/
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