A New Zealand visa for US green card holders is required from permanent residents in the US who are not originally from visa-exempt countries. This is because a green card does not prove US citizenship, so holders enjoy a different visa-free entry than bonafide US citizens.
Do Green Card Holders Need A Visa To Enter New Zealand?
Green card holders may still need to obtain a New Zealand visa to enter the country unless they are from a visa-free country. For instance, UK citizens who are permanent residents in the US with a green card don'tdon't need visas to enter New Zealand because the UK is on the visa-exempt list of the New Zealand government. However, a US permanent resident from Nicaragua must apply for a visa to New Zealand since Nicaragua is not on the visa-exempt list. In a nutshell, one's ability to travel to New Zealand with it without a visa depends on nationality above anything else.
Travelers From Non-Visa Exempt & Visa Exempt Countries
US green card holders from non-visa-exempt countries can visit New Zealand after getting a visa from the New Zealand embassy in Washington or any of its consulates in other states of the Union. After paying the required visa fee, they must contact the embassy and submit their application form. After the visa interview, the application will be processed, and the visa will be released after some calendar days.
The process for persons from visa-exempt countries is different. Even if they have a visa waiver passport, they will be expected to apply for a New Zealand electronic travel authority permit before they can travel.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
An NZeTA is an electronic pass issued to nationals from visa-exempt countries. This document is not a visa but a visa waiver or travel permit. It is issued online, so the applicant can skip the New Zealand embassy to apply for it or to receive it. Once it is ready, it is mailed to the recipient'srecipient's email for printing. Applicants may apply for NZeTA with their smartphone or computer, just like many have down since it was introduced in 2019.
This visa waiver is not for all purposes, though, only for trips for tourism, transit, and business. Air travelers and ship cruise travelers are also expected to apply for it.
NZeTA Validity
The NZeTA is valid for two years and allows for multiple visits to New Zealand, while the special version for airplane and cruise ship crews is valid for 5 years. Once it is approved and released to the traveler, they can enter New Zealand as often as they wish.
Processing Time
Unlike conventional visas that take so much time, this electronic travel pass takes only 1-2 days to get.
Application Process
The first step to getting your NZeTA is to complete the Application form with your passport and personal information. You must answer a few questions about medical and criminal history.
The application fee, called the International Visitor Conservation & Tourism Levy, is also mandatory, as the ETA will be approved if this fee has yet to be paid.
Note: Persons coming for long-term engagements will not be allowed to enter and stay in New Zealand with an NZETA. This permit is not for residency, long stays, study, or work. If you intend to come to New Zealand for any of these reasons, we advise you to apply for a long-stay visa at the New Zealand embassy in the US or your home country.
New Zealand ETA Requirements
Here are the simple steps to apply for New Zealand ETA online.
Log onto VisaHQ
Select New Zealand as your destination
Select your country of citizenship
Fill out the application form
Upload the required travel documents
Pay the application fee
Submit for approval
The process on VisaHQ is fast and easy, and you will get your visa within 48 hours after submitting the form.
New Zealand ETA Requirements
Valid passport with three months validity beyond your departure
A credit or debit card for fee payment
Active email address to review the ETA
Digital Photograph that meets the size and quality requirements
Once they arrive in New Zealand, they will be asked to provide the following.
Proof of Sufficient Funds: This may be in the form of a credit card or bank statement to prove that they have more than enough to support themselves in the country throughout their stay.
Flight Ticket: A reserved flight ticket for the return trip to their destination.
A New Zealand visa for US green card holders is necessary if they are from somewhere other than a visa-exempt country. If you wish to travel for a short trip, visit VisaHQ to complete the NZETA application form now.