Check if you need a visitor visa or an NZeTA
If you come to New Zealand on holiday, you'll need to get either a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or a visitor visa — unless you're an Australian citizen.
- How to apply for a visitor visa(external link)
- How to request an NZeTA(external link)
- How to pay the International Visitor Levy(external link)
Contact
US and Mexico citizens travelling on valid "regular" passports do not have to pay visa fees for visitor, work, or student visas.
All applicants are required to pay VAC fees per application.
There are three available options for people enquiring about applying for a visa for New Zealand, or enquiring if a visa is needed:
- The Immigration New Zealand website(external link). This website not only answers all questions relating to New Zealand visas, but is now also the portal through which an applicant can apply for their visa — through the Online system. By selecting the "Contact Us" option the enquirer can also access the Knowledge Base Q&A section of the website.
- Call the Immigration Contact Centre(external link) in New Zealand at +64 9 914 4100.
- Call the Visa Application Centre (VAC)(external link) in Washington DC at +1 202 223 3400. These questions should be limited to procedure — such as feeds, postal addresses, etc.
Visa Application Centre (VAC) Washington DC
Address: 1120 19th Street NW, Suite No. 415
Washington DC 20036
Phone: 1 202 223 3400
Fax: 1 202 223 3900
Email: info.nzus@vfshelpline.com
Website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/nzl/attend-centre/Washington%20DC(external link)
Office hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm
Working holiday visas
The United States Working Holiday Visa can now be applied for online. If you are between 18–30, please see the New Zealand Immigration website for the online application form and instructions(external link).
Mexico Working Holiday Visa can now be applied for online. If you are between 18–30, please see the following FAQ for instructions(external link).
There are also two private companies that offer an exchange programme for young United States citizens wanting to work in New Zealand:
- BUNAC(external link) offers a work exchange programme for United States citizens aged between 18 and 35.
- CCUSA(external link) offers a work exchange programme for United States citizens aged between 18 and 30.