Introduction
New Zealand is a beautiful country with stunning natural landscapes, friendly people, and a rich culture. It is a popular destination for tourists and expats alike, and if you’re from the USA, you’ll need to apply for a visa before you can travel to New Zealand. Read more to know New Zealand visa from USA and eta visa waiver.
New Zealand visa from USA
Fortunately, there are several options available for US citizens to obtain a New Zealand visa. One of the most popular options is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa waiver.
What is an ETA visa waiver?
An ETA visa waiver is an electronic travel authorization that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to New Zealand for up to 90 days without the need for a visa. US citizens are eligible for an ETA visa waiver, as long as they meet the following requirements:
They must have a valid US passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the intended date of departure from New Zealand.
- They must be travelling to New Zealand for tourism, business or to visit family and friends.
- They must not have any criminal convictions.
- They must not have been deported, excluded or removed from any country.
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for New Zealand ETA visa waiver online through the New Zealand Immigration website. The process is quick and easy, and you’ll typically receive your approval within minutes of submitting your application.
How to apply for an ETA visa waiver
- To apply for an ETA visa waiver, you’ll need to follow these simple steps:
- Visit the New Zealand Immigration website and select “Apply for a visa.”
- Choose “Visitor visa” and then “Apply for an ETA.”
- Enter your personal details, including your passport number and travel dates.
- Answer the eligibility questions and declare any criminal convictions.
- Pay the application fee of NZD $12 (approximately USD $8).
- Submit your application and wait for your approval.
Once your ETA visa waiver is approved, it will be linked electronically to your passport. You won’t receive a physical visa or stamp in your passport, so make sure you bring a copy of your approval with you when you travel to New Zealand.
Benefits of an ETA visa waiver
There are several benefits to obtaining an ETA visa waiver instead of a traditional visa. Some of these benefits include:
Speed and convenience: The ETA visa waiver application process is quick and easy, and you’ll typically receive your approval within minutes of submitting your application.
Cost-effective: The application fee for an ETA visa waiver is only NZD $12 (approximately USD $8), which is significantly cheaper than the cost of a traditional visa.
Multiple entries: An ETA visa waiver allows you to enter and exit New Zealand multiple times within a 2-year period, as long as each visit is no longer than 90 days.
Flexibility: An ETA visa waiver allows you to travel to New Zealand for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends, giving you more flexibility in your travel plans.
Other visa options for US citizens
While the ETA visa waiver is a popular option for US citizens travelling to New Zealand, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you plan to stay in New Zealand for more than 90 days, or if you plan to work or study while you’re there, you’ll need to apply for a traditional visa.
There are several types of visas available for US citizens, depending on the purpose of your visit. Some of these visa types include:
Work visas: If you plan to work in New Zealand, you’ll need to apply for a work visa. There are several types of work visas available, depending on the type of work you’ll be doing and the length of your stay.
Study visas: If you plan to study in New Zealand for more than three months, you’ll need to apply for a study
Conclusion
US citizens travelling to New Zealand have several visa options available, including the ETA visa waiver. The ETA visa waiver is a quick and easy way to obtain permission to travel to New Zealand for up to 90 days, and it’s an affordable option for budget-conscious travellers. However, if you plan to stay in New Zealand for longer than 90 days, or if you plan to work or study while you’re there, you’ll need to apply for a traditional visa.