What New Zealand Travellers Need to Know Before Visiting the USA
Published on : April 23, 2026
One of the most common questions we get from New Zealand travellers heading to the United States is: Do I need a visa? For most short holidays, the answer is no – but you ‘do’ need an ESTA.
Here’s a simple, straightforward guide to help you understand exactly what’s required before you board your flight.
Travelling to the United States – ESTA
If you’re travelling to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less, New Zealand passport holders are generally eligible under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Instead of applying for a traditional visa, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before you travel.
Valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
Allows multiple visits within the validity period (each stay up to 90 days)
Important Things to Remember:
Apply as soon as you have booked your travel or at least a week before departure – don’t leave it until the airport!
Your ESTA is electronically linked to your passport. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new ESTA.
ESTA approval allows you to travel to the U.S., but final entry is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on arrival.
Your contact details will be your mobile number and the first hotel you are staying at on your holiday
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, intend to work or study, or do not meet Visa Waiver eligibility requirements, you will need to apply for the appropriate U.S. visa instead.
United States – B1/B2 Visitor Visa
Most New Zealand travellers visiting the United States use ESTA, which allows you to stay for up to 90 days. It’s quick, straightforward and works perfectly for most holidays. However, if you’re planning to stay longer than 90 days – or you’re not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program – you’ll need to apply for a B1/B2 Visitor Visa. This visa covers temporary travel to the USA for tourism, visiting family, business trips or medical treatment. In most cases, Kiwi travellers are issued a combined B1/B2 visa, giving flexibility for both leisure and business travel.
You may need a B1/B2 visa instead of an ESTA if you:
Plan to stay in the USA for more than 90 days
Want the flexibility to travel in and out of the USA during a longer trip
Have been declined an ESTA or are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program
Need to travel for certain longer business or medical visits
Prefer the security of a full visitor visa
The application process takes more time than ESTA and includes completing the online DS-160 form, paying the visa fee and attending an in-person interview at the U.S. Consulate. Processing times can vary, so it’s important to apply well in advance of your travel dates. They will require your passport to process the visa, so make sure you are not travelling internationally during this time.
If you’re unsure whether ESTA or a B1/B2 visa is right for your plans, contact the experts at Travel USA – we’re always happy to help guide you in the right direction.
Final Advice for New Zealand Travellers
Double-check your passport validity before applying to ensure that it remains valid for at least six months after your planned return date.
Only use the official government website link that Travel USA will provide to avoid unnecessary third-party fees.
Keep your confirmation for peace of mind (although approval is electronically stored).
Getting your ESTA sorted is one of the easiest parts of planning your American adventure – as long as you know what to do and apply in advance.
At Travel USA, we specialise in helping New Zealand travellers plan seamless North American holidays. From entry requirement advice to tailored itineraries and insider tips, we take care of the details so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories.
We handle the logistics – you enjoy the journey.
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Andrew and Sean’s first-hand knowledge is what really sets them apart — they know the small details, hidden gems, and all the little nooks and crannies you’d never find in a world of generic, AI-generated itineraries. They’re always quick to reply, and between them seem to know everything — from the best Star Wars experiences at Disney (I had no idea you could build your own lightsaber!), to sipping champagne on the floor of the Grand Canyon or securing the best seats at the Grand Ole Opry. Proper bucket-list stuff – 100% recommend Travel USA.
Zara G
Napier, NZ
We’ve been back a week and had time to reflect on what was a fantastic trip to Colorado and Chicago. Thanks for all your assistance with our trip – it was the best US trip we have had so far
Sean & Alexis
Wellington, NZ
Amazing Travel USA – Andrew’s attunement to us resulted in great options. We were provided with responsive communication and efficiency that enhanced our USA plans, so adventure was fun and easy. Highly recommended.
Kerry M
New Plymouth, NZ
We could not have done it ourselves and Travel USA’s instructions were ON-POINT! We liked the mix of transport that was organised for us ie. bus, ferry and rail which made for an interesting experience. Accommodation was brilliant throughout and the Faraway at Martha’s Vineyard was the most interesting hotel we have ever stayed at – we even had a record player in our room with 2 LP’s – one of them a Bob Dylan album!
