United States entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to travel to the United States. The standard option is the B-1/B-2 visitor visa, which you must apply for in advance at a US embassy or consulate. As of 2026, New Zealand citizens cannot use the Visa Waiver Program or ESTA.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | You need a valid US visa before travel. Start with the DS-160 form online at the Consular Electronic Application Center, then schedule an interview at the US embassy or consulate in New Zealand. Processing times vary by location — check current wait times on the State Department website.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by US immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the US | US Customs and Border Protection officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a return ticket to New Zealand or a ticket to another country within your visa validity. Airlines check this at check-in — without it, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your US host with their address and phone number. Not always checked, but saves time if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence you can support yourself | Officers may ask how you'll fund your trip. Carry recent bank statements, a credit card, or a letter from your employer showing paid leave. No set minimum amount, but have enough to cover accommodation, food, and transport for your stay. | Recommended |
No visa waiver for New Zealand
New Zealand is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa in advance. Plan for 3–6 weeks processing time.
Interview location matters
The only two places to apply are the US Embassy in Wellington and the US Consulate General in Auckland. If you live in the South Island, factor in travel time and costs.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website and fill out the DS-160. Have your passport, travel dates, and a digital photo ready. Save the confirmation barcode page — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the USD 185 fee (approx NZD 300) online or at a designated bank. Keep the payment receipt — it's required to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Book an appointment at the US Embassy in Wellington or the Consulate General in Auckland. Wait times vary — check the current calendar on the embassy website. In peak season, it can be 2–4 weeks.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive 15 minutes early. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and any supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip, job, and ties to NZ. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa issuance. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer. You'll get a notification to collect your passport or have it couriered.
6
Travel to the US
When you arrive at a US airport (e.g., LAX, JFK, SFO), go to the 'Visitors' queue. Have your passport with visa and your return ticket ready. The CBP officer may ask about your stay — be clear and brief.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (approx. $185 USD)
Allows tourism, business meetings, and medical treatment. Must apply at US embassy/consulate.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (approx. $185 USD)
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits. Most common for frequent travellers.
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit
Validity2 years or until passport expiry
Cost$21 USD (approx. $21 USD)
For short business or pleasure trips. No extension allowed; must depart within 90 days.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$460 USD filing fee + legal fees (approx. $2,000–$5,000 USD total)
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a US employer. Requires bachelor's degree or equivalent. Lottery system with annual cap.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study program + 60-day grace period
$350 USD SEVIS fee + $185 USD visa application fee
For full-time study at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work. Must maintain full-time enrollment.
Apply investor visa
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable indefinitely
$205 USD filing fee + legal fees (approx. $5,000–$10,000 USD)
For New Zealand citizens investing a substantial amount in a US business. Must be actively involved in the enterprise. No minimum investment amount but typically $100,000+.
Apply digital nomad visa
No specific digital nomad visa (use B1/B2 or ESTA)
Up to 6 months per visit (B1/B2) or 90 days (ESTA)
$185 USD (B1/B2) or $21 USD (ESTA)
The US does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use B1/B2 visa or ESTA, but must not work for a US employer while in the US.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)Mandatory for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program. Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry. | $21 USD (approx. $21 USD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)For those not eligible for ESTA or seeking longer stay. Single entry, valid up to 10 years. | $185 USD (approx. $185 USD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; multiple entries allowed during visa validity. | $185 USD (approx. $185 USD) |
| I-539 Extension of StayFor extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission. Processing takes months; apply before status expires. | $370 USD (approx. $370 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay can result in denial of future entry. No standard per-day fine; consequences depend on duration. | Varies; typically no fixed daily fine but may lead to visa cancellation or ban |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
New Zealand passport holders transiting through the US must obtain a visa (C-1 transit visa) or ESTA if eligible, even if not leaving the airport. The US does not have a pure airside transit exemption.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2, F-1) may transit without additional visa.
- ESTA authorization allows transit for up to 90 days, but must be obtained before travel.
Transit hubsLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) · San Francisco International Airport (SFO) · John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Risk varies by region and season; use insect repellent in rural areas.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Common in northeastern and upper midwestern states; check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General food safety is high, but risk exists with undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) by mail; no walk-in service. Check USCIS website for current processing times.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status. Appointments required for in-person queries.
Practical information for NZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process usually takes 3–6 weeks from submitting the DS-160 to receiving your passport with visa. Interview wait times vary — check the US Embassy website for current availability. Processing after approval is typically 3–5 business days.
No. Most applicants aged 14–79 must attend an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Wellington or the Consulate General in Auckland. Only children under 14 and adults over 79 may be eligible for interview waiver in some cases.
The non-refundable visa application fee is USD 185 (about NZD 300) for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. This does not include courier fees for passport return or any travel costs to the interview location.
You'll be informed at the interview or shortly after. Common reasons include insufficient ties to New Zealand, unclear travel purpose, or incomplete documentation. You can reapply, but you must address the reasons for denial. There is no appeal process.
Yes, you can apply for an extension with USCIS using Form I-539 before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted in up to 6-month increments. Approval is not guaranteed, and you must show valid reasons.
Yes, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (which New Zealand does not). You need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa even for a short layover. Plan ahead.
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, one passport photo, and any supporting documents like employment letter, bank statements, travel itinerary, and proof of ties to New Zealand. Organize them in a clear folder.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.