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US passport to New Zealand

US citizens need an NZeTA to visit New Zealand without a visa. It costs NZ$17 in the official app or NZ$23 online, plus a NZ$100 visitor levy.

Apply in the official NZeTA app or on the official site Check my dates

The rules

What you need: NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)
Costs: NZ$17, plus International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): NZ$100
When to apply: Allow 72 hours. It can take longer if more checks are needed.
How long it lasts: 2 years. You can visit as many times as you like.
How long you can stay: Up to 3 months per visit, and no more than 6 months in any 12 months.
Your passport: Valid for at least 3 months after the day you leave New Zealand
Arrival card: New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Everyone must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. It's free online or in the NZTD app, and you can submit it from 24 hours before your journey starts. There's a paper form on arrival if you need one. Official site

Quick answers

Do US citizens need a visa for New Zealand?

Not a visa, but you need an NZeTA before you travel. US citizens need an NZeTA to visit New Zealand without a visa. It costs NZ$17 in the official app or NZ$23 online, plus a NZ$100 visitor levy.

How much does the NZeTA cost?

NZ$17, plus International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) (NZ$100) on the official site. Apply allow 72 hours. It can take longer if more checks are needed. Other websites charge more for the same form.

How long can US citizens stay in New Zealand?

Up to 3 months per visit, and no more than 6 months in any 12 months.

How long does my passport need to be valid for New Zealand?

Valid for at least 3 months after the day you leave New Zealand.

Do I need an arrival card for New Zealand?

Yes. Everyone must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. It's free online or in the NZTD app, and you can submit it from 24 hours before your journey starts. There's a paper form on arrival if you need one.

Things that could change this

Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? Don't count parking or speeding fines.
If yes: You may need a visitor visa instead of an NZeTA
If you have a criminal conviction, or have been deported, removed or excluded from any country, you don't meet the character rules for visiting on an NZeTA. Apply for a visitor visa before you travel.
Read the official guidance
Are you taking any medicines with you, including cold, flu, allergy or pain remedies?
If yes: Carry your prescription and declare if needed
Keep medicines in their original packaging and carry your prescription or a letter from your doctor. You can bring up to 3 months' supply, or 1 month for controlled drugs. Declare all controlled drugs on your NZTD, and any medicine over 3 months' supply or not prescribed to you or your family. Cold medicines with pseudoephedrine count as controlled drugs.
Read the official guidance

Good to know

Declare all food or risk a NZ$400 fine. New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules, and most food can't be brought in. Declare all food, plants and animal products on your NZTD. If you don't, you can get an instant NZ$400 fine.

Show you can support yourself. You may be asked for a paid onward ticket and proof of at least NZ$1,000 a month for your stay, or NZ$400 a month if your accommodation is already paid for.

Checked 26 October 2026 against Immigration New Zealand, New Zealand Traveller Declaration and US Department of State.

See the 7 official sources

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) (Immigration New Zealand)
NZeTA application guide (Immigration New Zealand)
Paying the International Visitor Levy (Immigration New Zealand)
Visa waiver countries and territories (Immigration New Zealand)
Visa Waiver Visitor Visa (Immigration New Zealand)
Completing your declaration (New Zealand Traveller Declaration (New Zealand Government))
New Zealand International Travel Information (US Department of State)