If you’re a US citizen, getting a New Zealand ETA can be as easy as going online to apply and taking your passport to the nearest mailing center to get it delivered within three days. However, it’s important to note that this visa will last only 12 months; after that, you’ll need to leave the country and re-enter to get another one. Getting a New Zealand visa is an even simpler process than getting an ETA and can make your stay in the country much more pleasant. Here’s how to do it.
What are the requirements for applying for an NZ tourist visa from the USA?
New Zealand offers a 12-month ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) that is valid from its date of issue. You can apply up to 3 months before your proposed travel start date and up to 2 hours before departure, subject to meeting all application requirements. Unlike tourist visas, there are no letter of invitation or visa application charge requirements. Be sure you read the full description below, we’ve included contact details as well just in case you have any issues when applying for an NZ eTA. A New Zealand ETA tourist visa is not required if arriving by air from Australia or Fiji with confirmed onward travel tickets that show your name and flight number for all flights departing New Zealand within 10 days after arrival.
How much does it cost to get an NZ tourist visa from the USA?
If you’re planning on spending less than 3 months in New Zealand, then you can apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). The cost of getting an ETA is $5.00 USD. An NZ tourist visa from the USA costs about $116 USD ($85 New Zealand dollars). This depends on where you get your visa from and how long it will be valid. The NZ Immigration website has a full breakdown of what fees and payments are necessary, depending on if you’re applying at home or while visiting New Zealand. In short, they offer multiple different types of visas ranging from 1 month to multiple years. It’s best to visit their website directly, rather than trying to navigate third-party websites that promise cheap visas.
Is there such thing as a ‘fast track’ visa approval?
Anyone visiting New Zealand must have a visa. The ‘fast track’ eTA is simply an electronic visa allowing you entry into New Zealand with minimal (if any) red tape involved. If you have an ETA, you’ll be able to get through customs much faster upon arrival in New Zealand, but there isn’t really any such thing as a ‘fast track’ visa approval from NZ immigration. Once you are granted your ETA and decide that your trip is going ahead, you can rest assured that everything will be in order at customs and border control in New Zealand. They will check your passport/visa (if relevant), and then they will scan your fingerprints and issue an electronic visa onto your passport. New Zealand Visa for US Citizens
When will I receive my visa approval letter?
Unless you’re exempt from having to get travel insurance as part of your visitor visa application, you should absolutely get travel insurance. Having valid travel insurance will not only help make sure you can stay in New Zealand and enjoy your trip, but it also gives border control officials confidence that you have backup plans for medical and financial emergencies, helping them decide whether or not they’ll grant your visa. You don’t need any special type of travel insurance to apply for an NZ visitor visa in the USA. Any type of valid commercial health-insurance plan will work.
Do I need travel insurance to apply for an NZ visitor visa in the USA?
Whether you’re going on vacation or trying to live and work in New Zealand, one of your first steps will be applying for an ETA. The ETA is New Zealand’s version of a visa; while it doesn’t guarantee entry into NZ, it allows tourists, business travelers, and potential emigrants to apply online and travel with pre-approval. But do you need travel insurance for an ETA? Find out here.
Can I apply at any NZ consulate around the world?
Yes, you can apply at any New Zealand consulate/embassy around the world. However, please note that different consulates have different processing times and visa costs. The cost of an ETA visa is $20 NZD and takes less than 10 minutes to process online. You can select which New Zealand consulate your application will be sent to when you make your booking.
Can I combine my trip with Australia and/or Fiji?
Yes, you can combine your trip with Australia and/or Fiji if you book through us. New Zealand’s ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is valid for 90 days and can be extended an additional 90 days upon the arrival. Those arriving in New Zealand under any visa who wish to travel freely throughout Oceania (including Australia and Fiji) do not need to apply or pay fees for an ETA before traveling; however, citizens of India require a visitor visa when traveling on their Indian passport.