Derek & Kaye W
Kapiti Coast, NZ
Huge thanks to Travel USA and especially Andrew for making our trip so easy and enjoyable! Andrew was amazing from the moment we started planning, he went above and beyond. His knowledge, travel tips, and thoughtful check-ins made the whole trip completely seamless and his attention to detail and genuine care took all the stress out of travelling. Highly recommend Travel USA for anyone wanting a hassle-free, expertly planned adventure.
Shauna M
New Plymouth, NZ
I have been telling everyone and anyone who says they are interested in travelling to America to get in touch with you as we really had the most amazing time. We really can’t thank you enough for your exceptional service during our recent trip to the states. Your attention to detail, organisation, and approachability truly made all the difference in ensuring we had a smooth and enjoyable experience. (The highlight was definitely the pick-up truck you organised – you hit the nail on the head with that one!)
You really paid attention to what we wanted to get out of our trip, and everything was planned in such detail, and ran smoothly. Your expert recommendations were spot on, and we felt so well taken care of the entire time. Thanks to you, we had an unforgettable time, and we’re already talking about planning our next adventure with you to the Yellowstone country! I hope we can work together again soon in the not so distant future 🙂 Thank you again!
Dani J
Waikato, NZ
We were very pleased with the itinerary Travel USA arranged for us, there was a good mix of accommodation and towns. The travel distance each day was just right giving us plenty of time to do other things each day. Florence was a lovely little town and because we were there on a Friday night, we had the added bonus of enjoying their once a month street markets and open air live music, it was a lovely night. We also appreciated the contact you made while we away advising us of things to pre book etc. There is a lot to think about especially as we were a group of 8 and sometimes 10. We would definitely recommend your services to other people, and by using your expertise it took the stress away from us as a group trying to decide what to do.
Gwyneth M
New Plymouth, NZ
Just wanted to thank you both for your suggestions, hotel choices and how smoothly our trip went with the planning you all did. We had a truly fabulous trip, that suited us perfectly. We said it is actually uncanny how with just phone communications and emails with strangers your selections were just so us. We will definitely recommend Travel USA and will be in touch when we travel to the states again, next time. Cannot rate you highly enough with your expertise and knowledge. With appreciation and heartfelt thanks.
Sue T
Port Waikato, NZ
Now that we are back from our holiday to the States, I just want to say thank you for your part in organising an amazing itinerary for us. We had such an awesome time. We loved experiencing New York and everything it has to offer; we were pleased to be staying 8 nights there. The Go City Pass you recommended made visiting each attraction easy and it encouraged us to get out and explore. The rest of our itinerary went without any problems, the accommodation you selected was very well located, making it easy for us to get around without needing transport. We had a lot of fun. Back to the routine of work now – thanks again for everything.
Deidre C
New Plymouth, NZ
I reached out to Andrew after struggling for inspiration for an upcoming USA road trip. He came up with some great ideas and options I hadn’t thought of …. offering itineraries I might like …. a huge resource!
Thank you so much Travel USA!
Patrick D
Auckland, NZ
Andrew assisted me with a group booking of 5 couples travelling to the USA for 5 weeks. They wanted to do a “road trip” through the Southern States and spend time in New York. Andrew’s knowledge of the USA is an incredible asset to people planning to travel here, he put together an awesome route, recommended great hotels in the best locations and had so much information on city passes, things to do and places of interest. As a travel agent I found that Travel USA had the best contacts and information from everything from rental cars, hotels, shows, tours etc and they outlined all of this in very detailed itineraries ready to give straight to my clients. He provided a professional detailed itinerary for the group that went 100% perfectly. Andrew made my job easy, and my clients were extremely happy with their holiday plans. I will definitely be using Andrew and his company in the future and would recommend anyone when planning to go to the USA to use their services.
Caroline N
New Plymouth, NZ
Travel USA impressed me with their exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and personalised approach prior to my trip. From the initial inquiry, Andrew was responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to understanding my travel preferences. Their planning with thoughtful recommendations showcases a high level of attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of my trip was well taken care of.
