Both the New Zealand government and the US authorities have created the visa waiver program. Under this program, the country allows foreign citizens to enjoy visa-free travel! Fortunately, United States citizens are a part of the New Zealand visa waiver program, permitting them to enjoy visa exemption!
That being said, American citizens do need some kind of travel document to enter New Zealand. In this article, we have explained New Zealand visa policies for US citizens and how to apply online for a New Zealand visa.
So, without further ado, let's get into it!
New Zealand Visa Options for US Citizens
New Zealand offers different types of travel documents for different purposes, such as:
Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
Recently, New Zealand has started the visa waiver program, allowing foreign nationals, including citizens of the US, you visit the country without a visa. Instead, you are required to have a New Zealand electronic travel authority (NZeTA).
A New Zealand ETA can be considered an electronic visa that permits holders to stay in the country for 90 consecutive days. It is valid for multiple entries within a 2-year period. The US passport holders can use an ETA for both tourism and business purposes.
The best thing about a New Zealand ETA is that you can apply for it from the comfort of your home. Unlike a regular visa, applicants are not required to visit the US embassy or consulate offers. They don’t even have to schedule an appointment for a visa interview with the consular officer. All you need is a stable internet connection and a laptop or mobile device.
Traditional Visa
If, for some reason, a US citizen is not eligible for an ETA, he/she can apply for a traditional paper or stamp visa. You can only apply for this visa if you have been rejected an ETA!
New Zealand offers different types of visas to US citizens. You can apply for a tourist visa, business visa, student visa, or work visa, depending on your purpose of visit. In the past, US citizens were required to visit the embassy to apply for a New Zealand visa. But now, you can partner up with VisaHQ to apply for these travel documents online as well!
New Zealand Visa Requirements
As New Zealand offers different types of visas, the required documents for these travel documents vary as well! For an ETA, you only need a handful of documents, including:
Valid Passport - A copy of your original passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and 2 blank pages.
E-mail Address - Make sure to use your original and active email address, as you'll receive your approved travel documents via email!
Photograph - A digital photograph taken within the last 6 months.
Online Payment Option - Applicants are required to pay the embassy fee, International Visitor Conversation, and Tourism Levy, as well as the visa service fee. As this process is done completely online, you can use online payment methods, such as a PayPal account or credit or debit card.
These are the visa requirements for an ETA. For a New Zealand visa for US citizens, you may have to provide some additional documents as well, such as:
Invitation letter
Bank statement
Itinerary
Proof of accommodation
Proof of status
Visit VisaHQ to find out all of the New Zealand visa requirements prior to submitting your application online!
How to Apply for a New Zealand Visa Online?
As the ministry of foreign affairs has made the visa application process online, it has become both faster and more convenient. You don’t need to wait in line for hours to apply for a New Zealand visa. All you need to do is visit VisaHQ, select your citizenship, and follow the following simple steps:
Fill out the New Zealand ETA application form
Pay the ETA fee or the visitor visa fee
Submit your application with supporting documents
Before you submit your application, make sure to double-check the provided data. If there are mistakes or misleading information, your travel document will most likely be delayed or denied by the embassy.
Once approved, you'll receive your valid visa via email. Afterward, you can either download it on your smartphone or print it out as you'll need to present it at the border crossing. Keep in mind that a visa or an ETA does not guarantee your entry to the country. The final decision will be made by the immigration officer!
Processing Time
The processing time for a New Zealand visa depends upon your selected visa type. The estimated processing time of an ETA is 1-3 business days. Alternatively, if you are applying for a traditional New Zealand visa, you may have to wait for at least 20 business days.