Message for U.S. Citizens: Traveller Pass for Travel to New Zealand
The New Zealand Government announced that from 11:59 pm on May 1, 2022, vaccinated visitors from visa waiver countries, and visitors from other countries who already hold a valid visitor visa can enter New Zealand and test on arrival.
In preparation for the return of international travellers, from 11:59 pm on March 31, 2022 all travellers to New Zealand by air will be required to complete and submit a New Zealand traveller declaration (NZTD) and receive a Traveller Pass prior to departure. The NZTD will replace the Nau Mai Rā traveller declaration which ceased from March 31. Nau Mai Rā travel passes issued up until 31 March 2022 will remain valid for entry into New Zealand.
The NZTD is an online system that collects and assesses a person’s travel and COVID-19 health-related information, such as COVID-19 vaccination status, pre-departure test and recent travel history. All air travellers to New Zealand will need to complete an NZTD. Families and groups need to complete a separate travel declaration for each member. This includes children, babies, and other dependents. Future systems updates will allow for family and group applications. An NZTD can be started up to 28 days before a departing flight and returned to at any time, for example to add pre-departure COVID-19 test results. It is recommended that travellers complete as much of the NZTD as possible before getting their PDT and before going to the departure airport. Non-New Zealand citizens or residents will still need to meet visa requirements to enter New Zealand.
For any questions regarding the NZTD, travellers can phone the NZTD contact centre which is operating 24/7. Contact centre agents can review the status of traveller declarations and support callers with the process of completing these, and understanding the requirements of the NZTD. Contact centre agents cannot complete, edit, or submit declarations on behalf of travellers.
- +64 4 931 5799 (for international callers)
- 0800 359 269 (toll free for New Zealand based callers)
- 1800 359 269 (toll free for Australia based callers)
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
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 NZeTA is valid for multiple visits for up to two years. If your NZeTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a visa. Visit the Embassy of New Zealand website for the most current visa information. Travellers from visa waiver or transit visa waiver countries who are in transit through New Zealand are required to hold an NZeTA from 1 October 2019, even if New Zealand is not their final destination. The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is a way for you to contribute directly to the tourism infrastructure you use and help protect the natural environment you enjoy during your stay in New Zealand. Most visitors also need to pay the IVL which is payable at the same time you request your NZeTA.
The costs are NZD$9 for NZeTA requests via the mobile app; NZD$12 for NZeTA requests via the website form, and IVL costs NZD$35 for each person travelling to New Zealand and is charged in the same transaction as the NZeTA.
In addition, visitors must meet some health requirements:
- You must provide a negative COVID-19 pre-departure test: Get a pre-departure test.
- You must meet vaccination requirements: Check vaccination requirements.
- After you enter New Zealand you must do 2 rapid antigen tests (RATs) on Day 0/1 and Day 5/6 and declare your results. All positive RATs must be registered and followed up with a PCR test. Testing requirements after arriving,
How to apply: To apply for the NZeTA , please visit this website: Information about: NZeTA Immigration New Zealand.
More information on requirements for travel to New Zealand is here: New Zealand International Travel Information (state.gov).
Actions to Take:
- All U.S. citizens should enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in New Zealand.
- Refer to our website for the latest Alerts and messages for U.S. citizens.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19, including testing requirements to return to the United States.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Assistance:
U.S. Consulate General Auckland, Level 3, Citigroup Building, 23 Customs Street East, Auckland 1010
Contact Information: +64 09 303 2724, AucklandACS@state.gov
State Department Consular Affairs: +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts