New Zealand NZeTA for US Citizens: Your Essential Travel Guide

Q: What is the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)?

The IVL is a mandatory NZD $100 fee paid at the same time as your NZeTA request. It is a government charge that funds tourism infrastructure and helps protect New Zealand’s natural environment.

Traveling to New Zealand just got simpler, but it requires a crucial pre-trip step for foreign travelers. New Zealand has introduced a mandatory digital travel permit, officially known as the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). For U.S. citizens and other visa-waiver travelers, this travel permit is required to visit New Zealand.

Think of the NZeTA like the ESTA program for visiting the United States; it's a quick, online pre-screening that links directly to your passport. Its goal is to help streamline your arrival at the New Zealand border. This guide is designed to help you navigate the details and requirements of the NZeTA, providing you with the necessary information to obtain your NZeTA quickly and avoid any issues.

What is an NZeTA?

An NZeTA is a digital permit that allows foreign visitors entry to New Zealand. An NZeTA is not a visa. It confirms that you are eligible to travel to New Zealand for short stays for reasons such as tourism or business. Once approved, the NZeTA is electronically attached to your U.S. passport.

Do I Need an NZeTA?

As a U.S. citizen, yes, you will need an NZeTA for short visits to New Zealand.

You must get an NZeTA if you are:

Traveling from a visa-waiver country (like the U.S.).
Traveling for tourism or business.
Transiting through Auckland International Airport on your way to another country.
Arriving by air or cruise ship.

Note: You do not need an NZeTA if you are an Australian citizen or already hold a valid New Zealand visa.

Every foreign traveler, including children and infants, must have their own individual NZeTA to enter New Zealand.

Applying for Your NZeTA: DIY vs. Full-Service

When it comes to getting your NZeTA, you have a choice in how you apply. It's important to know that the official processing time set by the New Zealand government is the same for all applications and cannot be expedited. The difference in processing times is in the application experience itself.

Applying On Your Own (DIY): For travelers comfortable navigating government websites and forms, applying directly through the official NZeTA website or app is the most cost-effective method.
The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): For travelers who prefer to save time and have complete confidence that their application is error-free, a dedicated service is a great option. iVisa simplifies the process with a clear interface and provides an expert review of your application before it's submitted. This helps eliminate common mistakes that could lead to delays or denial. You also get 24/7 multilingual support, flexible payment options, and the ability to manage documents for hundreds of destinations worldwide.

The Official NZeTA Process: A 3-Step Guide

The official process is designed to be fast and user-friendly. The fastest way to apply is by downloading the official (free) NZeTA app.

Official Gov. Application Fee:	- Through the App: (Nonrefundable) NZD $17 (approx. USD 9.85) - Online: (Nonrefundable) NZD $23 (approx. USD 13.26)
Mandatory IVL Fee: (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy)	NZD $100 (approx. USD 57.98)
Validity:	2 Years for travelers (5 years for crew)
Use:	Multiple entries are permitted during its validity.

Step 1: Get Your Information Ready

Your valid U.S. passport.
An active email address.
A credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard).
A recent photo of your face, or a device that can take one.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Download the official NZeTA app (from the Apple App Store or Google Play) or use the NZeTA website.
Scan your passport to instantly upload your details (easiest via the app).
Upload a photo of your face or take a new one using your device.
Answer a few straightforward questions about your travel history and background.

Step 3: Pay and Receive Your NZeTA

Pay the total fee, which includes the NZeTA fee and the mandatory NZD $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
Double-check all your information for accuracy.
Submit your application.
Decision Timeline: Allow up to 72 hours for your NZeTA request to be processed. Many requests are processed more quickly.
Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email. Your approved NZeTA is digitally linked to your passport. There is no need to print or carry anything.

Beyond the NZeTA: Other New Zealand Entry Requirements

Your approved NZeTA permits you to travel to New Zealand, but you still need to meet the standard entry requirements at the border. An approved NZeTA does not guarantee entry to New Zealand. Immigration officers have the final say on admission.

Be prepared to show (as requested):

Valid Passport: Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the day you plan to leave New Zealand.
Proof of Funds: Evidence that you have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
Onward Travel/Return Home: Proof that you intend to leave New Zealand at the end of your visit (e.g., a return flight confirmation).

NZeTA Duration of Stay

Travelers from the U.S. and most visa-waiver countries can stay for up to 3 months at a time. You can only be in New Zealand for a maximum of 6 months within any 12-month period.

NZeTA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the NZeTA the same as a visa?

No. An NZeTA is an authority to travel to New Zealand under the visa waiver program. A visa is a formal endorsement allowing the holder to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period. A visa is typically required for longer stays.

What is the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)?

The IVL is a mandatory NZD $100 fee (approx. USD 57.98) paid at the same time as your NZeTA request. It is a government charge that funds tourism infrastructure and helps protect New Zealand’s natural environment.

What if my NZeTA application is denied?

If your application is denied, you will be notified. You cannot appeal the decision and will need to apply for a formal Visitor Visa if you still wish to travel to New Zealand.

I made a mistake on my NZeTA application. Can I fix it?

No. Once submitted and paid for, your request cannot be edited. You will need to submit a new application and pay the required fees again.

Is the NZeTA required for transit passengers?

Yes. If you are transiting through Auckland International Airport on your way to another country, you still need an NZeTA. This allows you to stay in the transit area for up to 24 hours.

How long can I stay in New Zealand with an NZeTA?

Visitors can stay in New Zealand for up to 3 months at a time, and a maximum of 6 months (total) within any 12 months.

Apply for your NZeTA quickly and securely with iVisa today! Save your application and continue anytime, enjoy expert review, 24/7 multilingual support, flexible payment options, and complete confidence in your travel documents.