How long to get Visas
 

How long does it take for a U.S. citizen to get a visa to visit New Zealand and Australia??

U.S. citizens do not need visas to visit New Zealand as a tourist. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...y_requirements

U.S. citizens need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to visit Australia as a tourist. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...y_requirements

To obtain an ETA, go to the official Australian Immigration and Citizenship website to apply. It can all be done online and you will get a message immediately that your ETA has been granted. The ETA, itself, is free, but there is an AUD 20.00 charge for each one.
http://www.immi.gov.au/

After you do what longhorn55 said, you won't need any paperwork, it will all come up on the agent's screen, but if it makes you feel better, you can always print a screendump from your computer as you're doing the form.

While you're on that website, take note of the restrictions about bringing in organic matter - food and plants etc. They are not kidding - a handful of trailmix or an apple you forgot to eat on the plane can get you into no end of trouble...

To add to Michel's comment above - make sure you declare ALL FOODS or PLANTS you are carrying, or you can easily end up in even more trouble; you will be classed as 'failing to declare' and incur a large monetary fine.

Because we are an island country, our quarantine laws are far more strict than you may be used to elsewhere in the world. Di

Thanks for the added info about food; we always have extra Trailmix for late nights at the hotels... I guess we will have to make a fresh batch after arrival!

Just did the Australian visa a few days ago and it took less than 5 minutes to complete online.I got an email with conformation minutes later.

About bringing food into Australia - that includes anything you could put in your mouth, cooked or uncooked. Sometimes people don't think of lollies/sweets etc as food, seems obvious but...

Also you can bring some food in, just make sure you declare anything you have. Customs will ask what you have and probably take a look at it. We have been able to bring back unopened packaged food with proper labelling (e.g. bought in a supermarket) but any plant matter or fresh food, dairy, meat etc is an absolute no-no. If you are not sure, tell them you are not sure. Best to be on the safe side, there are stiff penalties for not declaring. If it is something forbidden they will just take it off you and destroy it.

Kay