U.S. citizens traveling to or transiting through New Zealand under the visa waiver program are required to have an NZeTA. This is also true for cruise ship passengers. It can take up to 72 hours to process an NZeTA so apply well in advance of your trip.

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is required for most visitors from visa-waiver countries who are traveling for a short stay (up to 3 months, or 6 months for UK citizens). This includes citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia (permanent residents only), and many European and Asian nations. Even if you are just transiting through Auckland International Airport on your way to another country, you still need an NZeTA. Australian citizens are the only ones exempt, as they receive a resident visa on arrival. In 2026, the NZeTA is also mandatory for all cruise ship passengers, regardless of their nationality. The application is done online or via a mobile app and typically costs between $17 and $23 NZD, plus the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which is an additional $35 NZD. It is valid for multiple entries over two years. You should apply at least 72 hours before your departure, as boarding will be denied if your eTA is not linked to your passport in the airline's system.